2010: Some Good, Interesting Madness.

“May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful, and don’t forget to make some art–write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself.”

– Neil Gaiman

Each year, for the past 4 now, I have been using the quote above as a measure of how I lived my life during the past 365 days…and likewise, it also serves as my guide for next year. I love how it is filled with optimism and wonderful words…and I am bracing myself, especially for the surprising-myself part. ; )

To be honest, 2010 was a tough and challenging year for me. It paved the way for a lot of changes and new experiences–some, I was ready for, and most, not quite. But if anything, it was a bittersweet melange of highs and lows, of epiphanies and yes, a bit of downfalls too. It was crazy; a whirlwind of sorts. I felt that I was carried by a tidal wave: I soared to peaks, plummeted, moved with the current, and ended up washed ashore; not really unconscious, but my, what a dangerous ride it has been. And I feel lucky that I survived–cuts and bruises included.

I learned so much about life this year, that laying it down in words could be deemed an impossible task! I can genuinely say that I grew up and that I know better now. I still have so much to learn in this life, but 2010 taught me how to be brave and strong, and it gives me enough comfort and security to keep soldiering on to 2011 and the years to come.

And so, allow me to go all cliche and say that now a chapter has come to a close, a new one unfolds. : ) It’s always good to remember the best parts of 2010. I am also quite happy that I have, in fact, read some fine books, kissed someone who thought I was wonderful, made some art, and most importantly, LIVED.

1. Read some fine books: CHECK!

I remember turning the pages of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone when I was 9 years old, and closing the 7th book with a WTF expression on my acne-strewn 15-year old face. Albus Severus? You gotta be kidding me $^&$%^# (profanity follows). I spent a good 2 and a half months re-reading the Harry Potter series because I admit that it was a very influential set of books. I revisited it 1) for kicks 2) because the last movie was coming out 3) because I felt the need for Magic in my life again. I was growing old, my life was getting boring, I needed Harry Potter. : )

And golly, was totally blown away! It’s really different reading Harry Potter as a 20-year old adult. You realize how much you’ve grown up and missed how it felt like to play breathtaking Quidditch, to cast Levitation Spells, and being true to yourself especially in the face of adversity. Reading Harry Potter was a breath of fresh air in life. I really, really enjoyed reliving the magic. ; )

Another life-changing read I stumbled upon was Looking for Alaska by John Green. A friend of mine recommended it to me, and it was both heartbreaking and very, very moving. This is where I learned about finding my Great Perhaps! : ) Beautiful work.

2. Kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful: CHECK!

This year tested me with the experience of a long-distance relationship (ick). : ( Mico stayed in the States for three months!!! I was trying to fight the negative thoughts about the possible “drifting” and so-and-so, making the most of Skype, YM and emails. It was a tough cookie at times, but in the end, all was well. We turned 2 years last November and we’re stronger than ever. : )

3. Write: CHECK!

I tried my best to fit in time to write, and fortunately, I have! : ) I am admittedly a slow writer because I am very OC when it comes to punctuation and grammar (but I know I still have so much to learn and I still make tons of errors, hahaha). Though I blogged more during college/high school, I could say that my writing has been more substantial and not just a reflection of my whiny persona. Which, I think, is a sign of improvement. Heh. : p

4. Draw: X

‘Nuff said since I have nothing! : ( Will make more time for this in 2011. ; )

5. Build: CHECK!

I want to put “build” in a different context if that’s alright. : ) I did a fair amount of stuff in 2010 to hone my creativity. Given the nature of my job, though in the creative industry, it can be quite structured and very demanding. I had a scarce amount of me-time, so I tried my best to fit in a bit of projects here and there, just so my life doesn’t go bland. ; )

Pre-graduation, I tried my luck with baking in my efforts to buy a new hard drive for my laptop so I baked LOTS of cookies and sold them in school! And viola! I guess people liked them cause I was able to earn more than enough! : ) It was both fun and tiring…but the best part was that I got to eat all the leftover chocolate chips at 4 in the morning! : )

I also took a shot at photography. I don’t really own a DSLR, and I know nothing about film photography. I like taking pictures though because they’re fun (and I enjoy using Photoshop, mehehe). : D I’m glad that I got a sweet Lumix LX3 camera as my graduation gift, therefore putting an end to my camera-less days (my last camera was stolen!). I did some “shoots” this year, and here are some of my works:

1. Den and Migz + baby in the belly!!! : ) : ) : )

2. Kata! She wanted a “loud” shoot. Perfect for her very vivacious personality. : )

3. Isa. For whom I chose a more vintage, serene treatment.

Among others, I also made a Welcome-Home-Mix CD Sleeve for Mico and I carved a pumpkin for Halloween! : )

6. Sing: I’d like to think it’s CHECK!

Well I DID sing alright, especially during Dashboard Confessional’s concert here in Manila! I came to work the next day with a DC-high and a very sore throat. It was worth it. : )

7. LIVE AS ONLY YOU CAN: CHECK!

Two of my groundbreaking moments this year were:

1. GRADUATION!!! I bid farewell to 16 years of SCHOOL. Although I still plan to take up further studies, Ateneo was a blast. It was a very memorable way to cap off those 4 great years. : )

2. MY FIRST JOB!!! I will always be grateful to my McCann family. : )

So that’s a wrap, 2010! You were tricky, pretentious, and a bit messy, but in the end, you turned out to be a fine, and fruitful learning experience! I love you, still. : )

And at the stroke of midnight, 2011 will commence. I have a good feeling about the new year…I really do! I know there will be a lot of good madness, more breathing space, more time to make some art, and I really, really believe that 2011 holds a lot of beautiful surprises waiting to be discovered. ; )

HAPPY, HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!!! : )