Why 2018 is special to me
Following tradition from the past 3 years, I’m summing up 2018 with another round-up post on my personal highlights and top-performing posts on the blog.
1. New Year countdown in Europe
I’ve only ever spent New Year’s with my family at home, so getting to ring in 2018 overseas and with Yibo too felt really special! We headed to the Old Town Square in Prague and counted down while packed like sardines along hundreds of other people. Seeing people around you break out in smiles and cheers (sometimes kisses) was quite the experience haha. I didn’t take any photos unfortunately but I have videos to show for it! (I’ll take some time to process them…)
2. Started a bullet journal
I’ve always had a journal/scheduler every year since secondary school, and when I chanced upon the beautiful yellow dotted journal in London, I spontaneously decided to start bullet journaling. Definitely a personal milestone for me, because I got to explore a lot of new creative outlets doing my spreads, layouts etc. This year I went even crazier with a plain journal! Also going to be a lot more free in the way I journal, so I don’t limit myself unnecessarily in terms of the styles and pages. Join me in bullet journaling! You’ll enjoy it.
Read also: I started a bullet journal on impulse
3. Lowkey began photography as a business
This all started with Brenda, my cousin and my biggest supporter! She asked me to help her with a casual pre-wedding shoot in May, and it gave me the confidence boost I needed to keep pursuing photography as the year went on. We were all really impressed and surprised with how well the photos came out – beautiful models take the credit too, of course. In fact, Brenda used the photos from that day in her photo album which was put on display on her wedding day just last week. Such an honour to be a part of this huge milestone of hers. I think she helped me rekindle my passion for photography and I can’t thank her enough! That said, if you guys wish to shoot, be it portraits, couples, or events, hit me up!
4. Yibo joined me in the workforce
This year, Yibo finally joined me in the workforce after graduating. It was exciting knowing that we’re now in the same life stage, and even more so that his office was really close by! We could meet for spontaneous lunches, and meeting after work wasn’t all that difficult. Looking forward to how we progress from here.
5. Enjoying a carefree beach getaway
Yibo and I took a trip to Phuket for a relaxing getaway in November and we had such a great couple of days in the sun and by the beach. We booked an awesome resort – our villa came with a private pool and delivered breakfast! We spent an entire morning just lazing by the beach, got hit by some waves in the sea, and took a nap in the afternoon. It was the chill beach holiday I have been envisioning. I also finally felt comfortable enough to be wearing a bikini (yes hello teenage self-image issues and insecurities blah blah), and it felt so freeing! Anyway, I will be sharing more from the trip soon too.
6. Hazel and Brenda got married!!!
So happy for Hazel – one of my bestest friends from uni – and Brenda – my eldest cousin – for getting married this year! I’ve only ever attended weddings of distant relatives, so I never felt excited. But this year it was really heartwarming to see these two important people in my life getting their happily-ever-afters. I even teared up at Brenda’s solemnisation hahahaha oh no.
7. First time to Osaka & Kyoto
I was expecting a crazy winter in Japan, but it was still autumn when we got to Osaka and Kyoto in early December! I was so happy – the weather was not too cold, and the autumn colours were so pretty. You know I love the fall weather. I even have a maple leaf in my iPhone name hahaha – jtwong 🍁 We visited many temples, famous sights, and amazing restaurants along the trip, and also Universal Studios Japan! I also vlogged the entire trip (hehe), I can’t wait to share everything.
8. A trip to China with Yibo’s family
Another first this year was going on a trip with Yibo’s family over the Christmas holidays, and it was to China, where his family is originally from. I’ve been to China before, though he would say my experience does not validate that fact hahaha. Quite thankful I got to go along the whole week without having to worry about anything because I literally just followed. Such a stress-free time (most of the time), and thankful that his family was so welcoming too.
9. Work friends becoming best friends
I’ve known this bunch for more than 2 years now – which is crazy to even think about because sometimes I still feel like we’re such new connections! They’re my biggest takeaway from gyro, and I’m so thankful that I got to meet these amazing people during my time here ❤️ Though we no longer work within the same office, but we’ve found ourselves connecting in so many other ways still. Not all in the same ways of course (no one connects with Nick over her weirdness), but we’re a tight bunch! So thankful for all of you, friends.
10. Started #ididasweatything
Those who follow me on Instagram will know about my sweaty things – I seriously still have no idea how the term started. But #ididasweatything is a thing on my Instagram Stories! I work out, I sweat buckets, and I snap a photo/boomerang to clock it in. It has created some sort of fitness routine in my life, plus not to forget I kicked off on a healthy, mindful diet since August last year, which has helped me lose some excess weight that I’ve gained since starting to work. Yes well I do admit that I have down days eg. going to the fridge to grab more than one piece of chocolate, having a Milo even though I’m avoiding dairy, and having pasta for dinner though I’m avoiding simple carbs… BUT I guess being aware of what I’m eating has been the greatest step. I never thought I’d say this, but I kinda enjoy running now, and the satisfaction I feel after I’ve completed a tough workout. Maybe, just maybe, Yibo and I will actually attempt a full marathon at the end of the year?
11. Embracing the unknown
Before 2018 ended, I decided to be brave for my own sake and actively took myself out of a bad situation even though it meant I had to face the unknown. It’s a scary place to be, but liberating at the time. Also I read recently on Jules from Om & The City’s year-end review post: “It’s okay to disagree with your parents.” AND 100% IT IS OKAY. You don’t live for them, you live for yourself. Not that you’re disagreeing for the sake of doing so anyway, because you have better things to do with your life (hahaha). So yep. DM for deets – I’ll share if I’m comfortable with you.
on the blog
In 2018, I’ll admit that I’ve neglected this space. I haven’t posted as much as I wanted to. Some months I only had my camera roll post up, which is really sad. But at the same time, whatever I have posted this year, I’ve put more thought into. Taking a look back at my top performing posts of 2018, I’m really proud of them and happy that people love them as much as I do! (Just to note, I only included posts that were uploaded in 2018!)
1. 5 things my teenage sister does on social media that baffles me
I’ve had this idea for a long time now, and finally this year I got to work and wrote up this entire post which I even created graphics for to optimise the content for Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram Stories. Wow professional blogger over here thanks HAHA. Special thanks to my little sis for providing me with so many screenshots and material so I could put this post together. It was so much fun and I’m glad all my friends found it somewhat funny and insightful! Perhaps this 11-year age gap of ours can be material for future posts to come!
2. I started a bullet journal on impulse
Given that starting a bullet journal was a personal highlight for me in 2018, it made sense to do a whole post just talking about my bujo! I made the effort to photograph my journal like a seasoned bullet journaler on IG hahaha. I’m not nearly as artistic, but I’ve been loving the experience so far. Give it a read and let me know what you think!
Read also: My first bullet journal: An update
3. Pre-wedding shoot: Michelle + Jason
To be honest I was really surprised that this post is my third best-performing post of the year! It was my first paid photoshoot after Brenda gave me an amazing (and very kind) review on her closed Facebook group for brides-to-be. The shoot was a little out of my comfort zone because I was shooting with a wide-angle lens instead of my favourite 50mm. But I’m glad it still turned out so well and the couple were quite happy with the photos! You can find more of my photos here.
4. What made 2017 great
Every year I think that my year hasn’t been amazing, until I do my yearly review and I realise that it’s been pretty darn great. I guess we always have to put in some effort to appreciate all the good things that are happening around us. Hopefully 2019 will be great too!
I went into 2018 hopeful and excited for what the year had to bring. Even though it has disappointed me in some ways, I now feel refreshed for 2019. I already have some new year resolutions ready to start me off, but I don’t think I want to share them here. Mainly I want to do more photography work, get more clients, and learn to use my money more strategically. Of course, most importantly, to stay grateful and happy for everything that comes my way, and be brave and persistent in pursuing the things I want in life.