Honestly I never knew what's so magical about 'new year' because the sun still rises and the day still goes on. I don't see the difference between the old and the new year AND it always takes me almost a month to get used to writing the dates right.

But my 2017 had been great. On hindsight, it would be the year that I've learned the most. Not so much of major changes, but I guessed i had finally settled down and knew myself better.

I've looked back on my 2017 resolutions last year and I'm very happy to say that I've done most of them.

First, travelling. I did quite a bit of exploring this year, considering that uni has been mad crazy with thesis writing and all.

Went to Europe during sem break. Had so many adventures with Dorrain for the first 10 days. Drove a SUV with a sun roof, which is a bad idea in the summer heat, in the windy roads of Corse. Using dried cow dung to open beers. Then on to Paris and then Lyon. Had my first ensuite room alone. Enjoyed my bath time, soaking my legs, rolling on big fluffy beds. Went for a conference, met writers from textbooks i've used in uni, and participated in conferences. Had some time alone in Lyon, and had a tiny taste of solo travelling.

So I embarked on a solo trip to Japan for 5 days after uni. It was amazing. I loved every single second of it. I loved having time alone, I loved staying in capsule hotels, I loved immersing myself in the culture and the place without having to care about anything else. Most of all, I enjoyed being me, alone.

Granted, travelling with people would be a whole new different level of fun but I think travelling solo might be something I would like to do more often.

In midst of these travelling, I went back to Singapore as much, trying to plan my stopovers in SG. Also came back for a weekend for my cousin's wedding and bb's baby shower. That cut a bit close to end sems examinations and thesis submission but I was glad I went back. I needed the refuge of home, a bit of time off from the pressures of uni, and i appreciated not having to do anything. But then I also learned the lesson of the year which is to not do everything last minute sometimes. I didn't checked in, and confidently thought my flight was at 10pm when it was at 8pm. Missed my flight totally and had to a new ticket back to Brisbane because of the supervisors' meeting I had the next day.

2017 was also the year of roadtrips because trips in Australia were mostly by car. Airlie beach was great with friends but we got into an accident en route to the airport and nearly missed our flight . Drove to Byron for a quick weekend short getaway. Drove down to Sydney with the rents and nearly died halfway there. 30 minutes seemed such a joke when you've seen 5hrs estimated time on your GPS. Drove up the bundy where I saw miracles of life as the turtle lays her eggs.

Spent christmas in Brisbane, away from home but through that, i've got a new perspective. I still believe there's a reason for everything.

I graduated from uni, with pretty much unicorns and flying colours so resolution achieved tyvm.

I took up a new hobby - yoga though it wasn't listed as one of those.

I did not continue swimming but ish okay, I believe I can get through life surviving on life jackets.

And i'm so thankful for what I have in 2017, and God has really gave me lots of favour with everything. Ready for 2018 and what I would say, a new phase of my life. Finally done with school, and entering the working world. I'm not sure if id like what i find, but i guess that's what adulting is about.

So instead of resolutions, I feel like I should state what I wanna achieve this year.

1. Stop splurging. Time to adult and plan my finances. It was always difficult for me to restrain my spending though i dont feel like i'm a shopaholic or spendthrift. Money was, and still is, something that is earned and to be spent. A meal that cost 3 bucks and 300 bucks, if it's something i like, means the same to me. And that goes the same for everything. So it has been hard for me to relate to what is counted as expensive. The best analogy I always give myself is how many plates of ananas chicken rice can it buy? But my answer always is: how many things can bring you happiness?

But I guess it has been obvious enough that God wants me to learn something. Throughout the year, and throughout my travelling, it's apparent that earning money is hardwork, and I should be appreciative of what I have.When i started packing up to leave home for home, i realised how much stuff i have, and these are all materialistic wants. I can do with so little in life because i have been living with just a suitcase and I did fine.

2. Continue with Yoga just so I don't give up on something halfway because of life. I love yoga time because I get to isolate myself in my little bubble and tune in to my body.

3. Adjust back to SG life and dig myself out of my little bubble. But at the same time, to not be pressurised by everything in SG and remain zen. LOL

Overall, 2017 was absolutely amazing and a great end to the first phase of my life. With the end so great, i'm a bit apprehensive to start 2018 and my second phase of life but i don't think i have a choice. Suck it up, and bring it on.