2021 has passed. Here is a consolidation of the numerous events that have happened in my life over the past year. 

2021 has been a year where major life changing decisions were made. I left my job at MOE. I got married. I bought a resale flat. Three major decisions I have made. 

Leaving MOE has always been part of the plan, in order for me to achieve my grander aspiration of freedom. I reiterate my intense desire for complete autonomy and to have absolute control over how I choose to spend my time. These were impossible over the past 2 years. But with my departure, they are now realizable. The memories, experiences and people that I have met and worked with in Yuhua Secondary School - they will always occupy a place in my heart. It was my first official job as an adult after all. My first time as a full fledge teacher, handling a full class of 30 something students. I am certain that in the not too distant future, recollecting these memories will bring about a smile of reminiscence. But for now, I am relieved that I am no longer bounded to the schedules of the timetable. I am no longer a participant of any group chats. I no longer have to do the things I do not like to do. I am no longer a part of any committee, department or CCA. I am no longer associated with any school or organization. My phone no longer buzz with work notifications. I am no longer obligated nor beholden to anyone or anything. I am now free - one year earlier than expected.

I got married at 29. Frankly speaking, I did not expect to get married before 30. I have had 3 relationships prior to marriage. The first one didn't last very long. The second one lasted 3 years before being unilaterally torn down. The third one should last a life time. I cherish what I have right now, and am looking forward to spending the rest of my life with my wife. With optimism, I look towards the journey ahead, hopeful for more beings being added to our nascent but hopefully burgeoning family. Four more additions would be perfect.

We have also just gotten a place of our own. A 5room resale flat. A considerable amount was invested to renovate and design the place. It was a complete makeover from the original state. I am eager to move in, to tastefully embellish and furnish the space, to make it homely. We are in the final stretch of renovation works, and all should be completed soon. We hope to move in by the Chinese new year. I really hope for life to be what I envisage it to be. On hindsight, I got married and bought a place, a year earlier than expected. 

All the above mentioned events would not have been possible without the proper financing power. At the background, my personal investments continue to bear fruits. Financially, it has been another fruitful year. I am really thankful for the blessings I have received. To be able to stumble upon this investment opportunity at the prefect time was definitely no coincidence. In his infinite wisdom, these were all intentionally conceived to be. Being on board this opportunity has changed not only my life, but those of my family. Without which, it would be impossible to make the decisions I have made this year. Once again, I would like to give thanks to the Lord, and always remind myself, that I am but a steward of this resources. At this present moment, I am unaware of the larger purpose of these resources and how it should be utilized. But I must not use it as fuel for personal pleasure or decadent indulgence. It must be used meaningfully to glorify the Lord.

I guess 2021 has been a good year. The only blight will be the unfortunate withdrawal again from steroids. I hate to say this, but I am probably going through a withdrawal of sorts. Early in 2021, I made the decision to reapply small amounts of steroids on certain more stubborn parts of my skin, to relieve the discomfort and pain. It was a bad choice I guess. Though I can empathize with why I made that decision. I am now suffering a bit of withdrawal. All I hope is that the process's intensity and duration will commensurate the frequency, potency and duration of the steroid application. I am now 2 months into this withdrawal. I really hope it will be kind to me. Having experienced this again, I would like to thank my younger self for embarking, enduring nd completing the harrowing journey many years ago. It wasn't easy. But I am eternally thankful for it. Unfortunately, due to my skin, I am currently not able to enjoy 2022 as I would like to. 2022 will be a transitory year for me. A year I hope to eat healthily. A year I hope to have lots of rest. A year I hope to grow in faith and in maturity. If all goes according to plan, 2023 should be the year that I have been longing for. A year I have envisaged. A year to behold.

Life can only be understood backwards, but it has to be lived forward. This quote is so true. This is why I write a blog. The many questions I have, can only be answered in the future, through the passage of time. One day, my kids will read this blog, and I am sure they will be fascinated and intrigued by what their dad has gone through in his earlier days.  

2022 has come.