2024 Wrap Up!

I think I’m probably the only one still doing this yearly wrap-up, and one of the few left actually writing a blog. Haha! I keep doing it because I like to reflect on and reminisce about what’s happened over the past year. Doing this will also allow me to be prepared for year ahead. Anyway, here’s my 2024 recap!

2024 was a very good year for me. Although it did not start on a high note, it brought new opportunities, fresh beginnings, and gave me the space to focus on myself. As the months passed, I found myself in a position to prioritise myself — something which I had neglected for too long.

As always, here's a summary of my 2024 in bullet points.

First Quarter

• Believe it or not, after the New Year festivities, I was rushed to the hospital due to a stabbing pain in my side. At first, I thought it was indigestion or food poisoning, but it turned out to be a liver infection. I was admitted for a few days. Definitely, not a good way to start the new year. Haha!
• On a brighter note, I saw Coldplay and Taylor Swift live! These were two of the best concerts I have attended so far. 
• If you have read my 2023 Wrap Up, you would know that my job had been pretty stressful, so I began job hunting. I attended several interviews and received a couple of offers. I accepted one in February and tendered my resignation shortly after.
• Flew home to Manila for a weekend for my sister-in-law's wedding. I took this opportunity to meet and spend time with friends and family.
• Kevin and I celebrated our 11th year together and our 3rd wedding anniversary. We had dinner at Gordon Ramsay's Bread Street Kitchen, and at our favourite restaurant, KOMA, respectively. As an anniversary gift, Kevin surprised me with a new MacBook to replace my 10-year-old one.

Second Quarter

• Had a couple of farewell lunches with my colleagues on my last few days at my previous work. My last day was on 5th April. It felt liberating to leave, but bittersweet at the same time, as I had been working with the team and the client for the past four years. It was familiar, my comfort zone, albeit all the stress and toxicity that came with it. 
• Right after my last day, I decided to enrol in a gym and finally join my husband for his workouts. This marked the beginning of my weight loss journey and my quest to live a healthier lifestyle. I also started a calorie deficit diet around this time.
• Started my new job on 22nd April. I was really excited to start this job and meet my new colleagues. 
• Celebrated Kevin's 33rd birthday with the Marquez family who flew in to Singapore for a holiday. The following month, the MVP family came to visit, as well.
• Started running and incorporated it into my workout routine. Surprisingly, I really enjoyed it! I am also grateful that there are some good running spots in our area, which makes it even more enjoyable.
• Celebrated my 32nd birthday. Kevin and I had dinner at High House.

Third Quarter

• My mum and sister finally moved to Singapore. My family is now complete, no more LDR for us! 
• Joined a run club for the first time. It's called "Girl Gang Run Club". The girls were friendly and encouraging even though I was a slowpoke. Haha!
• Had a gait analysis and finally bought a good pair of running shoes. This allowed me to enjoy running even more!
• Ran my first 10km, my longest run ever! This is a big achievement for me! Kevin and I had been running 5kms, and to train for our race in November, we started increasing our mileage. 
• Travelled to Bangkok for a short holiday. It was Kevin's first time in Thailand. 

Fourth Quarter

• Ran my first 10km race and achieved my 10km PR at the Singapore Standard Chartered Marathon! Leading up to the race day, Kevin gifted me a Garmin watch! So thankful for my husband, who's always supportive and my biggest cheerleader!
• Small achievements work-wise: my very first big project went live at my new job, and I got certified as a Scrum Product Owner. 
• Travelled to Hong Kong with the Perez clan. It was Kevin's and my first time joining them on a trip. It was fun, especially we got to spend time with our nieces and nephews.
• While in Hong Kong, Kevin and I ran a 5km at Victoria Harbour. It was our first time running overseas and during the winter season! It was freezing, but the lovely view of Hong Kong's skyline made up for it.
• Achieved my target weight for 2024! From 66kg, I am now down to 53kg. I am so happy I was able to stay consistent with my diet and workouts. Just a few more kilos to shed in 2025 to reach my target weight of 48-49kg before I conclude my weight loss journey! 

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And that was my 2024. I hope the habits, discipline, and consistency I worked hard to develop last year will carry over to the new year. I am excited to see how everything will unfold!