Looking back on a helluva 2013
This is the second draft of this blog post. After typing a thousand words, I deleted them all.
So many things has happened this 2013. And even if they're good or bad, heartbreaking or joyous, I am so thankful for each and everyone. And like so many times in the past few years, I truly feel that I am exactly where I should be in my life.
My life has taken quite a different turn from what I've been envisioning since 2013 started. Five months after the new year, I was suddenly taken on to an entirely new path -- and one that I've always wanted to do but never had the guts to explore if I could actually do it.
The first four months of the year were great, but the next eights months were, well...like a rollercoaster.
I...
- Discovered my true friends.
- Rediscovered my strong, independent self and became slightly more patient
- Finally got started on the path towards a healthier lifestyle
- Got to revisit Singapore (and shopped my heart out at my favorite store, H&M <3)
- Backpacked my way to Caleruega for an overnight chill-out date with friends
- Tried the best hot choco I've ever had
- Watched my first ever ballet
- Saw a real-live panda
- Finally got to visit Camiguin!
- And stayed in a treehouse...in the suite room to boot.
- Visited a miraculous site
- Started trying out the dream career I've always wanted and picked up a dream again that I've already put down at the start of the year, convinced it wasn't for me
- Finally found a new favorite chocolate cupcake after years of searching
- Tried out Maple
- And revisited to Bohol.
All in all, it was a year of both my biggest loss and several pretty big wins. It was a pretty long and arduous journey, and now that I'm finally looking back, I know I wouldn't have exchanged the past months for anything.
I guess not all of you will get to read this, but here it goes anyway:
Thank you...
- Parentals who tried their best to make me laugh when I was down and agreed to go along with my plans just to take my mind off things;
- Ate Apple, who told me that I should be happy and grateful that even for once in my life, I have loved and been loved in a very beautiful way.
- My ultimate best friend, ate Mako, who never left me alone when I was depressed and patiently dealt with my tears and extreme moodiness, and because I know you spent a lot of money just to hang out with me and keep up with my plans;
- Chuchay, who dealt with my all-night chattering about the same topic and person;
- Danna, who was always just a text away for dinner or drinks;
- Anne, who patiently listened to me rant about my broken heart and reminded me of the joys of life;
- Mia, who shared with me, "I have a plan for you. Do you believe me? - God", which changed my life and outlook;
- Aya, even though you're in the US, you never failed to cheer me on through my highs and lows, and for being one of my biggest life supporters.
- Kesh Tanglao and Anne Plaza: for giving me a chance, trusting me, and encouraging me. You said I've touched your lives. I think I failed to tell you yet that you've touched my life in a huge way, too.
- Marty, for being such a sweet, sweet man. For answering my numerous questions about the male psyche and for generally being game to going wherever and laughing at my lame jokes.
- My boss/client, Paul, for just being awesome, generous, and understanding.
- Tom: for being you. You give me hope.
- God, for showing me that true love is a beautiful, beautiful thing. And for everything. You're the best!
- Mama Mary: for soothing me, for answering my prayers, and for being my light.
I used to plan my life to the last detail but 2013 caught me totally off-guard. So for 2014, I don't know what's in store for me. But I know I'm going to make the most out of it.
I'm ready.
Have a safe and Happy New Year! :)