Tributes and Stipulations
Apparently this is the 5th year I'm doing this, and it's quite amusing what a fitting year it has been for this hallmark. 2012 was something indeed. I remember at the beginning of the year reading a Chinese horoscope about what I could expect. I don't faithfully subscribe to these things in general, but I do take the good parts in to help me set the mood. That particular horoscope said that it was a "make it or break it year" for me, that courage could reap rewards, and that it was a good time to take some risks.
So at the beginning of the year, I finally scrounged up enough courage to make a change, and I will never look back. It has been amazing. It was a full year. I went through a large variety of feelings: I've never known fear and relief the way I did in 2012, or frustration and fulfillment, disappointment and exhilaration. I haven't felt my blood rush the way it did this year, whether for good or for bad (though mostly for good).
Looking at my previous year-end posts, I can definitely say that this year once again raised the bar in terms of living. I am so incomprehensibly, unfathomably grateful for 2012. I can only hope and pray and intend to be worthy of the awesomeness 2013 will bring. I am SOOO excited!
For now, here you go.
1. What did you do in 2012 that you’d never done before?
In chronological order:
a. Do freelancing. It was the scariest decision of my life thus far, to be honest, to consciously turn my back on the security of an institution. Coming from a family of "titled" eight-to-fivers, deciding to do my own thing on my own time on my own terms seemed foolish, risky, and self-indulgent. Months later I'm still not sure how seriously they take it. Haha. I'm not sure they see that work is work, whatever the circumstances, just coz it's not packaged like theirs. I myself am still coming to terms with it, especially in the discipline area. In a lot of ways I'm honestly finding it harder than my previous office jobs, but at the same time the fulfilment, sense of accomplishment, and all the learning I get from it is worth all the lost weekends, sleepless nights, and hanging paychecks. In the end, the freedom and control it gives me is just priceless.
b. Go abroad - twice! Cambodia and Singapore - both places that I never really prioritized in my to-go list, but both places I fell in love with hard. And of course with a new place comes a whole slew of new things to try, like ride a tuk-tuk, walk the halls of Angkor Wat, sleep in a room with strangers, commute by myself, and the list goes on and on and on.
c. Take exercise seriously. I started jogging regularly this year. I haven't been able to recently, but I still try to make up with other forms of exercise. It feels amazing to feel light and fit - it feels even better to start fitting in clothes you couldn't fit into anymore. :))
d. Windsurf! One of the most addictive feelings I got all year. When I get a hold on my cash again, I have to do a repeat.
e. Take partying to another level. I haven't partied as much, let alone enjoyed them, as much as I did this year - so much so that I'm always looking forward to the next one now! Haha.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't really do resolutions. What I do instead is give each year a sort of "title" that serves as my general goal for that year. 2012 was the "Me Year" and the "Venture Out Year". Everything I did was to test the waters in which I waded and see how far or how deep I can go. It was all about testing how I fared in the world I wanted for myself, and in the process, improve myself in all aspects. I say I was pretty successful in that regard. I "ventured out" physically, mentally, and even emotionally, and found the best lessons I've learned thus far, and also got pretty amazing results.
To keep the ball rolling, I decided to make 2013 the "Bloom Year". It's gonna be about all the things I started this year "blooming" into bigger things. It's gonna be about tangible achievements, visible results, physical returns. This isn't just in terms of work or career, but also health and wellness, etc, etc. ;)
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Not this year.. but one of my closest friends got engaged - that's one step closer to a baby, right? Haha.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Thankfully, no.
5. What countries/places did you visit?
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Singapore
Mt. Pinatubo (OMG!)
the usual local haunts: Baguio, Batangas, Tagaytay, Laguna
I also finally went back to Middle Earth this year
6. What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012?
a digicam, a red iPod Touch, maybe a new cell phone... more... good things in general, insanity.. HAHA.
7. What dates from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
April 22 - Mt. Pinatubo hike. My God what a hike!
May 13-17 - very first ever trip abroad (Siem Reap) <3
Sept 7 - Phantom of the Opera. My gahd that was beautiful!
Oct 2 - KEANE!!!
Oct 4-8 - Singapore Surprise hee!
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Survived on my own, in the sense that I find my own money. Granted I live with my folks and don't really spend on anything haha. But I was able to do/buy/go everything/where I wanted to do/own/go despite not having the bimonthly paychecks and the certainty of bimonthly paychecks next month. It used to be a very daunting thought to me, but I found that it's really doable. :)
9. What was your biggest failure?
I honestly think I could have worked harder and accomplished more if only I could wake up earlier. Hahaha. I lose precious hours waking up at noon ugh. Also, I developed a weakness for plastic money. >.<
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Thankfully, no. I did have the biggest scare I've had in a long time with both my lola and my 2 dogs getting hospitalized this year. But now they're all good as ever, and I pray I get no scares of this sort for years to come.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
It's a three way tie between plane tickets, a D7000, and a laptop (the last two with assistance from United Parents Bank hahaha)
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
My girlfriends were so kick-ass this year! Such amazing, courageous, hot, women that I've come to look up to and want to emulate. Hihihihi!
13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
None that matters enough to remember..
14. Where did most of your money go?
Travel and technology - the lifeblood of my existence. Haha
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
A LOT of things! Refer to nos. 5 & 7. My new camera body. One of my closest college friends getting engaged. One of my high school kabarkadas getting married. And some other stuff too.. Haha. And also getting a new camera! And getting a new laptop. Places and events I can use my heeled booties... etc etc etc!
16. What song will always remind you of 2012?
Two songs mainly, Wanderer by Bird Courage, and On My Own from Les Mis. Go figure. :P
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) Happier or sadder
Definitely happier. Much, much, happier.
b) Thinner or fatter
Thinner! Still nowhere near "thin", but still better than 12 months ago.
c) Richer or poorer
Richer, always. Funny coz thinking back most of my concerns were bills and how to pay them, or where to get money for this or that. Yet despite this I was able to get for myself the things I wanted - I was able to travel abroad twice for crying out loud! I guess I just never thought it was something I'd be able to do this year..
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Exercise. Be disciplined about my time. Travel - as usual. Haha.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Whine. Bum. Over-indulge. Spend on unimportant things.
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
Eve with my Dad's side and the day itself with my Mom's side. A BLAST, as usual!
21. Did you fall in love in 2012?
Yes, twice. With Cambodia, and then with Singapore.
And contrary to what some of you might think, that is all. There are no more additions to that. Hahahaha.
22. How many one-night stands?
I'm the wrong person to ask! =)))
23. What was your favourite TV program?
I completely lost my TV life this year, so I don't really know what to answer to this..
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Nope.
25. What was the best book you read?
Hands down, The Gospel According to Biff, the Childhood Pal of Jesus by Christopher Moore. BRI-LLI-ANT! Best book I bought though was Paris in Color by Nichole Robertson. It's a coffee-table book of photos she took on her walks around Paris. It was inspiring on so many levels.
26. What was/were your greatest musical discoveries?
Bird Courage! The Staves! I've gone all folksy now.. Haha
27. What did you want and get?
Everything I dared to ask for, and even some things I wanted but didn't dare to ask for. The Universe is AWESOME, and that is an understatement. I am so blessed, I usually get overwhelmed at the thought. But it serves as a driving force to do better just so I could justify and be worthy of the goodness and blessings that I get.
28. What did you want and not get?
I wanted a red 5th gen iPod touch but I didn't get one.. yet. Hopefully by early next year. Hihi.
29. What was your favourite film of this year?
Rurouni Kenshin Live Action, hands down. A lot of the year-end movies gave it a run for its money, but RK is just... perfect. PERFECT. And Kenshin's fight scenes?! OMGEEEEE <3
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I met my birthday in the office making a mock-folder for a presentation. :))) But it was awesome anyway. Overall it was productive, fulfilling, and spent in awesome company.
31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
That iPod touch. I think about it ALL the time..
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012?
I still don't have one.. It was more tree-huggery goodness, I guess. Ask me again next year.. I've been wanting to evolve. Hahahaha.
33. What kept you sane?
But... I'm insane. HAHAHA. Ugh. (Not.)
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Kit Harington! Chris Hemsworth! JGL! Theirs are the only celebrity Tumblogs I follow. I'm also slowly but surely getting obsessed with Takeru Sato of Rurouni Kenshin. <3
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
I don't care for politics. I have my opinions, but it's not something I enjoy discussing so... let's move on. Haha.
36. Who did you miss?
I think I got a pretty healthy dose of everyone this year. It was a really good lunch-dates-and-dinners year.
37. Who was the best new person you met?
LIPU. HAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHA.
My mom's aunt, who hasn't visited the Philippines in more than a decade, and her daughter, who's never been. They were pretty awesome people, and it's always nice to finally meet people you hear so much about.
The new PVG guys I got to work with were also pretty cool! Those guys are going places and I'm really excited for them.
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012
If you have enough faith in God/The Universe, you will not be disappointed. If you work hard, you will not be disappointed. If you have faith and work hard, only amazing things await.
Throw in a little courage to the mix, and you should be ready to run to your destiny. Hopefully, I can manage that next year.
39.Song lyric that sums up your year:
A bunch of songs really:
Said to the wind last night
"Haven't you ever felt lost?"
Said to the great red oak
"Do you feel small in a place like this?"
Turned to the whispering leaves
"I am alive..."
- Wind and Oak, Bird Courage
Wanderer you shed your way to the riverbend
Guided by the stars and moon and sun
Covering your naked arms through the winter's end
Blanketing the past you knew you'd run
-Wanderer, Bird Courage
... and finally. The anthem of the Friendzone, coz it was another definitive year of that. Hahaha..
Without me his world will go on turning
- On My Own, Les Miserables (fuck that shit next year! ha!)
So at the beginning of the year, I finally scrounged up enough courage to make a change, and I will never look back. It has been amazing. It was a full year. I went through a large variety of feelings: I've never known fear and relief the way I did in 2012, or frustration and fulfillment, disappointment and exhilaration. I haven't felt my blood rush the way it did this year, whether for good or for bad (though mostly for good).
Looking at my previous year-end posts, I can definitely say that this year once again raised the bar in terms of living. I am so incomprehensibly, unfathomably grateful for 2012. I can only hope and pray and intend to be worthy of the awesomeness 2013 will bring. I am SOOO excited!
For now, here you go.
1. What did you do in 2012 that you’d never done before?
In chronological order:
a. Do freelancing. It was the scariest decision of my life thus far, to be honest, to consciously turn my back on the security of an institution. Coming from a family of "titled" eight-to-fivers, deciding to do my own thing on my own time on my own terms seemed foolish, risky, and self-indulgent. Months later I'm still not sure how seriously they take it. Haha. I'm not sure they see that work is work, whatever the circumstances, just coz it's not packaged like theirs. I myself am still coming to terms with it, especially in the discipline area. In a lot of ways I'm honestly finding it harder than my previous office jobs, but at the same time the fulfilment, sense of accomplishment, and all the learning I get from it is worth all the lost weekends, sleepless nights, and hanging paychecks. In the end, the freedom and control it gives me is just priceless.
b. Go abroad - twice! Cambodia and Singapore - both places that I never really prioritized in my to-go list, but both places I fell in love with hard. And of course with a new place comes a whole slew of new things to try, like ride a tuk-tuk, walk the halls of Angkor Wat, sleep in a room with strangers, commute by myself, and the list goes on and on and on.
c. Take exercise seriously. I started jogging regularly this year. I haven't been able to recently, but I still try to make up with other forms of exercise. It feels amazing to feel light and fit - it feels even better to start fitting in clothes you couldn't fit into anymore. :))
d. Windsurf! One of the most addictive feelings I got all year. When I get a hold on my cash again, I have to do a repeat.
e. Take partying to another level. I haven't partied as much, let alone enjoyed them, as much as I did this year - so much so that I'm always looking forward to the next one now! Haha.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't really do resolutions. What I do instead is give each year a sort of "title" that serves as my general goal for that year. 2012 was the "Me Year" and the "Venture Out Year". Everything I did was to test the waters in which I waded and see how far or how deep I can go. It was all about testing how I fared in the world I wanted for myself, and in the process, improve myself in all aspects. I say I was pretty successful in that regard. I "ventured out" physically, mentally, and even emotionally, and found the best lessons I've learned thus far, and also got pretty amazing results.
To keep the ball rolling, I decided to make 2013 the "Bloom Year". It's gonna be about all the things I started this year "blooming" into bigger things. It's gonna be about tangible achievements, visible results, physical returns. This isn't just in terms of work or career, but also health and wellness, etc, etc. ;)
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Not this year.. but one of my closest friends got engaged - that's one step closer to a baby, right? Haha.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Thankfully, no.
5. What countries/places did you visit?
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Singapore
Mt. Pinatubo (OMG!)
the usual local haunts: Baguio, Batangas, Tagaytay, Laguna
I also finally went back to Middle Earth this year
6. What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012?
a digicam, a red iPod Touch, maybe a new cell phone... more... good things in general, insanity.. HAHA.
7. What dates from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
April 22 - Mt. Pinatubo hike. My God what a hike!
May 13-17 - very first ever trip abroad (Siem Reap) <3
Sept 7 - Phantom of the Opera. My gahd that was beautiful!
Oct 2 - KEANE!!!
Oct 4-8 - Singapore Surprise hee!
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Survived on my own, in the sense that I find my own money. Granted I live with my folks and don't really spend on anything haha. But I was able to do/buy/go everything/where I wanted to do/own/go despite not having the bimonthly paychecks and the certainty of bimonthly paychecks next month. It used to be a very daunting thought to me, but I found that it's really doable. :)
9. What was your biggest failure?
I honestly think I could have worked harder and accomplished more if only I could wake up earlier. Hahaha. I lose precious hours waking up at noon ugh. Also, I developed a weakness for plastic money. >.<
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Thankfully, no. I did have the biggest scare I've had in a long time with both my lola and my 2 dogs getting hospitalized this year. But now they're all good as ever, and I pray I get no scares of this sort for years to come.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
It's a three way tie between plane tickets, a D7000, and a laptop (the last two with assistance from United Parents Bank hahaha)
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
My girlfriends were so kick-ass this year! Such amazing, courageous, hot, women that I've come to look up to and want to emulate. Hihihihi!
13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
None that matters enough to remember..
14. Where did most of your money go?
Travel and technology - the lifeblood of my existence. Haha
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
A LOT of things! Refer to nos. 5 & 7. My new camera body. One of my closest college friends getting engaged. One of my high school kabarkadas getting married. And some other stuff too.. Haha. And also getting a new camera! And getting a new laptop. Places and events I can use my heeled booties... etc etc etc!
16. What song will always remind you of 2012?
Two songs mainly, Wanderer by Bird Courage, and On My Own from Les Mis. Go figure. :P
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) Happier or sadder
Definitely happier. Much, much, happier.
b) Thinner or fatter
Thinner! Still nowhere near "thin", but still better than 12 months ago.
c) Richer or poorer
Richer, always. Funny coz thinking back most of my concerns were bills and how to pay them, or where to get money for this or that. Yet despite this I was able to get for myself the things I wanted - I was able to travel abroad twice for crying out loud! I guess I just never thought it was something I'd be able to do this year..
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Exercise. Be disciplined about my time. Travel - as usual. Haha.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Whine. Bum. Over-indulge. Spend on unimportant things.
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
Eve with my Dad's side and the day itself with my Mom's side. A BLAST, as usual!
21. Did you fall in love in 2012?
Yes, twice. With Cambodia, and then with Singapore.
And contrary to what some of you might think, that is all. There are no more additions to that. Hahahaha.
22. How many one-night stands?
I'm the wrong person to ask! =)))
23. What was your favourite TV program?
I completely lost my TV life this year, so I don't really know what to answer to this..
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Nope.
25. What was the best book you read?
Hands down, The Gospel According to Biff, the Childhood Pal of Jesus by Christopher Moore. BRI-LLI-ANT! Best book I bought though was Paris in Color by Nichole Robertson. It's a coffee-table book of photos she took on her walks around Paris. It was inspiring on so many levels.
26. What was/were your greatest musical discoveries?
Bird Courage! The Staves! I've gone all folksy now.. Haha
27. What did you want and get?
Everything I dared to ask for, and even some things I wanted but didn't dare to ask for. The Universe is AWESOME, and that is an understatement. I am so blessed, I usually get overwhelmed at the thought. But it serves as a driving force to do better just so I could justify and be worthy of the goodness and blessings that I get.
28. What did you want and not get?
I wanted a red 5th gen iPod touch but I didn't get one.. yet. Hopefully by early next year. Hihi.
29. What was your favourite film of this year?
Rurouni Kenshin Live Action, hands down. A lot of the year-end movies gave it a run for its money, but RK is just... perfect. PERFECT. And Kenshin's fight scenes?! OMGEEEEE <3
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I met my birthday in the office making a mock-folder for a presentation. :))) But it was awesome anyway. Overall it was productive, fulfilling, and spent in awesome company.
31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
That iPod touch. I think about it ALL the time..
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012?
I still don't have one.. It was more tree-huggery goodness, I guess. Ask me again next year.. I've been wanting to evolve. Hahahaha.
33. What kept you sane?
But... I'm insane. HAHAHA. Ugh. (Not.)
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Kit Harington! Chris Hemsworth! JGL! Theirs are the only celebrity Tumblogs I follow. I'm also slowly but surely getting obsessed with Takeru Sato of Rurouni Kenshin. <3
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
I don't care for politics. I have my opinions, but it's not something I enjoy discussing so... let's move on. Haha.
36. Who did you miss?
I think I got a pretty healthy dose of everyone this year. It was a really good lunch-dates-and-dinners year.
37. Who was the best new person you met?
LIPU. HAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHA.
My mom's aunt, who hasn't visited the Philippines in more than a decade, and her daughter, who's never been. They were pretty awesome people, and it's always nice to finally meet people you hear so much about.
The new PVG guys I got to work with were also pretty cool! Those guys are going places and I'm really excited for them.
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012
If you have enough faith in God/The Universe, you will not be disappointed. If you work hard, you will not be disappointed. If you have faith and work hard, only amazing things await.
Throw in a little courage to the mix, and you should be ready to run to your destiny. Hopefully, I can manage that next year.
39.Song lyric that sums up your year:
A bunch of songs really:
Said to the wind last night
"Haven't you ever felt lost?"
Said to the great red oak
"Do you feel small in a place like this?"
Turned to the whispering leaves
"I am alive..."
- Wind and Oak, Bird Courage
Wanderer you shed your way to the riverbend
Guided by the stars and moon and sun
Covering your naked arms through the winter's end
Blanketing the past you knew you'd run
-Wanderer, Bird Courage
... and finally. The anthem of the Friendzone, coz it was another definitive year of that. Hahaha..
Without me his world will go on turning
- On My Own, Les Miserables (fuck that shit next year! ha!)