Back into the groove

I started blogging in late November 2005. That is about six months shy of 10 years ago. The impetus for initiating a blog? When I found out that I'd soon be moving to another country for one year, in order to follow my husband's undertaking of his Masters in Science. At that time, I was five months or so pregnant with my firstborn. Work had been regurgitative at best, and unchallenging at worst. I used blogging as an outlet to escape and an online journal to document my journey to both babydom and moving abroad.

It was only in the Netherlands during late 2006 that I discovered a Malaysian worldwide blogging community via Sentraal Station. I have forgotten how it came about, but the whole process opened my eyes to a wide array of writing styles and subject matters. I came to know a variety of personalities with their own struggles, issues, passions and interests. I was stoked to be able to read their stories, and became glued to some domains in a matter of weeks. 

 

The advent of FB, however, saw the whittling down of my posts and my interest to follow others on blog. I befriended some bloggers on FB, and it made the need to blog even less urgent. 

The one-year move to the Netherlands followed closely with another migration in May 2010 to Dubai. With a second baby, adapting to a new way of life, getting a daughter ready for school life and making new friends, I completely abandoned blogging by December 2010.

 

Many things have come to pass in a span of five years. My firstborn immensely enjoyed schooling in Dubai. We spent the first ever (and last) Eid in Dubai in 2011 and I was miserable for home. Alhamdulillah, I finally made the transition to wearing the hijab in March 2012. The following month in April saw the sad passing of my beloved maternal grandma. In June 2013, we moved back to Malaysia as the other half was called back to assume a position. I had mixed feelings about coming home. While I miss the security, safety and orderliness of Dubai, I won't miss its easy embrace of materialism, commercialism, high fashion, and social hierarchy. 

 

Despite the in-between visits to Malaysia during the three years, I experienced a mild culture shock when we settled down again in the suburbs. Getting used to total strangers striking up a conversation and asking personal questions is one of them. With people minding their own business in Dubai for the last three years, I realised I was the one who needed to lighten up and go with the flow. To some extent, that is.

And don't let me start on the Malaysian driving etiquette. It is my main pet peeve. I went back to driving again after giving up the privilege while living in Dubai. My husband and I were both contented going around in public transports in Dubai, or hire a driver for a longer excursion out of town. 

 

My quick temper and the reckless (and absentminded) driving of some Malaysians don't mix well. I have managed to tone down my impatience, well, some of the times. Driving with kids does help to set my priority right. 

 

I had also crossed that pivotal 4-series threshold late last year, and with it comes the usual Growing Old questions : How far have I come? Is there anything that needs to be changed or improved? Where do I go from here? 

 

There are still some kinks to be ironed out, even at this age, I'm afraid. Nobody's perfect. Or a saint. I have lowered my expectations lest I turn bitter and resentful. It's never too late to learn. Motto: YOLO.