What a year. Right now, I'm somewhere in Malaysia--most likely Kuala Lumpur--enjoying my winter break, but I wanted to take a moment to reflect on everything this past year.
My year of firsts. More firsts than I thought possible. At the start of 2015 I summarized 5 big things that were coming. Looking back now, those were only the tip of the iceberg. Here is a list of some of the big FIRSTS for the year (in chronological order):
- First time going to a job fair. I had my first Skype interview for a job and ended up accepting the position a few days later.
- First time in a musical production.
- First Tattoo. Dear friends who didn't yet know I got a tattoo. Surprise. I got one with my mum and sister on Valentine's Day, 2015.
- First time on a plane. In March, I flew to the UK to learn about their school system and visit my family. Since that trip, I have now been on 19 planes.
- So that was my first time in England, Scotland and Wales. As well as my first time meeting some of my extended family.
- My trip to Scotland also featured my first couchsurfing experience.
- I don't know if finishing my Bachelor of Ed can count as a 1st, but I'll include it in this list as it's own milestone moment.
- My first big trip to the USA. I was gone for about a month and I visited 5 states. This trip included my first trip to Disney World and Universal Studios, my first time visiting numerous friends in person, and my first time riding a horse bareback.
- My first surgery--while small, they did put me to sleep to remove my wisdom teeth.
- First time moving to a new country doubled as my first trip to a non-English-speaking country. Hello Korea. I'm so glad we met. Let's be friends.
- My first mountain summit was Hallasan on Jeju.
- The first 10k race. I still can't believe how hard it was. Those orem were no joke.
- Coming back to my first tropical Christmas and my first Christmas on a mountain.
And to think, this list is composed of only some of the highlights. I have tried so many new foods and I have explored so many new places around Jeju and mainland Korea. There is just so much to see and do, I can't imagine not exploring; not adventuring.
I raise my metaphoric glass to you all and wish you all the best in 2016. May there be even more new moments and experiences on the horizon.
Love and Hugs,
Rae