2019 IN WORDS .

Comes the end of yet another year. 2019 to me feels like a long roller-coaster ride filed with a variety of experiences, which also at times, seemed to me that time is flying by quickly at the same time as well. It hasn't been an easy year, it wasn't all good nor was it all bad. All I'm thankful for is that I've survived this year, and is ready to receive and see what 2020 has in store for me.

Many new milestones and chapters this year - ORD, going overseas (with my friends as well!!) and also starting my degree school life at NTU. And also attending concerts lol think I went to like 4 concerts this year? Starting the year with Taeyeon's 1st concert in Singapore, with like HallyuPopFest and GFRIEND's concert, then ending the year again with IU's 2nd concert here - even making a promise to see her again next year.

Start of the year in January, celebrated my 22nd birthday with friends - always thankful for MY friends who are always there for me, and also attended Taeyeon's concert!! It was my FIRST time using the GG Bong so it was really exciting and as expected, Taeyeon's performances were world-class.


February was the month of Chinese New Year and it was all as happening as per past year and I also made love letters with my friends for the first time over at Aaron's house - it was a really fun experience. This was also the month which I had a lot in mind, and ended up being in a rather down mood, with many instances of being insecure and just being "not enough" for others. It was a time were I kept doubting myself and ended up being in a small slump.

The subsequent months in was also exciting as I got to meet Yoona again at the Innisfree event (and also took a photo with Q2HAN!!!) And also the formation of HOT.T - MY GROUP LOL really thankful for Don and JJ as it's really nice to find people with similar interests and hobbies as you and can vibe well together. April was a month of hellos and goodbyes as it was another round of ORD chalet and it was one which I felt really proud of as part of the planning team! It was also a bittersweet farewell period and I even shed tears (lol) but I'm just always grateful for the friends I met in NS. Also went on a cruise trip to Penang and Langkawi, which was a much needed short getaway. Ended May on a high note attending HallyuPopFest 2019, seeing KARD once again, together with other amazing artistes.

June was a month of adapting and transition, as I prepared for ORD, going for wisdom tooth operation, and clearing leaves - it was actually bittersweet but that all has to end. ORD was a milestone which many had looked forward to, and I was looking forward to it as well, which I had mentioned in my previous ORD post. It was a time which I cherished and is thankful for. Thankful for the experience, thankful for the people I met and even more thankful for the memories that I will not forget.

After ORD, went on an trip to Taiwan for like 8 days with some of my army friends!! It was probably one of the most exciting thing that has happened this year and I really enjoyed the time spent together and always filled with laughter and fun all day all night. I realised I didn't blog about my travel trips this year but it's better expressed with photos and vlogs on my social media. Really love the vibe in Taiwan and can't wait to go back again. Attended GFRIEND's concert with Don the day after our Taiwan trip and it was really eye-opening. GFRIEND indeed the queen of performances and live vocals.

August was the start of a new chapter as I started my degree education over at NTU, taking Sociology as my main major and the past semester was an insightful yet somewhat tiring one - it actually felt like it has been a year already, guess that's why this year felt long because of the transition from NS to Uni all happening this year. Sociology as a study is actually very abstract, more abstract than what I have expected but it's quite interesting I guess. Thankful for amazing friends for helping each other to keep on going through the semester - the assignments, presentations, finals etc. Just hoping that the next semester would be smooth and breeze because I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE LONG BREAK. The remaining months of the year was just filled with trying to squeeze time for readings, rushing assignments and studying sociology concepts for the finals.

September was also a fun month as Howei celebrated her 21st birthday, not once but TWICE LOL with a chalet celebration and a yacht party!! It was my first time on a yacht and it was an experience and so glad that my friends are just as extra so we can literally have a mini photoshoot on that day. Also attended the Early Childhood 20th anniversary in NP in November - it was really nice to catch up with friends and the lecturers as well!!

The final month of the year was just a time to get to reunite and catch up with friends, especially after finals, to rewind and relax. Attended IU's 2nd concert in Singapore - a year after the first (I'm sorry I didn't blog about this yet) but as usual, IU's concert was a healing time and I'm just really inspired and can't wait to see her again in 2020. Went on a JB day trip with Jonas and Dagny and man, it's been 10 years since we were friends since Sec 1! Immensely blessed for them and also went on another family trip to Malacca for a short 3 days.

This year especially had allowed me to grow stronger mentally and emotionally and I am more than blessed to be surrounded by friends who stand by me all the time and willing to put out a helping hand or a listening ear when things has not been easy for me. Most of the times I just feel like my insecurities and emotions get in the way of my thoughts and I end up overthinking way too much.
Not going to lie but there were a few times this year where I felt like giving up the things I had just because I was too tired to deal with such situations. I'm just glad I've let things go and not fret about it too much, although there are times when I still think about the possible "what-ifs" in my head.

I became much more aware of myself mentally and the importance of having a positive outlook because of several cases of celebrity deaths and also hearing stories of personal struggles from friends, allowing me to understand the importance of mental health. It's okay to feel sad, it's okay to cry. This is so important because society these days expect so much of someone, and always see things on a rather superficial side but actually everyone has days and down times so it's always not the perfect picture we see every time. Things may not be easy, but just slow down and breathe. Rest our minds, cry out if we have to. This is something I'm learning too, because we somehow have to always "be fine" and hardly show our true inner vulnerable self to others, but it is just how society works, following the norms of society.

Last year, I have mentioned in my post as well that I have always been doubting myself alot. Although there are many times this year too, which I doubt my decisions and all, but I would like to give myself a pat on my back because I tried, to step out of my comfort zone, and to do the things I want, and to be more confident and adopting a more positive mindset to approach situations.

But there are many situations which I felt very frustrated and upset at myself, for being myself, that is. I guess I still have a lot to learn, to be a better person, better friend, yet not lose myself in the process.

You did well this year, Ming Chong. Let's soar in 2020 as well x
Have a happy new year (and decade)!