The days are fleeting, and in just a few days, we have to say Goodbye to 2024 🙋♀️🙋♂️🙋♀️
In Chinese, we say: 光阴荏苒, 岁月如梭. ⏳⏳⌛
Recently, I sat down in front of the computer, put on my thinking cap and reflected on the highlights of my 2024 😃😃😃
Here they are: my highlights of this year, each falling into one of these two A categories.
Adventures or Achievements.
Adventures include trips, new experiences that brought excitement and joy ☺️☺️☺️
Achievements are made up of accomplishments that reflect growth and efforts, big or small, personal or professional 👍👍👍
Each highlight is easily recognizable and often interconnected. Clickable links (highlighted in red) would add flair to each point (I hope) ☺️☺️☺️
January: Dance to Impress
I joined a dance group in 2023, and we performed at two shows this year, one at Olympia Theatre the other at the prestigious Place des Arts. It was quite an experience. I recorded them in these two posts: A Performance and An Honor.
February: A Trip to Mexico
It was one of the group trips I had this year. We enjoyed a week of endless sun, beach and delicious food. It was my fifth maybe the best winter escape I have experienced.
March: Finally Got My Oral B in French
On March 27, after countless hours of practice and perseverance, I achieved a milestone by earning a "B" in my French oral test. This accomplishment came after 5 or 6 attempts since January 2021—a testament to persistence! I am grateful for so many people who helped me along the way, and I did mention a few names in this article: A Study Plan🍾🍾🍾
April: A Few "Firsts" this Year
From enjoying my first solo trip to Mont Royal to using Bixi for the first time this season, from ranking in the top 5% on Duolingo to exploring the Museum of Fine Arts on my own, I had it all this April, not just A Perfect Weekend. Plus, my daughter's birthday falls in April, and I had a better understanding of the concept The Real Luxuries.🥇🥇🥇
May: A New Career Chapter
Starting May 13, I began a new chapter with the Canada Water Agency. Previously, I had the privilege of working with Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), Shared Services Canada (SSC), and Health Canada (HC). I have met many wonderful colleagues and built-up supportive networks. I also become the organizer of our Monthly Dim Sum 😋😋😋
June: An Active Month
Summer is all about staying active and having fun. From biking, dancing, and playing badminton to visiting parks, hosting kids, and celebrating birthdays, I stayed busy. Yet, we still played cards every weekend, which was always a highlight ♥️♠️♦️♣️
July: Embracing Comfort with Air Conditioning
After enduring heat waves for the past few years, I finally gave in and installed air conditioning this summer. It was a decision long overdue because I have lived in the same place since 2007. The AC has made a room of difference in handling the heat even though I was away from home most of the time. I choose to work in office on weekdays and I am often out over the weekend 😆😆😆
August: A Milestone
Twenty years have passed since I moved to this charming and vibrant city called Montreal and made it my home. This blog writing A Special Day highlighted ten most remarkable moments that have brought me closer to inner peace, personal growth, and happiness 🔟🔟🔟
September: A Few New Additions at Home
This summer, I bid farewell to my stove and fridge, which had faithfully served me since I moved into my condo in 2007
October: A Moroccan Odyssey
October remains my Favorite Month. Last year, we went on a cruise trip, and I saw my daughter just before the trip. This year, we had another memorable adventure: A colorful trip to Morocco
November:
A Special Weekend Trip to New York
From breathtaking city views to exploring iconic spots during a whirlwind weekend—whether in the company of loved ones or simply enjoying my own company—it was undoubtedly a highlight of the year 🗽🗽🗽
Pay off the balance of the mortgage, so I am officially debt free🍾🍾🍾
A long-awaited judgement finally came in, In my son's word: "Congratulations mom! you are a free woman now". 😆😆😆
December:
For the third time since 2022, I hosted a Christmas potluck at my place with 11 guests in total. We enjoyed delicious food, played fun games, and cherished each other's company 🎉🎉🎉🥳🥳🥳
I received a clean bill of health from my annual medical check-up. The doctor's call came around 8 a.m. while I was exercising. I was thrilled to hear that everything is 'normal,' especially after being mindful of my diet. I am glad that my efforts have paid off👨⚕️👨⚕️👨⚕️
I also received a six-month extension from work after my current term ends next March. This journey has truly been an adventure. Along the way, I’ve gained new skills, acquired valuable knowledge, expanded my professional network, and formed meaningful personal friendships 🏢🏢🏢
I’m back on the dating scene, and so far, I’m enjoying the ride. It’s been new and exciting—nothing ventured, nothing gained, right? 😄😄😄
What is your 2024 like? Care to share? I am all ears 👂👂👂
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