Friday, December 30, 2011

A look back at 2011

It takes a lot to move/affect me. Sure, I get excited from time to time but after a few days, the feeling dies down easily and I forget why I was excited in the first place. I can't exactly explain how and why it happens. My very best guess (and this is what I tell people when they constantly bug me with questions about it) is that either my brain is always too full of jumbled thoughts or it's totally whacked from childhood. Either way, the only defense mechanism it knows is to simply shut off and categorize most of my experiences as inconsequential and that's why for 2011, I could only think of three highlights that occurred in my life. So before the year ends and for my very first entry, I will try my very best to remember and chronicle these highlights as much as my brain would allow me. 

(Note: Family and friends, please do not take it against me if you were not mentioned. I'm sure we've shared something special-- I know I've made memories and connections with very special people this year. It's nothing personal... my brain is just totally messed up.)

1. New Beginnings

Technically, it was still 2010 when I first joined my new company and met very special people. But since I only worked for 10 days before everyone went on holiday break, I consider 2011 as the year when I was given a fresh start in my professional career. Sure, I was still in the same industry but my new job spelled the difference between trying to be an adult and becoming one. All the positions I held in my previous companies before this seemed like a playground. Today, I am proud to say that I belong to a respectable multinational company and surrounded by people who take things seriously and get the job done. However, I won't deny my love-hate relationship with my job. Most of my week are spent in the office and often times I find myself tired, unhappy and discouraged that I question myself why I'm doing all of this. Despite these dismal moments, I can't deny that I am still grateful for my job. It's the first job that makes me feel fulfilled, important and recognized.

2. New Adventures


Family and friends know that traveling is one of my biggest passions. 2011 was very special because it allowed me to visit three special places.

Beijing (March)
This was an office-wide trip and I was lucky enough to be roomies with a friend from my previous job. This was the first place I ever went to where I needed a frost-free jacket (thanks, Maan) and gloves. No, it wasn't snowing but it was coooold in my standard (even my body temp can be whacked off sometimes.) It wasn't the place and food that made the trip memorable-- it's the bond and funny moments I shared with my workmates. 

Hong Kong (June)
I was nine when I first traveled to HK. I couldn't remember much from that trip (it's the brain's fault, I tell you) so I was really excited to revisit it and this time with my oldest friend-- she's not old but I've known her since I was in Elementary. We left our worries back home and went crazy in Disneyland. We also shopped til we dropped-- so much that we kept telling ourselves we will go out at night for some drinks but it never happened in the three nights we were there. My most memorable purchase in HK is the first ever designer piece that I bought for myself-- a dress from MM6 by Martin Margiela. Never mind that it took me more than 30 minutes to decide to buy it, that yellow dress is now one of my prized possessions. Shopping in HK is still incomparable and IT Outlet is still the love of my life.

Vietnam (October)
A quick weekend getaway living a millionaire's life. What made this trip memorable was (aside from being one of the best gastronomic experiences of my life) was that in the two days we spent there, we were living like a local. Thanks to our accommodating host and new found friends, we went to the best Vietnamese restaurants, ate what the locals eat, drink the coffee that the locals drink and hang out where the locals are. Our short stay in Ho Chi Minh only made us hungrier and more curious about what other things Vietnam has to offer. My friends and I vowed to come back next year.

3. New Connections

Back in late 2009 to early 2010, I met several individuals who each has his/her own quirks, personality and interests. Despite the differences, I connected with these people in such a weird (sometimes too clingy) yet special way. I think 2011 made us even closer since this is the first year we didn't see each other everyday. At first, I thought we would grow apart because of the separation but this only made our connection stronger. I can't even think of ground breaking and earth shaking moments that made us closer. But I guess, I don't need life-altering and intense moments to realize that these friends are my soul mates.  It's enough to know that when I send an SMS at 7PM, someone would come and meet me for dinner AND coffee, listen to my rants and sometimes, even share my grief. It's enough to know that I can talk about the most shallow things and trivial dreams and not be judged. Sabi nga ni Gelo, "Di na Clingies tawag ko sa inyo-- kaibigan na."

As you've noticed, 2011 was the year when I saw and experienced new things. So to end the year and this very long post, I would like to boldly declare 2012 to be the year when dreams come true. Hurray for 2011 and cheers to the freakin' new year!!!