The year of 2020. What a year it has been. A year that brought me a lot of joy, sadness, anxiety, warmth and so much more. Let me break it into months and reminisce the year of 2020.
Tough times never last, but tough people do.
Robert H.Sculler
JANUARY
Ushering in the year with Me Clinic
Soon after we ushered in the new year, things were pretty busy at work. From attending events, to gatherings and travel locally and a trip to Singapore. Everyone was ushering in the Lunar New Year.
At that time, we heard of the news that a strain of a new virus hit Wuhan in China badly. I didn’t think the start of a pandemic is creeping up on the world…yet.
FEBRUARY
February was bittersweet. It was a painful month for my family & me. We lost a very young family member due to an automobile accident. Writing this and looking back, it still teared me up thinking of her.
I took comfort in knowing that she lived a full life. She’s a very happy girl and nothing can make her sad for a long time. It is painful to see her go and it still hurts to think about her today but it does get easier to cope with the pain, as time passes.
Nothing loved is ever lost or perished.
Madeleine L’Engle
Beautiful lanterns in Hoi-An Vietnam.
The sweet part in February was being able to celebrate birthdays with my love ones and a few very close friends. I even got a chance to visit Hoi-An, Vietnam, for the 1st time. I really liked Hoi-An! I’ve been wanting to write about my discovery of Hoi-An and I think I should at some point. Bear with me. I’ll get to that.
Plum Blossom & not Cherry Blossom.
Right after Hoi-An, I managed to slip in another trip-of-the month with my girlfriend – Agnes (Once Over Lightly). Didn’t think this trip to Japan will be the last trip-of-the-year! Now that I look back, I’m glad we made it to this trip, as it is an unforgettable one for the both of us.
We went to Tokyo and Kawaguchi-ko. It was my first time to Kawaguchi-ko and I loved it! It’s so beautiful and such a serene place. Tourists were really minimal as the pandemic picked-up pace at this time. We both tried to be vigilant during our travels by wearing mask everywhere we went and washed our hands often.
MARCH
Yet another teeth clenching month. Dad had a major surgery beginning of the month. Mom and I helped him out due to his mobility set-back after the surgery. We frequented the hospital during this time as the doctor needed to monitor his healing process.
He got so much better in about 2 weeks and right around the end of the 2nd week, the Prime Minister of Malaysia declared a national lockdown due to the pandemic. I drove back home that evening, with much uncertainties, not knowing when I’ll be able to see my parents again. I hoped & prayed Dad will have a smooth recovery and Mom will be able to hold the fort down for the both of them.
APRIL, MAY, JUNE
Well, nothing much besides staying at home these 3 months. I’m sure you know what I mean, since the world went on a lockdown as well. What did you do during these times?
In fact, I had some good times during the lockdown. I made sure I blogged about 10 things to do during Covid19 quarantine, so that I can look back on it with fond memories. Things kind of slowed down a whole lot during this time for me and I really enjoyed that pace.
In that 3 months, my husband and I had 1 major argument due to making the Dove Haircare video. I’m still so glad I had that opportunity to make that video as it is now one of my favorite shampoo & conditioner.
I’m also glad I picked up journaling the beginning of the year. During the lockdown, I had been penning my thoughts, ideas and feelings down on my journal. It felt stress-free because I don’t have to compete with anyone or my contents need to comply to a certain algorithm in order to gain more followers. Well, I guess sometimes the traditional way isn’t too bad after all.
I can safely say that in these 3 months, Coffee was the happiest in the household. He get to spend the most time with us! Lets just say, I’m contented in spending time with my love ones during this time.
JULY
Mom made dumplings for me!
At the end of June, the lockdown has been slowly lifted and the first place I went was to visit my parents. Mom even bought and cooked my favorite food. I guess they missed my presence too.
Traffic was really light and I loved it! Crowds at the mall was minimal too during that time. I even managed to shop for some items I love, went for a massage and continued journaling.
AUGUST
Advent Image Management ffice akeover.
I had an office makeover for Advent Image Management. I wanted to keep it simple and also to do the very first makeover series for Advent. The video-shoot was a great success and I was very pleased. If you want a makeover or get a consultation, drop me an email (yen@advent-image.com).
SEPTEMBER
Events were all cancelled after March and social gathering wasn’t allowed yet during this time. So, I spent a lot of time reading. I’m a really slow reader but by now, I’ve read quite a few books. This year I managed to read 4 books.
- Where The Crawdads Sing – Delia Owens
- The Traveling Cat Chronicles – Hiro Arikawa
- Last Tang Standing – Lauren Ho
- After You – Jojo Moyes
I’ll continue to read more and target to read 2 extra books in the year of 2021.
Covid19 cases were under control at that time and we were allowed to travel inter-state. My husband and I, along with some friends managed to go for a diving trip in Redang Island. Even though we can’t travel overseas just yet, I’m glad we got to travel and had a taste of nature. FREEDOM!!!
OCTOBER, NOVEMBER
In October, I had my very first invitation to watch a fashion show online by Miu Miu. This is nothing new to me as I’ve been invited by Burberry and Dior before. Somehow this time, it feels different because almost everyone who used to attend the fashion weeks also had to watch it online, together with me.
By the end of October, Malaysia had another control movement. It’s like a lockdown but with less restrictions. Anyhow, the numbers kept rising, regardless of the control movement. At the end, it’s up to us to take care of ourselves.
I stayed home quite a bit and avoided crowded places. Since I stayed home a lot, I believe TV was the best investment this year. I had never watched so many movies and TV series at home. This year summed up all those years that I’ve missed out on watching TV.
DECEMBER
Justin Yap x Diva in Me - Noël & Love & Hope (Christmas Limited Edition Self-care Box)
My favorite month of the year because my birthday falls on this month! Well, somehow this month was the busiest in 2020. Diva In Me hit yet another milestone. I’ve always wanted to create something meaningful and practical for others.
My wish came true and Diva In Me collaborated with Justin Yap Atelier to come up with two Christmas Limited Edition Self-care Boxes – Noël and Love & Hope. We carefully picked the right scent and curated it to suit you and the season.
I’m truly blessed and very grateful to be able to celebrate my birthday with those who made efforts in celebrating it with me. I received many presents and somehow those presents are very useful. It goes to show that my family and friends knows me well.
Last year, I wished that 2020 will be a fulfilling year. After going through 2020, was it still fulfilling? I believed so. 2020 has taught me to be tough, resilient and to realize what is important in my life. In the end, nothing can replace good health and love from people you care for. 2020 hasn’t been easy so thank yourself for how far you’ve come!
Today, I wish you a Happy New Year. May 2021 be a healthy & joyful year for you.
