From me to me...
It's less than two hours to a brand new year. 2018! Gosh, isn't that something? Why did I decide to sit in front of a laptop and type this? I don't know. And no, I didn't even have some major breakthrough to talk about either.
Has it been a great year? Ummm... in bits and pieces. Like most of my recent years. What defines a "great year" anyway? 365 days of being happy? Can anyone ever claim to be happy or fulfilled every day of the year? Okay, I'm rambling now.
Before I sign out, here are some highlights of 2017:
- I grew up. Yes, I lived alone for the most part and I learned what 'adulting' really was. I have lived alone for a while now, but this year was really the test. During 2015-16, there was a lot going on. I travelled to a few countries on work and also for holidays in 2015 and the next year, the family was down as my niece was born here and that was the major focus for everyone at home. And then September 2016, the family vanished. Brother took sis-in-law and niece abroad where he is on a work assignment, and parents returned to Mangalore which is where they've been based for a few years now. So yeah, I am responsible for day-to-day living and managing of expenses. It's bloody hard, but I think I've finally come around to it.
- As part of the adulting process, I - along with help from my family - finally invested in property. That was probably the most stressful part of the year with the running around for the paperwork and getting my savings out. Even though the EMIs have already kicked in, it hasn't hit me yet. I still need to put down my thoughts on this. Hopefully, I will.
- I ditched artificial jewellery. You might think this is weird, but I've always loved jewellery - just not the kind made of gold or precious stones. I had invested a little in one of those Tanishq schemes and at the end of the period, could use the amount + a little extra to buy their products. So, I ended up buying a few things - some for me and some for the family. A pair of small diamond earrings (my first diamonds) are now sorta permanent and I wear a really thin chain with a small pendant. It's not about the money that got spent or what these are. As I grow older, I find myself being drawn to classic styles that don't need much work. I am not a fashion person, nor am I huge on 'dressing up', so these ornaments are apt and serve as 'staples' that are super low maintenance.
- I rediscovered music. Yes, it was via a certain Mr John Mayer. And yes, my friends have hated this the most about me this year. But let me clarify something - I've ALWAYS LOVED his music. Don't believe me? Check my Blogger profile. Mayer is listed there with a bunch of others and I wrote this silly bio years ago. Honestly, I had even forgotten about it. It may sound stupid considering how old I am but JM's music *found* me around January-February when I was going through a terribly low phase. To counter whatever was going on, I started researching anything and everything about him. The years I had missed. And those seemed like many, many years. Imagine I had lost touch since 2009. And when I look back at my own timeline, I see why and how I was disconnected from music. Today, he is my absolute favourite for a number of reasons. I won't delve into those. His talent and life's story have been my rock in 2017 and just for that - THANK YOU, JOHN. (Now, just help me tick off a bucket list item soon!)
By the way, I also bought a JBL Flip 3 Bluetooth speaker this year and listening to John Mayer, internet radio, YouTube stuff, and the odd podcasts through it has been simply kickass. It's my companion when the house gets too quiet.
- I attended the Ed Sheeran concert. Was fun!
Despite the fact I could barely see a thing, I enjoyed the music.
- I returned to Postcrossing after a long break from it. It's a slow process for now and supposed to be that way. I've promised myself to not write more than 1-2 postcards at a time. That way, I can take my time and not get too "busy" for it. Gotta write a couple tonight. Yes, it's a great habit/hobby to have.
- Work wasn't a highlight as such, but my team was/is. I was fortunate to find a bunch of good, talented kids who've been supportive and fun to work with. There have been some trying times, but the good outweighed the bad by a great deal. I got severely sick around July-end when we kicked off a new project and was unable to get out of bed for two days. The team was still fairly new, but they told me to stay put and not come to office till I was okay. That really lifted my spirits and has kept us all in good stead over the months. I hope I was a good boss to them and hope I can get better in the year ahead.
This is it for now. I might have more to say, but (a) I can't recall everything right now, and (b) I have to rush for midnight Mass. Yes, that's how I'm starting my year.
I don't know if anyone still reads my posts. They are hardly noteworthy now, but if you are reading this, THANK YOU. And I wish you a year full of happiness and bright possibilities. May all your dreams come true!
Love,
~j~
PS: This post isn't going to be edited (like I do with everything I write). I need to really let my writing be more carefree and not sanitised. No? The stupid "editor" in me is forced to check grammar, spellings, punctuation and whatnot. Maybe this year, less of that on the blog at least. :)
Comments