Farewell 2010 – Personal Highlights for the Year That’s About to End

December 29, 2010 — Daryl Pan, Jay Chou, Singapore MRT, Hong Kong, Marina Bay Sands, Yorkie, Yorkshire terrier, HK, James Ingram, James Ingram in Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa, Krispy Kreme, catholic church Singapore, Horlicks, Horlicks McFlurry, Ritz Carlton Sunday brunch, Brunch 78, 53A, 53A band, iPhone, iPhone 4, Twitter, St Teresa Church, Saint Teresa, Saint Teresa Church, Catholic Church Kampong Bahru, St Teresa kids camp, Canticle choir, Canticle choir Singapore, Canticle Choir St Teresa, James Ingram concert in Singapore, Show Luo, Dog training camp, dog obedience class, Brunch 78 Ritz Carlton Singapore, Ritz Carlton Brunch 78, Resorts World, Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, MBS, 53A Singapore, 53A Settle the Kettle, Settle the Kettle, Mapletree Business City, MBC, Mapletree Alexandra, MRT, Circle Line, Singapore MRT Circle Line

It just seemed like yesterday when I was going around the house to chase away the evil spirits of 2009 and usher in 2010.

File photo : Crossover from 2009 to 2010

I can’t believe the year is about to end.

As each year brings its unique sense of joy and disappointment (based on my experience), I thought I’d recap what I think made this year worth remembering. There are many more runners-up to this list but I need to keep it short and sweet.

In random order:

1) Got an iPhone

Yes, I joined the bandwagon and very happy I did. And I’m also glad I’m not addicted to it and I have remained very sociable!

Credit: Apple (taken from www.zdnet.com.au)

2) Joined Twitter

Julu “sold” the idea of joining this social network site to me earlier in the year. Switching to iPhone made sending tweets easier.

3) Travel

3 Countries, 4 Trips

Manila, Philippines – to attend Jak & Jolina’s wedding and catch up with family and friends

Jak & Jolina together forever

Taken at Krispy Kreme in Manila. It was also the time of Philippine elections during my visit.

Hong Kong, SAR – 2x

May 2010 with my sister -- Last time my sister went to HK was in 1988. She wanted Barbie dolls then. Now it's H&M.

Traveled solo in Nov 2010 - Also met up with HK friends

Shanghai, China – Business trip but managed to catch up with Daryl over dinner on National Day.

DP with his unique undercut hairstyle in August.

4) Church

Sang the Responsorial Psalm for the 1st time — Was nervous but my choirmates were very supportive.

Volunteered as a part-time facilitator in the parish kids’ camp

It’s been ages since I was involved in an activity for kids (I did a bit of volunteer work in early 2009 for kids with learning development needs). It’s great to see and feel the energy and enthusiasm of children — I felt younger at least for one day! Thanks Ben & Eve for inviting me to participate.

Helped organise my choir’s National Day celebration — Everyone had fun (adults & kids alike). My first National Day-related party / gathering.

5) Concerts

James Ingram

Show Luo – 3D concert

Jay Chou

6) Family & Home

Auleine’s timely graduation from her “Early Childhood Development” course — Now she is Teacher Ollie to a few (almost) 2-year old kids! Congratulations!

Sophie’s 1st birthday and dog training several months after

Celebrated Thanksgiving for the 1st time — Yes, we have a lot to be thankful for year in, year out but this is officially our first family Thanksgiving party. We’d like to set this as an additional family tradition every year.

The biggest bird that landed on our dining table in 2010

With Julu, Eugene, and Veria

7) Gastronomic adventures around Singapore

Food trips during weekends — Truly the best time to try new places and gain some calories. This collage doesn’t do justice at all.

Horlicks McFlurry — The best thing that ever happened to McFlurry. McDonald’s people, please bring this back in 2011!

Brunch 78 — 78-meter spread of delights on a Sunday afternoon with free-flowing champagne. Went 2x. Thanks Tina for introducing this fantastic event to me.

1st time was with Karen and Nat

2nd time was with Julu and Karl

8 ) Singapore : Home Truly

Integrated Resorts — I had no direct involvement with their construction nor opening but Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa opening their doors to the public is definitely a boost for Singapore tourism. I went to Marina Bay Sands SkyPark 2-3x this year!

Resorts World Sentosa

Marina Bay Sands

53A — Discovered the band during my rounds and they’re brilliant artists. Will continue to support local talent!

With Sara, Alvin, and Bani -- Taken during one of their roadshows to promote their 1st album "Settle the Kettle"

Moved to a new office (same company) – From 4 locations, we are merged into one office site. Modern facilities and conducive for agile working. Most importantly, closer to home (a few bus stops away).

I tried walking home during the first few weeks (10-minutes). I eventually decided to take the bus home instead and save time. Heh.

Opening of the Circle Line — Well, “half-circle” but this promises to be big by 2011. This is the first MRT line I’ve seen open since I moved to Singapore 4.5 years ago.

My sister and I tried a few stations when the Circle Line opened.

Hope your 2010 was memorable too!