The Year That Was 2024

I think if there's one major change that happened, it would be that the twins started big school. This is major simply because it changed our routine, our schedules. I noticed that they also developed and improved more. Socially, they now have their "besties" and they've gone to friends' parties that let them meet more people outside our circle. 

I was also more intentional with my time last year. Since our schedules were heavily impacted with the kids' school activities, I had to make sure to allot my time wisely. I made sure to be "present" where I am. Putting down my phone so I can just absorb every thing happening right before my eyes. I also chose to prioritize certain things over others. I chose to be stricter with the time my kids and I sleep (yes I am excluding my husband, because he's a different case altogether. LOL.) I was also more conscious of the time I spend in the gym. I choose to workout during my me time, away from the kids, yet give my time some free time to rest and have fun too.

My husband is my partner and my best friend. With that said, I love being around him. We have a lot of fun talking, discussing and just being together. Last 2024, because we know that the kids are older now, we decided to really give priority to date days. We even got to spend a night away from home (thank you Li for looking after the kiddos). Having quality time as husband and wife is so important for us because this is our way of making sure we connect and we get to really talk. When we are home with the kids, it's mom and dad. We don't really get to discuss a lot of things just because the kids always need something from me. So when we go out on dates, we can just focus on talking, and I love that.

This is also a big one because I do admit that I am really a Tiger Mom. I know it, I feel it and I say it out loud. But last year, I really felt like I had to unlearn so many things and one of which is how I look at my kids' academic scores. When Robyn's grades were slipping (and I use "slipping" very loosely as I said I am a tiger mom), my anxiety just jumped through the roof. I was panicing and just felt so desperate, helpless and frustrated. So many people have already expressed their thought on this, and they would always say I really have to change the way I think about grades, as kids nowadays and even how they learn, is so different from how it was before. They said that I have to less worry and just support my children, and to protect my relationship with them as their mother, instead of always nagging them about their studies, because it will affect our mother-child relationship. And so I loosen my reigns a little bit. Asked helped from a tutorial center for a subject I know I'm not a master of. And I saw Robyn grow. Is it because of the tutorial center? Is it because I let her be? Is it because I'm not nagging her as much anymore? I don't know. Whatever it is, she's now more aware of her grades and what she needs to do.

2024 was about protecting my peace. I learned to choose my battles better. I have always been one that will fight for what I think is right and necessary. But not everyone wants to agree with you. Not everyone wants to do the right thing or to act on necessity. Before last year, I would continue talking about it and talking sense to people because I want them to see what I see. However, when they still don't follow or agree, it simply pisses me off. Haha! So I learned to just let it go. As much as it irks me, just let it go. We only have limited energy that I would rather use it for things that matter more, or that would benefit me better.

I'm sure 2025 will bring more adventures, opportunities and challenges to keep us on our toes. I look forward to this with a full heart and God by my side. I'm sure all of these experiences will turn into learnings and memories for us to have. Have a Happy, Healthy and Blessed Year ahead!