Many dubbed 2016 to be a bad year. Crimes, election results, senseless deaths, financial crisis, illness, passing away of beloved celebrities, etc. I never thought my 2016 was bad because it was overshadowed by a lot of good things and wonderful blessings from God. But looking closer, yes, there were bad moments of 2016. Horrible illnesses have crept in into my family, leaving us in worry and anxiety. I was in a state of turmoil but I cling to God in prayers and He had heard me, He has heard us. So I hugged my parents even more tightly, vowing to take better care of them.
But let us not dwell of the dark stuff rather look into the highlights of my 2016 because there were great moments too. Here are the highlights of last year:
1. Husband’s Simple but Wonderful Birthday Celebration
This might be a simple dinner with family but I want to include it in my list. It was just great being out with my family on my hubby’s birthday at a nice beautiful restaurant. We had a wonderful bbq celebration at Orto. That time, I was 7 months pregnant with Fynn. I was happy my hubby enjoyed his day but I think this year would top that.
2. Spending quality time with my parents
When I went home to Iloilo for my maternity leave, I get to spend time with my parents who used to be working in Saudi Arabia. It was nice that there are with me during my 2nd pregnancy. It was so sweet of them for taking good care of me. I love having late night talks with mama and having afternoon bananacue snacks with papa. On my dad’s birthday, I bought his a Collezione shirts which feels kind of surreal because my mom used to buy him 1 Collezione shirt every pay. So it feels a bit symbolic.
3. Arrival of Fynn!
Ohh what a joy a child brings! I can’t believe I am a mom of two already, haha. I was admittedly a bit scared the night before my scheduled caesarean section. But it turned out perfectly uneventful. Fynn is such a delight to take care of . He wasnt a fussy baby at all. He was a jolly, happy baby who is also always hungry which is so cute, haha… I admire his happy disposition which his dimple on his right cheek showing.
4. Les Miserables (Bucket list!)
I am so blessed that I was able to watched the musical play, Les Miserables. It was phenomenal. I was glad I got to watch it with my hubby. It would have been more perfect if it was Rachelle Anne Go who played Fantine on that show. I still have several plays I would love to watch someday.
We had Naj’s birthday at Legoland Malaysia. It was a fun trip and we all love the Legoland Hotel a lot. We made a right decision to get a personal transportation for our trip. It took out the hassle of the trip, we allowed us to just enjoyed it. We plan to visit Legoland again maybe when the kids are a bit bigger.
6. New Opportunities, New Adventure
My 2016 started with a bit of uncertainty but for some weird reasons, I wasn’t frazzled. I just trusted that things will work out eventually and it did. I thought I might be leaving Singapore this year probably to return to Iloilo or maybe go to another country but it looks like I will be staying for a little while longer. But I have ended my job this year as a doctor here in Singapore to another job in the same company so it still has to do with healthcare. It is a bit unnerving to try something I have never done before but I am up for the challenge, for the new adventure. It is a plus that I have wonderful new bosses. It looks like I am lucky with my bosses because previous one was equally nice too.
I am happy that Fynn is now part of the Catholic community. We had his baptism in Iloilo. I was so happy with planning his baptism. It went so well, I am satisfied with all the suppliers I got for his baptism. But the most important part is that we got to celebrate this important moment in his life with our family.
8. Bintan Birthday Weekend
I had the most relaxing birthday. I got to spend it at Bintan Lagoon Resort with my family. It was just a weekend of chill and bonding with my family. I realised travel birthdays are the best. So it looks like it is becoming a tradition now in our family (well, if budget permits anyways, hehe).
I am grateful for 2016 even if it got its not-so-good moments. But I have an inkling that 2017 will be a fun one, challenging but fun. I always have a Word for the Year. Last year was about Changes. This year, my word is…. Consistency. I know that is something I need to work on in all aspect of my life. Consistency…..
Cheers to 2017! I welcome you 2017! Let us make this year, a stable and resilient year. We are strong and empowered. We will shine even brighter this year. Stay positive everyone!