A line from my favorite book says this: Life isn’t ideal, but we get along.
In 2018, we didn’t only get along; we even waded through a stream of bad news with the worst “plot twists” even Gillian Flynn or Chuck Palahniuk or George R.R. Martin have never thought of for their stories. Every day, it was never a question of “do we have bad news today?” Rather, it was always a question of “what stupid thing has happened again overnight?”
But as I was browsing through my phone yesterday morning, I saw something that made me believe that although the current is taking us to an unfamiliar island, we will swim, breast-stroke, freestyle, or dog-paddle our way through because we are the same humanity that survived the greatest adversities in history and we carried on.
Despite the bad news, we learned that more formerly endangered species are now being saved; that people and organizations are coming up with several creative ways to save the animals and the environment; that literacy rate is continuing to rise globally; that more households are having access to electricity; that the rates of treatable infectious diseases are falling; that more girls are being enrolled in school; that more women are holding government seats; that sales of physical books are up this year; and many more.
Although I know that much still needs to be done, I figured it’s important to not lose sight of the progress we are making little by little, even individually. So I look back and reflect on my 2018 that has been as I welcome 2019 in my life hahaha yun oh
1. In January, I flew for the first time in my life going to Ormoc City. And in the same month flew again to Tuguegarao City. Both first time to visit the two cities. January also saw two of our important family gatherings – Nanay Dina’s 80th birthday and Ate Kaye’s wedding day.
2. In February, we were able to go to Big Bad Wolf Book Sale, claiming to be the world’s biggest book sale. What an experience!
3. I never thought my first international travel ever would be in Africa. In March, I was sent to Kenya for a two-week leadership course in road safety where I got lessons and memories that I will forever treasure. In my stay in the country, I gained brothers and sisters from different countries. March also saw our family’s most unforgettable Visita Iglesia so far.
4. In April, I was invited to share an inspirational message for my high school’s recognition rites. Same month my brother graduated from senior high.
5. We went to Bicol in May for our first ever regional training on speed limit setting and enforcement.
6. I signed up for a gym membership in June for our biggest loser challenge in the office. Don’t ask me what happened please.
7. The parentals celebrated their silver anniversary in July. In the same month, I was also able to watch a play in a theater after several years since I graduated – RAK OF AEGIS!
8. AUGUST THE BEST! Dream come true: Cinemalaya marathon with Lei and Renz. Another dream come true: A BEAUTIFUL BOOKSHELF AT HOME.
9. Officemates and I got a sponsored Baguio trip in September. Also tried ice skating for the first time. Annnd Lei and I celebrated our 8th year together! Wow!
10. I flied solo to Iloilo for work. It was my first time in the city!
11. I celebrated my 25th year on Earth. My birth month was the same month I was supposed to attend a conference in Bangkok, Thailand for my abstract selected for a poster presentation. I was not able to go but memorable nevertheless.
12. We witnessed how UP climbed its way through the Finals of the UAAP basketball after 82 years. I was also able to visit Cebu for the first time. Finally, moved in to a new dorm with Te Jae.
These accumulated 2018 experiences taught me so much. But really, none of these would be special without the people I shared these experiences with. I’m pretty sure 2019 has so many surprises in store for us. As we grow, change shape, take form, and discover our selves, I have one prayer for all of us – that all of us will carry on and get along.
