I don’t’ even know how to begin with this post. The past 24 months of my life had been full of ups and downs. It passed like a blur that I sometimes wonder if I really lived through it. Twenty-seven years. It’s odd though. When I think of the number, I feel old. When I think of my life as a whole, I feel younger.

I had a great birthday celebration last year. Everyone in the family (sans my father) took some time off of work. We went out. We had dinner. We had fun at the mall. This year, in contrast, was spent at home. I waited for them to come home. We had spaghetti and barbeque while watching some random show on TV. It didn’t matter what we did though. Every person close to me knows how a party girl I am not. But I guess staying at home gave me more time to think about things that I normally wouldn’t dwell on. Hopefully I get to share them with you in the future.

The past year has been a blast! And the funny thing is— I just know it will get better and better.

• I was a little hesitant in accepting the tourism instructor part time job offered to me at PLMar last summer. Mainly because of my grad school experience last year. It was traumatic and I didn’t really trust anyone there. After praying about it, I learned that most people in the department were from my Alma Mater PUP. Talk about nepotism. I didn’t really care though. I trust this people. So I gave it a shot. And I am mighty glad I did. I met wonderful people in here. It also gave me more travel opportunities. Late 1^st semester we visited Laguna and Quezon, and Camarines Sur and Albay. I can honestly say that I enjoyed the company I was with as much as I enjoyed the places we visited. (That is saying something since we got an awful tour operator for the Bicol Tour). Laguna and Quezon I am already quite familiar with. CamSur and Albay were a completely different story. I am still amazed at the beauty that is Mayon Volcano. At that point, I didn’t care if it has a perfect cone shape or not. It is beautiful— hands down. The ATV driving experience at Cagsawa is also an unforgettable experience. Last time I tried riding a motorcycle was when I’m in 4^th grade. Try doing that with a bigger vehicle along a rough mountain path with river crossing. Definitely unforgettable.

• After a weekend of rest, my sister Ivy and I went to Baler, Aurora. This time with my AC ecotourism students. Water activities scare the shit out of me but I loved relaxing along the pure black sand beach. The high waves were glorious. I didn’t even have to fake swimming. (LoL) Forget surfing (Since I’m not successful with that). I’ll go back anytime, given the chance, just to experience it all again.

• No one would say that the fourth quarter of 2014 has been unkind to us. Despite the busy schedule, my family was still able to visit Baguio City as we had been for the past three years. Every November. To make it more exciting, we invited more people: Tita Norma, cousin Tin and her son Kio, churchmates Sis. Beth and Jobelle, my good friend Thine, our ampons Anton and Angelica. We also added Atok, Benguet in our itinerary. Watching the clouds at an eye level is an experience I will not forget. With the highest point at 7,400 feet above sea level, it’s much different from riding an airplane. You can feel the wind dancing around you and see the clouds right in front of you. BREATHTAKING.

• I remember flippantly saying that I’m interested in helping out during the 2014 ASEAN Schools Games. Little did I know I would actually do it until I received a phone call from Ms. Cindy third week of November. Not only that. The day before the start of the games, I was told that not only will I join the liaison team. I was also to serve as the game leader of the Singapore liaison officers. It was such a big responsibility to handle a group of 12 LOs who will take care of over 200 international players. We were hopeful yes. But the first few days were quite problematic. Late buses. Snobbish drivers. But guess what? We pulled through. There were tears but there were more laughter. It was amazing and humbling to see your LOs grow more mature and more responsible in a matter of days. I feel very proud. The week ended but the mark it left us is forever. I gained 12 more people to care about and I love it.

• Christmas was fun as it always is with my family. I received everything in my wish list! Would you believe? I got two power banks and one external hard drive. My nerdy self was so pleased.

New Year was a different story. This was the first year without the Mateo Clan’s yearly family reunion. It was bittersweet thinking of the past 26 years of my life that we never failed to have one. I guess people move on that way. With everyone moving from one province or city to another, it was getting hard to meet up as much as we used to. Because of this, the family decided to spend the New Year enjoying some gelato at SM Aura instead. It’s a small affair but with lots of stories and laughter, it was perfect for me.

• Finally! Last February, my sisters and I finally reached Mindanao! Albeit it’s the northernmost part, it was still Mindanao. We enjoyed the food tripping and shopping at Cagayan de Oro, the longest dual zipline in Dahilayan, Bukidnon and the beaches and springs of Camiguin. We weren’t able to explore the falls of Iligan because of time constraints but you never know what opportunities may come next.

• Before the school year ended, we had another visit at one of the new seven wonder cities of the world. Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur were places I’ve toured before but I have to say that it has just gotten more enjoyable. Sustainable development at its best. I hope it continues in the future so other people can experience it too. The 4x4 ride along the sand dunes: EPIC! The night musical fountain show just outside Calle Crisologo: AMAZING!

I guess the biggest achievement I had this year was finally getting my Master’s degree. God knows it’s one year overdue. I’m so glad it’s over. Let’s just say that grad school is fun until it’s not anymore. Maybe I’ll write about it in the future. Maybe I won’t.

There were many things I wanted to write about. The problem is that my lazy self sometimes put it off until I don’t have the words anymore. I’m so disappointed with myself when I think about it. (Hahaha...) I’ll try though— this year at least. Words are very important. I don’t know if people even bother to read it. But it is one way of showing how blessed a life can be. Life may not be perfect, but what is? Maybe I’ll share more about that too. I’m looking forward to it. 30, 40, 50 years from now (If I even last that long) when I read this, I’ll know that I became old and tired living a happy and full life. What a wonderful life it is!