2011...looking back

I still have a few minutes before the 1st day of the new year is over so let me take this time to look back at 2011...

If I have to describe last year, 2011 was MY year. It was this year when I took a step back and did things for ME, even if there were some that didn't end up as expected but actually turned out for the better. 2011 was also the year for changes - it was time for me to take charge and let things happen as I want them to be.

The biggest change that I did was to step out of my comfort zone and resign from my 1st job. I must admit, those 8 1/2 years were indeed something but it's time to have a life and get what I'm really worth for! I've reached the point where I was no longer happy with my work and waking up each morning was such a chore. The opportunity to move came at the right time. And it was an opportunity that was too good to pass up. It also helped that I wasn't alone...I'll be moving with my friends who were a big reason why I've stayed at my previous job for a quite a long time. I would say taking that leap was one of the best things that happened to me last year. No regrets indeed! I'm very much happy and contented in my new 'home' :)

Another change that happened was my 4-year relationship ended. I never really talked about this but it just came to the point when we realized that we didn't want the same things. I've invested so much time and effort in trying to make it work all this time given the distance, and I have to admit, it's quite sad when everything you've done all these years has just gone to waste. It's not worth reliving the real reason but the important thing is, I'm ok. I'm past the anger and the hurt. I've healed and with the help of my good friends and family, I've moved on. There's just a handful of people who knows the real reason and knowing that I have them in my life made me realize that there's just so much love around me and people who really care. A good friend told me that I should not blame myself for what happened coz I didn't do anything wrong. And he's right. I deserve so much more. For now, I'm happy with how things are and I'm thankful for all those who made me smile :)

2011 was also a year of love and friendship. I have quite a lot of friends but only few who really matter. And it was during this year that I've appreciated them even more and made the conscious effort to let them know how much they mean to me.

May it be in Manila...

California...

and even Jakarta...

...I made sure that I was present during the most important day in the lives of my 3 closest friends.

Distance is not an issue when it comes to friendship. Even if you're thousands of miles apart, may it be in different timezones, as long as you keep the communication alive, it's as if no day has passed that you were apart. Thanks to the wonders of email, YM, gtalk, iMessage, WhatsApp and Viber, California, Minneapolis and Jakarta doesn't seem to be so far away! And I've really made the extra effort to keep in touch and let them know how much I care even with just a simple 'hi' during the day.

And of course, I'm thankful for my friends who I'm with everyday. They not only make work 'fun' but I know that I can count on them anytime. We've come a long way and I'm glad that they'll be part of my new adventures in 2012.

I also always make sure to travel at least once a year and 2011 was a big year for traveling for me! My US trip was the perfect 'ME' time which I needed to just get away and be with family and friends who I haven't seen for quite some time.

New York was a blast with Normie, Abel and Michelle...

New Jersey was all about family...

California was girl bonding with Cristy...

and Fro was the best in making sure that I had a great time in Minneapolis...

The year couldn't end without going out with my travel buddies! It was Singapore this time with Ochie, Ros and Roland, and we had so much fun!

And as a last hurrah, I took a weekend trip to Jakarta for Andrea's wedding...

Last year has also been good to my family. I'm thankful for all the blessings that we've had throughout the year. Looking back, 2011 was a very good year and I have a feeling that 2012 will even be better!

Here's to a fabulous and awesome 2012! Live, laugh and love! :)