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Dear 2017,
What an amazing year you've been.
You had me climbing mountains both big and pretty -- literally and figuratively.
Mount Taranaki (Jan 2017)
Pinnacles, Coromandel (Feb 2017)
You were the best, yet also the worst, when you showed me how it feels to lose a loved one. You made me spend each day as if it was my last, making the most of the time I have with the people I treasure dearly.
You had me doing things I never expected that I'd be capable of, and equipped me with the ultimate confidence to ace them all. You know, I still smirk every time I remember Binibining NZ 2017 -- by far your craziest, quirkiest and unexpected plot twist.
Binibini NZ (June 2017)
Because of you, my family and I are now citizens of New Zealand, my new home.
Citizenship Ceremony (Sept 2017)
You made me the happiest when I finally ended that long-distance phase of my relationship with the man I love. You know how much I've waited for this!
First wedding together (Oct 2017)
All the while, I thought that was the best thing that could ever happen to me. But out of nowhere, you also blessed me with a lot of things that have been beneficial to my growth, and into being my best self. Starting a small business by doing what I love was something that I did not foresee!
Mason jar meals by zel (Oct 2017 onwards)
You, amazing 2017, made me believe in myself more than anyone else. You made me juggle everything from my corporate work, to running my small business, to taking care of myself by working out and eating well, to trying new things like joining pageants and hosting, to spending time with my loved ones here in AKL and virtually with all my friends around the world. I wish I was able to do it all with a lot of grace and much sleep. Nevertheless, I am happy. I am grateful. I am blessed.
Thank you, 2017. I swear it wasn't an easy road with you. I cried many times along the way, but I'm grateful to be surrounded by people who truly love me, inspire me and genuinely support me despite the distance and the time difference. You've gone extreme with your highs and lows, and I think that's what makes you hard to beat! I don't even know if I can keep up with the bar you've set, but it's good to know that I'm moving ahead on the right track.
So hello there, 2018! Let's get it on! I know you'll be a better one. I trust you.