2017 outtakes

Travel

This year I spent some remaining days in Taiwan for exchange, and went to Hong Kong, Korea, USA and Thailand.

HK Disneyland!!

My second time in Korea and first solo trip- I very much enjoyed the luxury of planning on my own, cancelling plans last minute and going ahead with impromptu ones as and when, meeting and going out to party with other solo travellers, also having a cute auntie try to speak to me in Korean and tell me i was pretty when in fact i was a very fat ball with red hair!! I U-turned to ask to take a photo with her so i could remember that moment forever- that a simple action of a compliment from a stranger speaking a foreign language at my super rock bottom stage and in the midst of self-discovery/ self-recovery could mean so much encouragement albeit superficial in a sense HAHA and im so glad i did :) solo trips are awesome, cant wait for my next one

Making friends on solo trips and helping each other take photos haha!

Very very friendly accoms manager Patrick!

Thailand was just a shopping trip with Boh, Belle, Chris and Yao- we went to a bunny café, which was my favourite part of the entire trip!! Did the usual touristy stuff before heading back to rush all work in the remaining days left of recess week :>

Through travelling in the US I hiked up the continent's tallest waterfall, skydived, watched a Broadway musical, went to Boston Music Festival (think Tegan and Sara, Oh Wonder, XX, the 1975, Mumford and Sons all in a day), went kickboxing for the first time, saw the Grand Canyon, went to places that sound like a distant dream (Santa Monica, Malibu Beach, Hollywood, Highway 1, Big Sur), went back to Central Park, attended a wedding in Providence, partied till I died, went out for solo morning walks, sat in cafes to read, attended a Pride event, reconnected with friends I havent seen in 11 years. I learnt and grew so much!! 1.5 months abroad and across the States with Chris Leonard Alex in the West and then Liren LapWay and Akshay in the East mainly- being the baby is always fun because you dont need to drive, and laundry is all done for you!! (Looks like I actually didn't grow up that much haha)

Glacier Point, Yosemite

Al and Mimi, reunited with them after 11 years<3

Forever special

Boston Pride :')

2016/2017 were the years I ventured on my own and into the unknown, and realized even in the darkest hours how much beauty there is in the world. I got to know more about the lives of strangers id never meet again and in those few hours/days of getting to know them, I learnt so much about their dreams, their goals, the things that made them smile, what made them tick. More importantly for myself i learnt how to take a breather from the noise of routine- id go out for solo moments, forced myself to eat alone in crowded restaurants/ sit with other strangers and learnt to embrace solitude. The past years I led a very sheltered, mundane life, and because of the choices I made and the people I stayed with, I was almost set on that route for life. Im glad I gave all of that up. In this adventure I found independence, and the strength to build my own identity from scratch. I no longer need anyone to be my “other half” or to “complete me” because I am whole on my own, and the feeling of ownership and this newfound autonomy is just so overwhelming and indescribable

People

Out went the people who were draining and holding me back. I became a whole lot more discerning this year- not surprising considering my encounters in 2016. I learnt to weed out the people who just weren't good for me anymore, and decided to double down on only the most important people in my life. (I have more than these 2 friends below i promise!!)

Finally a proper photo!

Tifflo forever

Lim Clan has been good. It's been odd because Im finally back at home after spending 4 years in hall/ abroad, but Bryan has entered the army this year so the house still feels pretty quiet. Gatherings have become more rare but it's always a good time!

Lazy to find a proper photo so here's us on New Year's Eve!

Also landed myself in a relationship this year. Funny how life takes a turn at the most unexpected places and times, with the most unexpected person. He has the worst memory in the world, is the most annoying person ive ever dated, and will probably only read this post 5 months after its posted. But this odd human takes adversity in his stride, has the biggest heart and is the most caring, supportive, driven, optimistic, fun, filial, confident, inspiring, secure lil shit ever. I don’t say it enough because irritating each other is how we roll but he makes me very very happy :-) (i just read that he called me irritating like a cactus on his Wordpress but he promised he will be less annoying this year so im not really sure whats going on)

Rare photo of us not wanting to kill each other

I must say i fared pretty well with people this year- counting my blessings in the form of a few reliable, go-to friends whenever I'm in need, the unconditional love from my family, and a pretty solid guy my way- so im all for keeping this up for the coming year!

Self

Armstrong!

In 2017 I only went back to the shelter a couple of times. Gave back in other smaller and different ways, through donations to other causes, helping strangers I see around me. As for self development, this year was pretty good in terms of the amount of reflection i've done, writings in my journal and on other platforms.

For the coming year, I want to be kinder. 2016 had been rough on me and 2017 i learnt to get back on my feet. 2018 has to be a continuation and this cannot come without kindness. Growing up, i have always been easily stressed out, by surroundings but mainly through constant, self pressure. So goal for 2018: kindness in my perception of self. Hopefully with this comes kindness projected outwards as well.

Many things to do in the coming year with regard to career, and to making the right decisions that would allow me to be better and happier. So 2018- to getting things done.