(Due to buttock itchy, this post was completed in a few seatings, the first being 18 Dec 2013.)
Somehow, as the years go by the inertia to blog a review increases – is it just my laziness, procrastination, or lack of interest? It’s certainly not the lack of events; for every year just gets more and more amazing.
Looking back at my previous years’ reviews, I feel I should keep this tradition going – to document my achievements, a snapshot of my life, a chronology of significant events, and at the same time, the rare opportunity and time to sit down, clear the mind of other chores, and to write, is a good time to ponder and self-reflect – considered a luxury given how fast things are happening.
Somehow, as the years go by the inertia to blog a review increases – is it just my laziness, procrastination, or lack of interest? It’s certainly not the lack of events; for every year just gets more and more amazing.
Looking back at my previous years’ reviews, I feel I should keep this tradition going – to document my achievements, a snapshot of my life, a chronology of significant events, and at the same time, the rare opportunity and time to sit down, clear the mind of other chores, and to write, is a good time to ponder and self-reflect – considered a luxury given how fast things are happening.
Here’s looking back at my ‘resolutions’ set for 2013 (made in Feb 2013):
- Increase
my monthly financial input
Ticked.
- Read
a book?
ROFL. A good start? Pat on my own back lol.
Hey, IT IS STILL A BOOK.
Who am I kidding? It’s a
children’s book… nonetheless a very entertaining storybook! It’s been 20 years?
I have completely forgotten the content and was quite eager to quickly flip
through the chapters to unravel the ending. Roald Dahl really knows how to
capture childrens’ attention with his fairy-tale characters, giants and queer
made-up names e.g. snozzcumbers, frobscottle.
- Maintain
Silver for IPPT
ACHIEVED!!! :D
Usually, I would start
training 2 months before the test date, allowing myself a slow start during the
first few weeks. This year, however, I was feeling really lazy and unmotivated…
was managing daily push-ups and sit-ups but unable to get my feet into my
jogging shoes. Only jogged like 4 times the last 3 weeks before the test date.
Input cheat code ‘M-a-j-u Camp’, plus a can of Redbull – I managed a good time
to qualify for Silver! WOOOOHOOO~~~ Super happy.
- Donate
blood twice
Forgot whether it was
once, or twice. Could have done better, though.
- Paint
- I
also want to pick up a new skill.
Hmm. Does beatbox count?
Haha. Watched a couple of tutorial videos on youtube but that’s about the best
I can do. Guess a lot is derived from one’s flair for music and creativity.
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Significant
Events in 2013!
Jan:
A successful company event that lasted 3 days – of which we shed blood, perspiration and tear for an intensive 2 months prior to it. Our goal was simple, to make the Head look good to his bosses, but the process was painstaking and stressful. Thankfully, all was smooth and our toil paid off.
A successful company event that lasted 3 days – of which we shed blood, perspiration and tear for an intensive 2 months prior to it. Our goal was simple, to make the Head look good to his bosses, but the process was painstaking and stressful. Thankfully, all was smooth and our toil paid off.
Feb: 1st
anniversary with girlfriend. A simple dinner and not too expensive gifts but it
was the significance and time spent together that mattered.
April: Overseas trip with my buddies Roy and Jx!
So glad it happened, so glad I pushed for it, so glad we had bountiful fun! Only our 2nd bros-only trip together, the first being an uneventful one at Batam in 2011. And probably the last too, as we’re all progressing towards the stage of starting a family soon… Nonetheless, this trip will go down as “One of my favourite holidays” because of the awesome company (couldn’t ask for better, really), the nightly htht-s, the variety of activities (from city to scenic to onsen to hanami) and the absolutely lip-smacking local flavours (ramen, yakitori, sashimi, convenience store take-aways).
July: Thank you bosses, fellow colleagues and my supportive staff, for the past year’s commitment and cooperation. Upgraded from OM3 to OM4.
August: Triple-date overseas trip to Pulau Redang.
Unbelievable snorkeling experience, the waters were clear and pristine, the corals colourful and virgin. Saw a few corals with many clown fish weaving in between the streaks – it was really amazing. Also encountered almost human-eating fishes, nibbling on our hands and fingers just to reach the wet lump of bread in our palms. The food at the island was better than expected, too. Very relaxing holiday, we restricted ourselves to not use our mobile phones and simply enjoyed the nature and company. The nights were entertaining, one night being a disco on the beach and the other a very memorable live band belting out awesome Canto-pop and Mandarin R&B songs. We drank heartily, sang merrily along and I even got sabo-ed to sing and later teased by the band to propose on the spot! HAHA! One of my favourite moments has to be when I challenged my buddies to dance along to 爱不怕 by 草蜢 - which we did! Oh, not to mention that one of the band members was none other than the lead of ‘Baby' (long forgotten 1-hit Malaysian band).
Unbelievable snorkeling experience, the waters were clear and pristine, the corals colourful and virgin. Saw a few corals with many clown fish weaving in between the streaks – it was really amazing. Also encountered almost human-eating fishes, nibbling on our hands and fingers just to reach the wet lump of bread in our palms. The food at the island was better than expected, too. Very relaxing holiday, we restricted ourselves to not use our mobile phones and simply enjoyed the nature and company. The nights were entertaining, one night being a disco on the beach and the other a very memorable live band belting out awesome Canto-pop and Mandarin R&B songs. We drank heartily, sang merrily along and I even got sabo-ed to sing and later teased by the band to propose on the spot! HAHA! One of my favourite moments has to be when I challenged my buddies to dance along to 爱不怕 by 草蜢 - which we did! Oh, not to mention that one of the band members was none other than the lead of ‘Baby' (long forgotten 1-hit Malaysian band).
October: The
Proposal
On the 18th day of our 18th month (really
a coincidence), I did it! I took several trips to recce the place, choose
proposal ring, buy props, dry run with my buddies, linked up with her besties
privately – alas it didn’t turn out perfect with the drizzle, fly-away tiara
and speakers that Roy forgot to switch on – but the string of surprises did
their magic and was impressive enough for her to give the nod. J
November:
Sydney!
It happened because I was just checking out air tickets one
night and discovered it was reasonably priced to fly to Sydney. I have 2
cousins residing there and it may be a great chance to visit and holiday! Very
perfect holiday, blessed with great weather (although it coincided with the
forest fires and haze but thank heavens for looking out for us), smooth road
trip and every day was filled up discovery of new sights and scenes. Especially
unforgettable was a 2-night stay in a superbly cosy farm cottage which was fully
equipped and we whipped up steak, ABC soup, fresh salad and grilled meat. Quality
time with girlfriend and loved the bonding time with my parents and brother,
too J Pity my sister couldn't join...
December:
My birthday this year was simple but it matched what I had asked
for: red eggs, pig trotters with vermicelli, home-cooked ABC soup, and a
steamboat dinner with my favourite friends.
26/12/13 – FINALLY owners of our humble abode! Never knew there
would be soooooo much paperwork to be done prior to purchasing a resale flat.
And when we finally put pen to paper, we didn’t feel much excitement because
probably already numb after visiting more than 25 units and waiting for 6 weeks
for the HDB appointment. Nonetheless, we looooove the unit to bits.
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An exciting 2013 it was, and an even more exciting 2014 I am looking forward to!
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An exciting 2013 it was, and an even more exciting 2014 I am looking forward to!
- April --> HKG with girlfriend, Roy and gf
- March-July --> Home renovation and furnishing
- July --> Wedding!
- September-October --> HONEYMOON in Europe!!!!!!!
Lacking in quantity but the above events are more than occupying our weekends and free time already! Europe is exciting but planning and researching on it... not so easy.
Okay, lastly to end off this post -
RESOLUTIONS FOR 2014!
- Learn to juggle 3 balls
- Donate blood 2 times
- Silver for IPPT
- Read a book (I think the least possible to achieve)
Read from a couple of sources that Horsey year will not be a good one for Rats... but I'm not buying it at all, cos I believe that the destiny is for oneself to steer!
$10 Million Toto Friday, HUAT AH!
:P
