2013 --> 2014

            Another year has come and gone. That means we all get to be a year older again. More things to do, more things to accomplish.

            The past year has been another roller coaster ride for me. I mean, a lot of things have happened personally, some good, some bad. But despite of those bad things and some, well, heartbreaking events, I can summarize 2013 as a very productive year. First of all, I was able to travel thrice the past year.

One is outside the country with family.

I was finally able to see the windmills in Ilocos Norte.

Stepped foot on  Heritage Village in Vigan (sans the people and all).

Saw the lion in Kennon Road (even from afar).

Saw the sunken cemetery in Camiguin (also even from afar).

Let's not forget Hong Kong Disneyland (definitely one of the happiest place in the world!).

        Second, I pretty much satiated my gastronomic exploit before the year ended (thanks to Vikings). For the first time in my life, I was able to eat okonomiyaki, guacamole, turkey with cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes, caviar, and wine with gourmet cheeses, among other things. And finally, I was able to convince myself to invest on a good camera. I may still be paying for it, but at least I won’t have any problems anymore in capturing moments on the road, if you know what I’m saying?

       Sure they may be small things, but even if there are times that I feel unfortunate because my routine is so mundane most times, I am still thankful and blessed that I was able to spend another year with family and friends—people that matter to me most. And of course, I am hoping—and looking forward to spending more grand moments with them this new year!

        Okay, on to the New Year.  I made a “wish list” on things I wanted to do…and happen this 2014. So far I have come up with 16 items (placed on 3 categories, at least). They may be also be called a bucket list, but I don’t want to categorize them as such since some of them (even those that I experienced/ accomplished last year) still deserve an encore performance!

            Okay, enough rambling. Lemme start on my list now…

1. FINISH MY SPECIAL PROBLEM! First and all caps. This is my last year to do it so I.must.take.this.off.my.list.before.this.year.even.ends!)

2.      Food Adventure

I thought Vikings was able to exhaust my list, but apparently it hasn’t.

a.       Drink Pinot Noir, Dry Martini with Olives, Champagne

b.      Look for Salmon Terrine.

c.       Haven’t found that best chocolate crinkles yet, so this will definitely continue this year!

d.      And I would like to add carrot cake, shave ice, and velvet cupcake on the list!

e.       Eat a stack of pancakes in Baguio, preferably. But if somewhere here at home has it, I will definitely check it out!

3.      Purchases…rather, top things to buy for this year.

a.       Heeled shoes (goal is to wear heels as often as possible at work).

b.      Hand held/ small food processor. I wanna try making baba ghanouj again. Not to mention I so much want to try making almond butter. Such fun! :P

c.       A laptop (Mac Book?) With my mom’s laptop taking an untimely retirement, this is a much needed gadget now, with my SP and all. I am thinking of purchasing it as soon as I am done paying for my camera. But we’ll see. Who knows, something might just come up I can buy it earlier!

4.      Trip/s. I always make sure I have at least one a year. I know I may not be able to visit all the places this year, but I will be putting them just the same. I mean, who knows, right?

a.       Laoag and Vigan part deux. I absolutely want to see Heritage Village in action, if you know what I mean?

b.      Batanes. But this should be visited with company. I read online that it is cheaper when it’s visited in groups.

c.       At least one international destination. Specifically where I can get to experience Fall/ Winter. Like in South Korea, maybe?*wink wink*

5.      Others

a.       Hoping to rekindle the fire. But if that is not the case anymore this year, I just hope that something greener will pop up on the other side. You know, like with a bang or something?

b.      Write more often. Enough said. 

I would like to end with this  lovely New Year's quote from Neil Gaiman. I came across this 

one while I was browsing on my Instagram account and I must say, the last line is my

ultimate wish for this year!

Oh, I suddenly remember. I despise getting surprised. But I would like this to be in a good way,

of course! Like the fireworks and engagement ring kind of surprise (not literally! But, if it

happens this year...then we'll see! hahahaha!)

                           

Salut to 2014!