I'm back... My 2017 Highlights

I'm back!!!

I was on quite a long break this year. I admit, there were a few months when it felt like I took a sabbatical from life. I focused on getting healthy and I am happy to say that it worked. I am definitely more inspired and more energized, full of excitement for everything that is going on in my life, my passion projects included.

Since I am just getting my blogging groove back, let me make this my 2017 year end post as well.

There are a lot of things I am very thankful for.

1. The start of this year was very difficult for me financially. I don't know what happened, but it sure seemed like for the first few months of the year, all I did was dip into my savings come credit card payment time. I had to actually tighten my belt and NOT SHOP... and this lasted until October. (No wonder I got burned out with life!!! Hahaha). So I am thankful that I not only survived that very dark period this year, fingers-crossed, it seems to be over. Whew!

2. I gained 20+ freaking pounds, a sister in law, and I lost it. The 20+ freaking pounds, not the sister in law, which I am happy to keep. Kasi no return no exchange daw, according to my brother.

This is me and the extra freaking 20+ pounds.

On the rare occasions I posted photos, I had to choose the most flattering

filters, and crop the hell out of my arms.

Welcome to the family Reena!!!

Timmy and Reena's HK Wedding Feb 17, 2017

3. I got the shock of my life when I did my Annual Physical Exam in March and I stepped on the scale. OMG... so that's why I had to give most of my clothes away. I told myself I needed to make a change and get healthier. I decided to give the NutriBullet another try. I found a smoothie recipe I actually liked, and I take it every single day as a meal replacement. I realized that eating a later low calorie breakfast helps, I take my smoothie mid-day with a low calorie snack, then I take the other half at dinner with some protein and a lot of veggies. I feel lighter, more alert, and not deprived at all because I still eat all my favorite food (steak fat and foie gras included).

This is me 20+ pounds lighter. Thank you NutriBullet.

November 2017, 0 degrees weather, Budapest

4. Things were quiet travel-wise on the work front this year. But I was blessed with many travels with family and friends.

The whole family, Timmy and Reena included, with Auntie Celita and Auntie Lilian went to Europe for Holy Week.

Barcelona

Paris

I was able to bring my family to places I've visited before that I really enjoyed.

Lyon

Segovia

We had the best apartment overlooking the Aquaduct.

We ate at all the well known Cochinillo places (so I could blog about which

one is the best, coming soon)... so know you know how I gained 20+ pounds!!!

Marrakech

Where I gave Papa the shock of his life. You can read post on that here.

We visited my boss in Sri Lanka in November.

I've always wanted to visit a Tea Plantation. We not only did that in

Nuwara Eliya, we got to go Tea Plucking too.

Old Town Square in Prague.

I was also able to visit a lot of new places.

Brunei for work.

Visited Melaka with Jay's family and Anelle.

They have the best Christmas Markets in Vienna.

Walking Tour during a snow storm in Bratislava.

Can you spell Budapest?

I got to visit an old favorite too, maybe for the last time.

Painting shopping for the boss at Bogyoke Market

in Yangon.

5. My passion projects are doing well, with the 2018 collection in the works.

I have a new partner in growing Wanderlust online.

I am so glad the training brought us together Kate!

My leather crafting hobby did surprisingly well this 2017.

I already have products in the pipeline for our 2018 collection.

Wanderlust is truly inspired by places, to take you places.

I thank God for the time he gave me this year to recharge and reclaim my health.
I don't know what is in store for 2018 but I continue to pray for the best.

Give Good. I believe in Karma. It will come back. just saying.