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Friday 1 January 2021

Into Twenty-Twenty-One

2020; the year of the pandemic. The year where countries went into lockdown, borders closed, and streets emptied. It is the year that slowed life down a notch, and it is also the year of realization, understanding and deep appreciation.

Well, by far, 2020 felt the most blurry. But, it is also the year that made me questioned myself about what I am doing in and with my life, whether my life is just going to be as such, and how to live every day in order for it to be meaningful. And... I still do not have an answer to all that yet. One step at a time, right? I will slowly figure it all out.. I guess?

As of most years, 2020 started out being hopeful and bright, with many plans in place, a list of things to do and a list of goals to accomplish. 

Chinese New Year Day 1 (新年初一)

It was all going according to plan until corona hit the world and disrupted it all. And eventually, putting a halt to everything that was planned. 

As the virus hit motherland, we entered into "Circuit Breaker" mode in April and had to work from home till further notice. It was a period of panic and uncertainty but, the best thing that came out of it was that my brother returned to Singapore! Though, it was very tiring for him because of the time difference; he had to work in the UK time despite being physically here. Still, having him around always feels better somehow.

Through the Circuit Breaker, almost all amenities were closed except for the essential ones (ie. supermarket, kopitiam, etc). So, other than working (from home), I baked, cooked, watched countless dramas / shows, gamed and exercised just to pass time. Yes, I was that bored. Plus, it was probably the longest I've ever been apart from boyfriend.

More on what I did and how I spent my Circuit Breaker days over at my Circuit Breaker Days (Because of Corona) post !

Also, one thing that I realised during Circuit Breaker was all the beautiful clear blue skies and stunning sunsets. I think my camera and phone album now has a lot photos of those alluring skies.


When Circuit Breaker came to an end in June, my brother left and went back to London. Many people asked me why is that so. Well, he had to because he is working there. So, as much as we were worried for him, we knew that the day would eventually come and all we can do is to see him off at the airport and keep in constant contact thereafter. 

Dad looking at the flight information while waiting for bro to check-in

Initially, we had hopes that our New Zealand trip (at the end of July) can still proceed as plan but nope. The news that our flight was cancelled came in mid-June, so we had to cancel every booking we made earlier in the year. It was quite dejecting when we got the news and I was feeling pretty sad about it because I was super looking forward to it. But what to do? Sigh.

Anyway, as we moved to Phase 2, gatherings of up to 5 people / 5 guests per household were allowed and some amenities were opened. So... First thing first, I made an appointment for both boyfriend and I to get our hair cut, booked as many classes as I can at the gym I had a package with, and scheduled in all the upcoming gatherings. WOOHOO~ The happiness of being able to meet people face-to-face!

Ivan and Raymond's Birthday Celebration

Elaine's Birthday Celebration

Yes, Whiskey also gets to go out more as we move on to Phase 2! And so far, he is the happiest and most excited when we head to Botanic Gardens. Probably because that's where all his doggo-friends are at. Hehe. 

Look at that happy face of his. He was so tired from walking for the entire day until he wanted to be carried around. BUT.. He didn't want to go home just yet.

Photo shot by @jalan_film04.

And now, to the highlight of the year - After 6 years together in a relationship and after 2 years of him planning, sourcing, replanning and putting it all together, boyfriend got down on one knee and proposed on the 26th of August! 

Honestly, I'm shook! Every time I look back at the photos / videos, my heart melts. I'm truly, very much, utterly in awe on how he managed to bring the magic of Disney's fairytale alive that day and it is definitely a memory that I want to remember for life! And, I will. Because as they say it, "what's on the internet is forever", am I right?

Probably one day, in the far future, my great-grandchildren will find this blog and read all about their great-grandma's life. Hehehe. 



Following the proposal was a lot of meet-ups with friends and family because gatherings can still only be in a maximum group of 5. So, we had to split into smaller groups. Well, it is, after all, a joyous occasion and we are both really blessed to receive so many blessings and well wishes from everyone! Next step - Wedding Day! Which we haven't even decided on a date yet. Hehe.

Anyway, since we can't travel any time soon, we finally succumbed into going for a staycation! But the funny thing is that after I booked our staycation at M Social, we attended a virtual event and won ourselves a 1-night stay at M Social! Hahaha. Such coincidence! That calls for a second staycation but probably in 2021 instead. Hmm..


Come December, as usual, both our schedule were the most packed up with gatherings, meet-ups and get-togethers. Afterall, it is the festive season and corona or not, the warmth of the festive season is in the air.

Some "traditions" still remain and yes, by that I meant the usual get-togethers and gift exchanges among friends during Christmas, as well as hosting of the New Year's Countdown Party on New Year's Eve. The only sad part is that since we can only host 8 guests (as of 28 December), still, not everyone is able to get together this year.

Hopefully, we are able to host everyone next year, but for now, we shall work with what we are given.

Pandemic or not, always celebrating Christmas with baes.

Oh, what an odd year has 2020 been! To close this chapter on 2020, here's a photo with our masks on to commemorate the year of the pandemic which made putting on a mask mandatory.


Okay, so now it comes to the part where I set some resolution for the new year. For 2020, my resolutions involves constant effort and of all the resolutions I set for myself, I am proud to be able to check off more than half of them and the reason that I am able to do that is largely because of corona. So that's another good thing out of it, I guess?

So, for 2021, most of my resolutions revolve around being a better person (both emotionally and physically) as a whole. Health will still continue to be my priority, with an addition of my wellness in line, and moving down the list of my 2021 resolutions would be to stop putting off plans and follow through them for the things that I've set out to do a long time ago.

Well, I'm still figuring out many things as I go by, bit by bit, one step at a time, and 2021 is the year that I set out to do more. So,  please be a great one, 2021.