My To-Do-List

Lately, I have been watching the TVB drama "Triumph in the skies II" and I really like the character named Jose. Unfortunately, she has a terminal illness but because of this, she takes much initiative to complete her goals in life so she can leave this world without regret.

The other day, on my quite-long-and-uneventful bus ride to work, I allowed my mind to wander and somehow, it drifted to the episode where Jose had made a to-do list.

Then I, having not much to do other than stare out the window, began to think about the things that perhaps I would want to do if my time was limited. I came up with the following:

1. Visit China to see the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Army, and Hunan & Anhui provinces for the breathtaking scenery.
2. Visit New Zealand for the scenery.
3. Learn to ride a horse and race through Mongolia on it **yes, I'm actually serious - it's kind of like my childhood dream**
4. Learn to play the dizi.
5. Own a pet dog (breed TBD).
6. Sponsor or adopt a kid.
7. *** Last one shall be kept a secret- a little too embarrassing to risk anyone knowing, haha***

When I really think about it, my list is actually not very long. Of course, there are other things that I would like to do but as of now, those seem to be the things that I would really want to complete.

I'm sure that somewhere down the road when I re-read this list, I'll laugh at how simple-minded I am; although, I don't have any doubt that a simple life is a happy life. I'm not a very ambitious person; things that revolve around fame and fortune do not really appeal to me. Of course, it is not true that "money can't buy you happiness" since essentially everything on my list would require money to complete...; however, I do feel that as long as I have enough to complete my goals and to live a comfortable life, it would suffice.

I guess it's time to study harder, get into a professional program, pass the professional program, get a job and save money, LOL. That way, I could finally begin to check those things off my list.

**Contemplates photo-shopping myself onto that horse**

From a stranger to a friend and back to a stranger.

I was never a social person - I wouldn't say that I like being by myself but at the same time, I'm not afraid of being alone.

From elementary to high school, I underwent the transition by myself.

I was a really quiet child. I had a few close friends in elementary but unfortunately, we went our separate ways when I was sent to a different secondary school. Looking back, I remember trying to keep in contact for the first months of grade 9 but, well, time took its toll. As we became busier with school, as we met new people, it just became harder and harder to pick up the phone and ask the simple question:

"How have you been?"

Soon, we went from being friends to strangers.

From high school to university, the transition was better.

There were two other girls from my year who had enrolled in my program at university. During first year, we were quite close but of course, we met other people in our classes and built our separate group of friends. One of them got accepted into a professional program after first year and since then, attempts to keep in contact was...how to put this...not very successful? I also happened to be close friends with her sister from high school but she had gone to another country for university. I had folded 99 stars to wish her farewell and I remember crying on our last get-together. Initially, we had both put in the effort to maintain our friendship but as the months passed by, we grew more and more distant. Eventually, I would wonder about how she is doing but I would no longer know how to message her.

I can say that I have experienced my fair share of friendships that had faded into memories- mere watermarks that barely reflect the vibrant colors of their prime.

Ever since university had ended, I began to reflect about the people around me. Who will stay with me as the years go by? Especially since school is now over, attempts to meet up would be deliberate - maintaining a friendship would actually require effort. Who would be willing to expend the effort on me and who would I be willing to use my effort on?

They say that as we age, our circle of friends shrinks. Is this the reason why?

I guess this is also a good lesson learnt: Only spend your time on people who would reciprocate their time. Otherwise, it would only end in hurt and disappointment.

I suppose that the flip side of holding onto any relationship is letting it go. However, it is just as important to realize the people who you can depend on - the people who you shouldn't let go.

Every time I hear that so-and-so has known each other for this many years, I get a little envious.

It must be nice to have someone who knows you so well - nothing to hide; nothing to hold back; nothing to fear.

Only everything to share.

To whoever who might be reading this - hold on and treasure your friends. It takes so much to find others who you truly connect with. Don't let them become strangers.

Cheers,
Joyce