2016, Unwrapped.
I can't believe 2016 is over and it's officially time for a new year. I'm currently trying to write this as I mend a cold because I really want to publish one last post before the year ends. 2016. This year has been wonderful. Here's a list of some of my best times this year:
1. I flew back to the Philippines for the first time after 15 years.
I will be the first to admit that I didn't plan on returning to the Philippines any time before 2016. However, as soon as my mom asked me if I wanted to go back, I couldn't say no. Although it wasn't for the happiest reasons, it's another memory I'm glad I can cherish and remember. Before February 2016, I had cousins I knew of but never met. I definitely don't regret the opportunity to meet them and spend time with them.
2. I went to New York for the first time and fell in love with the city.
Anyone who knows me knows how much of a city girl I am and how long I've wanted to go to New York. So it came as no surprise when I texted my parents during class hours my flight itinerary and with the caption "I'm going to New York for spring break!" I remember being in class and somehow ended up going through different flights to New York then with no hesitation booked tickets to NY I liked.
3. I graduated from university!
My four years in college are some of the best years of my life. I learned how to be responsible. I learned how to handle the consequences of my decisions and live with my decisions. I learned how to take care of me and take chances. I learned how to stand behind my beliefs. But above all, I learned the importance of education. I met some of my closest friends at CSULA and made some of my favorite memories on and off campus.
4. I went sky diving in celebration of my 22nd birthday.
Sky diving is listed as #59 on my bucket list. The story behind me going sky diving is kind of funny- My brother's girlfriend at the time was speaking to my mom and my mom was telling her of a story of the time I tried jumping of our house's staircase cause I wanted to fly. After hearing the story again, it sparked the idea in me. I ended up researching skydiving places by LA, called a few, then picked my favorite. I will definitely be going again.
5. Spent a weekend on a cruise to Mexico.
The first time I went on a cruise I was 15. Going on a cruise to Mexico at 22 with some of my friends is a lot different than going at 15. We spent the weekend having fun, enjoying the city, and being in the middle of the ocean.
6. I went to Hawaii for the first time and fell more in love with the ocean.
In February, my brother asked me, "Want to go to Hawaii with me for my 21st birthday?" Who says no to Hawaii? I spent one of the best weeks of my life eating cups of shaved ice, getting sun burnt, and living out my inner islander self. I checked "Learn to surf" and "Drive a convertible" off my bucket list. I even missed a flight for the first time and swam in the ocean after years of avoiding the Pacific ocean.
7. I got my first full-time job.
There came a point after graduating when I stopped applying for jobs cause I was tired of sending out my resume and writing cover letters for people who may have never read them. However, the job I have now, was definitely worth waiting for. I work with some of the most humble and caring people I have the pleasure of being around with on a daily basis.
8. My family took a spontaneous trip up to San Francisco in celebration of my mom's birthday.
There are 5 members in my immediate family- dad, mom, me, and my two younger brothers. Have us all in the same room and we either get along really well, or we end up disagreeing/bickering/arguing. However, our spontaneous trip up north went really well. I'm pretty sure each of us were surprised of how much fun we had with just each others' company.
9. My family moved.
Lastly, this year gave my family a new beginning. A new house- a new home. A new place to make memories. For years we lived around the same neighborhood and now we've moved the furthest away from the streets I used to call home. I'm no longer walking distance from my favorite coffee shop and can no longer take my favorite running route. However, I'm excited for what 2017 has in store for our new home in our new area.
This year allowed me to learn and grow. I traveled more than I ever thought I would in one year. I made new friends I'm great to call friends and grew closer to other friends. I allowed myself to be vulnerable. I allowed myself to be raw. I allowed myself to be real. And although it scares me more than anything to stay vulnerable, I allowed myself to feel- feel hurt but also feel and accept the love others give. I conquered some of my fears. I opened up myself to different opportunities and choices. I've learned so much more about love and loss this past year. I overcame so many challenges but accomplished more than I could ever imagine. Not only did I learn more about myself, but I learned how and who I am in chaos and during celebrations. I learned to cherish the good but also rejoice in the bad. I can't even express how grateful I am to my family for their support and love. As tradition, I've personally thanked individuals who've helped me along the year because without any of my family and friends, I wouldn't be as happy as I am alone. So here I am, saying thank you, to you. Thanks for reading my posts, answering my calls, and/or replying to my texts - whoever you are. I hope you take the time to reflect on how much you are blessed with this year because everything happens for a reason, and you never know... maybe next year will be your year to shine. After all, the best wave of your life is still out there.
I hope you all have an amazing weekend and I wish you all a year full of love, peace, and happiness for 2017!
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