A collection of stories and excerpts about my travels and shenanigans, just for the heck of it. You can also follow me on Medium for my published stories.
The Unwritten Etiquettes of Southeast Asian Culture
“It’s just the way it is” has been one of the most repeated phrase in my vocabulary when trying to explain the many unwritten rules of Southeast Asian culture. I appreciate how it may be confusing to a foreigner, especially one who has never traveled to Asia (much less Southeast Asia). Some rules are baffling… Continue reading The Unwritten Etiquettes of Southeast Asian Culture
A Letter To My Dramatic Teenage Self
It was never your fault. Dear Younger Jill, First of all, your world is not coming to an end. I know right now, you’re in bed, crying your eyes out and threatening your boyfriend with suicide if he decides to break things off with you. I also know you can feel my eyes rolling, and… Continue reading A Letter To My Dramatic Teenage Self
5 things I don’t miss about Malaysia
Before the big move to the US, family members, friends, and colleagues warned me about how homesick I was going to be in a couple of months. Most of them stemming from personal experiences of having to study or live abroad for a number of years. The year is almost up, and I’m not feeling… Continue reading 5 things I don’t miss about Malaysia
A dive into the sound effects of Manglish
Manglish — a mix of the Malaysian and English language Aiyoyo! What happened to you? Long time no see lah! Want to go yumcha to catch up? Translation: Oh goodness! What happened to you? I haven’t seen you in a long time? Should we go for a drink to catch up? Yes, that was English,… Continue reading A dive into the sound effects of Manglish
6 things I miss most about Malaysia
I was having a conversation with a friend one night when the topic drifted to Malaysia. We spoke about family, friends, our old jobs and while she had no problems naming all the things she missed from Malaysia, I found myself struggling to come up with a decent list. Sure, I miss my family. But… Continue reading 6 things I miss most about Malaysia
Recovering from emotional abuse
How I found myself again… I’d like to think that my relationship track record wasn’t too bad, but I can’t claim that it was ever good. I’ve had three long-term relationships throughout 15 years or so, where I was cheated on, emotionally blackmailed, and just generally made to feel horrible about myself. The last relationship… Continue reading Recovering from emotional abuse
10 things to know when planning your first real event
Event management has always been a very exciting industry for me. I’m taken in by how many intricate details can come together to create one memorable experience, and how it always leaves an incredible sense of fulfillment once it’s over. I’m not going to glamourize event planning or management to be a stress free occasion… Continue reading 10 things to know when planning your first real event
I’ve always wanted to be the damsel in distress
I have been a romantic for most of my life. I wanted to be the damsel in distress in hopes that one day my knight in shining armor would come rescue me, and we’d live happily ever after. I was 23 at the time and slightly delusional. While I’ve not jumped from one relationship to… Continue reading I’ve always wanted to be the damsel in distress
There’s something to be said about living in the country
It was 9am. I was sitting in a bustling café with a glass of iced coffee, my laptop and a notebook, trying to finish at least a page of writing when a call came in. I strained to hear the person at the other end of the line and tried to speak loud enough so… Continue reading There’s something to be said about living in the country
She cried for him
She anxiously waits for the familiar beep from her phone, letting her know a text had come in, and her heart skipping a beat as she sees his name on the screen. He asks, “how are you feeling baby?”. She can’t remember how the pet names began, only that he started it. But no one… Continue reading She cried for him
She hated roses
The bruise is fresh. She could still feel the burn on her skin and the lingering pain from where his fist connected with her cheek. Her eyelid still swollen, keeping her from seeing clearly. It aches, but her heart ached more. “This will be the last time. I won’t let it happen again”, she tells… Continue reading She hated roses
Jill After Dark 