Weeks after weeks of hectic work have left me feeling burned out. But I can’t do anything about it for now, as work will only get busier next week during the monthly reporting period. I also need to squeeze in two weeks’ worth of tasks in between, as I’m leaving for Korea in a few weeks.
Speaking of the trip, I haven’t packed at all—because I don’t have anything to pack. I don’t have winter clothes. I thought my only coat, which looked very similar to Sherlock Holmes, was enough. But recently, the girls set me straight; I wouldn’t be able to walk around in single-digit weather wearing it, they said. A puffy winter coat, earmuffs, and padded boots are all on my shopping list, and I only have today to get them all. I am heading to Uniqlo later.
Also, I haven’t pencilled down the trip itinerary yet. I’ve written on post-its and bookmarked places I want to visit, but I haven’t created my usual itinerary chart, which makes me feel unprepared. I plan to do it tomorrow during lunchtime at work.
Also, Amma is here. She saw a cheap return flight deal and decided to make a visit, which is good. Great, actually, because it means home-cooked meals, a warm cup of tea in the evening (brewed in her way, which, however much I tried, I couldn’t master), and other motherly love. I am spending what’s left of my free time with her—going out for coffee, chatting until we fall asleep, and bugging her with questions like “Which characters of Dad do I resemble?” Her answer, “None, you are like me.” “What family gossip did I miss?” “I will fill you in during lunch,” she said. We went for lunch yesterday, and she did. Some were saucy; a few were pathetic, but mostly amusing.
With all these things going on, I will be on hiatus from this blog for a short time so I can focus on last-minute preparations for the trip, spend some quality time with my mommy, and try to work as much as I can to submit the quarterly report before the trip.
One last cliché on 2013: I can’t believe it’s the last week of the year!
2013 has been my base year. I laid the foundation for the significant changes to come; in other words, I didn’t do much this year. Wait, it’s not like I have been lazing around, doing nothing every day (even though that’s my main goal in life); I did travel to Australia, read 26 books, spend more time with my parents, and save a tiny part of my salary, among other things. I am happier with myself, and that’s a significant accomplishment in my book. Okay, enough with self-help talk!
Best Travel Instagrammers to follow in 2014.
Time Machine
🌴 ━ The happenings of this time last year.
Thank you for reading, and wishing you all a very happy 2013!
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