Note: This is the post about milestones of the year 2023 I was going to publish when life happened. Since then, other things have occurred. ~Cym, 2024
Graduation & Recognition
Covid-19 has been taking a lot from us – numerous lives, the ability to lead normal, healthy lives (oi, long COVID), the opportunity to hold a graduation ceremony and other celebrations. In the year that my eldest was set to graduate from elementary, the pandemic hit. That was one of the things that made me sad. The school did not even hold a post-graduation celebration for their batch. Thankfully, one of the milestones of the year 2023 is my second child having a graduation. Walking down the aisle, albeit wearing a face mask, going onstage to receive a “diploma” are a special experience.
Other things worth celebrating was when the eldest and the youngest each received a medal for their academic efforts. During the pandemic, the giving out of these shiny discs was suspended. Thank God they have the motivation within to keep studying and doing their best. 🥰
Anniversary & Birthday
My parents got married in 1973. That means it’s their golden anniversary this year! 50 years married is no walk in the park, it’s one of the merry milestones of the year, indeed. Thus, last June 11, we held a grand celebration for the 50th anniversary; additionally celebrating their birthdays as well. It was great to see relatives from as far as the U.S. and people we haven’t seen in a long time. As usual, in typical Filipino-Chinese fashion, we were wearing red. 🧧 Thank goodness there’s Shopee where I bought my daughters’ and my crimson dresses in the comforts of our home.
Speaking of birthdays, this year, we have another teen at home. Where have my babies gone? Haha! To celebrate, I ordered a customized character cake in the preferred flavor: chocolate. Also, we went to the mall and watched Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Have you seen that movie?
You know what it means to have teens, right? Dealing with puberty (a milestone but certainly not merry) and the rigorous tasks that come with this stage, one of these is starting on the right skincare regimen. I have found products that work, I have tried them on my own face. The challenge is expecting the children to stick to it. *sighs* 🤨
Travel & Wedding
In the ninth month, I attended my first ever destination wedding. My family and I flew to Bali, Indonesia to see my hubby’s nephew get married. Upon arrival, the airport struck me as a good mix of modern and traditional elements, which proudly showed off their culture. The streets and alleyways we traversed reminded me of the Philippines, especially Tagaytay back roads; not to mention the horrible traffic situation. Bali is surprisingly large. It took us around two hours on the road to get to each destination. Also, one needs to have a vehicle to get anywhere, unless you “backride” or angkas on a motorcycle like some tourists I saw on Grab motorbikes. Thus, at the hotel, we just ordered food from the Grab app. We especially liked the local food available like Nasi Goreng. Yum! 😋
Daytime was warm to hot, but at that time, the nights were windy and cold, which was nice. We visited a beach, but unfortunately, the waves were too strong to swim in. Instead, we frolicked in the hotel pool. The wedding was beautiful and the food served was scrumptious. We did a bit of touristy things on the last day including shopping for souvenirs. Other things happened, some misfortunes, but they’re too long to narrate here. It was an adventure and one of the memorable milestones of the year for us.
Renovation & Revamping
And then October came, that’s when the home troubles started. A milestone that we were forced to reach. A major renovation after 17 years. We were told the refurbishment would last one month… Turned out, it was more than that. Praise God, things seem better these days. We also added appliances that would hugely help helper-less us.
How about you? Have you attained any milestone lately? 😊
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