Hey, Friend.
I haven't written in a long while and that's because life happens. Truth be told, I'm not even sure why I insist on continuing to blog when there are so many things that need to be done "in real life" but here I am. The year will end in a little over 30 hours and I thought it would be a good thing to look back and acknowledge that I've grown. Even if it seems like I haven't.
I got this idea from a friend who, more than a decade ago, would do this every year. I wonder if she still does this? It's 40 questions to answer about the year that was. Here we go...
1. What did you do in 2018 that you'd never done before?
I walked along the Great Wall of China. I was actually on top of the Wall. Something we would only talk about in history classes and I never thought I would get to visit but I was there. And all that culture? It was amazing.
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I haven't done New Year's resolutions since 2014, instead I started coming up with a word that would guide me throughout the year. Although last year I wasn't able to come up with a word. :( This 2019 my word is BETTER.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes! :) R to a baby girl and A to her third baby boy.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No. But a number of my friends' parents did and that was always so sad.
5. What countries did you visit?
The US and China.
6. What would you like to have in 2019 that you lacked in 2018?
The discipline to be consistent in developing good habits.
7. What date from 2018 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
October 24. Sary broke her leg and she had to have an operation done to put a metal plate and pins. A month later we were back in the OR because her scar opened up and had to be sewed back up. As of this writing, I'm actually panicking because her leg is curving outwards after some days of walking without the crutches and she says it hurts to move.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I moved to a different department. After holding onto a post for nine years it was an achievement to move forward.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Having such a cluttered home.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My Garmin watch since it has a run/walk interval timer. It's going to be a really big help in preparing for that marathon next year.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Definitely Iya for being such a brave and helpful eldest child.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Our President.
14. Where did most of your money go?
To the kids. For their tuition, daily needs, and other expenses. And especially Sary's hospital bills.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The NMUN-China event.
16. What song will always remind you of 2018?
I don't really listen to the new songs of the year. 2018 will remind me of 90s songs because this year my high school batch celebrated our silver jubilee and it was a flashback to the 90s.
17-19. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Sadder. I have a child in pain.
ii. thinner or fatter? Thinner.
iii. richer or poorer? Richer, despite the unexpected medical expenses because I've paid off debt.
20. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Spend time playing or just hanging out with the kids.
21. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Screen time. Computer. Netflix. Phone. Television.
22. How did you spend Christmas?
With Junjay's family in Negros Occ. We spent the morning up in the farm and the rest of the day at the home of his parents.
23. Did you fall in love in 2018?
No.
24. Who got together and who broke up?
Oh no. I wasn't really paying attention to these things.
25. What was your favorite TV program?
Madam Secretary and How To Get Away With Murder. And then there's Grey's Anatomy.
26. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Hate is too strong a word even if this person is being really, really difficult -- so, no.
27. What was the best book you read?
The Art of Racing in the Rain.
28. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Ben and Ben.
29. What did you want and got?
I wanted to sign up for The Bull Runner Dream Marathon and I did.
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
Ready Player One. I enjoyed it but really it's because I don't remember other movies I've watched this year.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 42 and I spent the day travelling to Beijing, China.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
If I ran more. Went home earlier from work.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2018?
The teacher look. As always.
34. What kept you sane?
Massages.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Our VP, Leni Robredo!
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
The competency of our current President. I mean, I really, really, really tried to make it all about the issues but he is just so infuriating.
37. Who did you miss?
I missed quite a number of people. People who were really only just there but we couldn't find the time to meet up. That's got to change next year.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
Not new people because I've known them for some 25 years now but have never really talked to them or shared stories. The best "new" people I met this year are my high school batchmates during our silver homecoming. Reconnecting, making new old-friends was a blast.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2018.
I need to be honest with people, even if it scares me and it hurts them, because I care about them.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser. You gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger. You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm, you gotta stay together. All I know, all I know is love will save the day. ~ Des'ree
So that was 2018. Here's to a better 2019 for all of us. :)
Gearing up for the year ahead...
