Hello, everyone! Once again, I am back with another year-end post. I noticed that I have already been doing this for ten (10) years since I started in 2014. A great dedication on my part, I guess?
Anyway, this year, for me, is so eventful, more than I thought it would be.
If you're curious, feel free to read more.
@vanananice My year-end entry for 2024! #BGC #VeniceGrandCanal #Manila #FirstLeisureTravel #FirstSoloPlaneTravel #ValenciaCity #LakeApo #OzamizCity #ClarinMisamisOccidental #IBP #ExemplaryBarPasser #Braces #bracesjourney #lawyer #lawyerlife ♬ 2024 mashup recap - nathaellabat
As you can see, I hopped into the year-end trend on Tiktok. I kid you not, I actually edited this for more than five (5) hours since choosing pictures and videos takes a lot of time for me. But anyway, for the remainder of this post, I will just write a summary of the highlights of this year, and if you want a visual context, you may just refer to my Tiktok video above.
I will also talk more about other highlights which I did not include on my year-end Tiktok video, so, here it goes.
January 2024 - First Notarial Commission Renewal
I just had my first renewal for my notarial commission. I included this as a highlight because, aside from this being my first renewal, this marks my almost two (2) years in practice as a lawyer at this time, as I have reached the end of my previous notarial commission which is usually within two (2) years. So, this is an achievement for me.
February 2024 - First Leisure Travel at BGC
I had my first leisure travel at the Bonifacio Global City (BGC), as well as the Venice Grand Canal. My previous travels outside the city, particularly in Manila, were for bar operations back when I was in law school, and an oath-taking for Bar passers back in 2022, which is why I call this a leisure travel, considering that all I did in BGC and Venice Grand Canal was explore and meet up with my friends. It was worthwhile, and I want to do it again soon. I am really thankful for this opportunity to travel, and I hope that I'll get to have more of these travels soon.
March 2024 - Crystal Bracelets
I was fascinated with crystal bracelets, and it all started when a tiger eye bracelet caught my eye at the mall during Chinese New Year, so I bought more of the other bracelets since I was told that these have their own benefits. I did notice that they had an effect on my life though, but there is really nothing to lose if we believe in these things. I am just happy that I get to have these pretty bracelets. Hihi
April 2024 - Fitness Journey
I have been using my treadmill more since I wanted to lose weight, and I guess I did, since from fifty-one (51) kilos, I am now forty-nine (49) kilos. I am loving my figure lately, but I am targeting to lose two (2) kilos more. Although I neglected using the treadmill along the way, I still made it a point to eat as little as possible. but I did not succeed every time. Haha
May 2024 - Winning a case
I have won another case, and this time, as a Private Prosecutor. This is one of the first cases I handled as a new lawyer back in 2022, and I am glad that I won it in the end. Thank You, Lord.
June 2024 - First Solo Plane Travel and First Time Ninang
This was a very last-minute travel because I had only been invited three (3) days before my baby nephew's baptism. Nevertheless, I am really thankful for this experience since it allowed me to travel solo by plane and become a Ninang or Godmother at a baptism. I was also finally able to meet my baby nephew for the first time, as well as my brother's partner and her extended family, who were so accommodating, and I felt so welcome. It was a very nice experience for me, and I am thankful. I am also glad that I had a safe flight, and that everything went well during my travel. It was not bad for my first time traveling alone.
July 2024 - Chickenpox Journey
I did not include any pictures or videos of this highlight on my Tiktok video since we all know that chickenpox does not look good. Either way, maybe I will post another Tiktok video about my chickenpox journey, but that will be for another time.
Anyway, I would like to tell you that I was in denial when I was first diagnosed with chickenpox, since I knew for a fact that I was vaccinated, that I did not have any fever, and that my red bumps did not itch at all. But, my dermatologist told me that since my red bumps look like chickenpox, they are indeed chickenpox. Because of this diagnosis, I ended up not reporting to work for more than two (2) weeks, which kinda took a toll on my finances. I already spent a lot on my abrupt Manila travel, but I guess everything happens for a reason.
I am just glad that I had chickenpox now since I will most certainly not get it again soon. I am also glad that it did not ruin my face and body that much since I only had very few scars. So, yes, I had a very mild case of chickenpox. I am thankful that it was not severe, so, maybe I am lucky. But, to tell you honestly, I was at my lowest during this time and felt very guilty since there was a high chance that I was already contagious when I went to meet my baby nephew, and when I reported to work immediately thereafter. Thankfully, though, no one else caught my chickenpox, so, I guess it is all good.
August 2024 - First time with Braces
- First time at Valencia City, Bukidnon
I bounced back a bit with my finances during this time, so I got braces as a reward. I would like to tell you that braces are not as painful as I expected them to be, it is just that they are so uncomfortable on the insides of my mouth. At first, I had a hard time eating because a bite turbo was installed on one of my teeth, but a few weeks later my brain kinda forgot that it was there since I was finally able to eat properly. I like how my braces improved the alignment of my teeth, but I really want them off as soon as possible since these still feel uncomfortable to me, although I kinda got the hang of it already. Haha
As for my first time in Valencia City, Bukidnon, I was so happy that my lawyer cousin gave me an opportunity to travel this far for an out-of-town hearing, considering that this place is like a lot of provinces and cities away from where I am. I also love exploring new places, and I realized this passion ever since I first experienced traveling outside my city. I am really thankful to my lawyer cousin for this. I was able to visit Lake View Cafe and Lake Apo for the first time. The view there is so nice, and the food, especially the blueberry cheesecake, is so delicious. Because of their blueberry cheesecake, I had a new love for it. I was always a chocolate lover, but now I also love blueberry cheesecake. Anyway, Lake View Cafe and Lake Apo are worth visiting, so if you can go to Valencia City, I highly recommend going to these places.
September 2024 - First time at Ozamiz City and Clarin, Misamis Occidental
- My Birthday
My first time at Ozamiz City and Clarin, Misamis Occidental was another last-minute travel, and once again, it is my lawyer cousin who gave me this opportunity. I was so happy when my lawyer cousin offered to have me appear at this out-of-town hearing, and I immediately accepted it. Remember when I said that Valencia City was a lot of provinces and cities away from my city? Ozamiz City is a lot more provinces away from here, and it is a very, very long ride going there. With this experience, I have found another love for long rides. It made me think that long rides are indeed therapeutic after all. But anyway, this was an all-expense paid trip by my client, and she and her family were also very accommodating. I had a great time during my travel in Ozamiz City and Clarin, Misamis Occidental, which is a nearby province, and I am thankful for my experience here.
Also, like all other years, my birthday will always be a highlight. This time, though, I am glad that I got to spend time with my special someone. This meant a lot to me since he is a very busy person whose nature of work could not usually make time for special occasions, and with that, I am happy. Anyway, this age that I turned into is a special one as well, considering that I am less than a year away from turning thirty (30) years old. I am also under pressure to make the most out of this year, and I hope that I can cope with this.
October 2024 - Another case won
This is one of the biggest cases that I have handled, and it was indeed a challenge because this was the first time I offered a lot of pieces of evidence, However, the Judge was kind enough to guide me all throughout the trial as I am new to this kind of case. This case stressed me out a lot and I had too many disagreements with my client, but I am glad it all ended, and we finished victorious. Thank You, Lord.
November 2024 - My Award as an Exemplary Bar Passer
If you have read my name somewhere online, specifically, on the Bar Exam results back in April 12, 2022, I passed the Bar Exam with Exemplary Performance, which I talked about in my 2022 Year-End Post. This is now a belated award considering that the said Bar Exam was already two (2) years ago, but I am really happy that my law school formally recognized me for this achievement, and I was even given a beautiful plaque for it. It made me remember the happiness I felt when I passed the Bar Exam with such distinction, and it inspired me once again to be better at my practice. Thank you, Xavier University School of Law for this award.
December 2024 - Last braces adjustment for the year
I honestly could not think of any other highlight for this month, so I decided to include this one because there were times that I wanted to have these braces taken off since they were uncomfortable, but I am glad I fought this urge and I had five (5) adjustments already. Yay! Despite everything, I am glad that my teeth are getting fixed as the months go by, and my dentist even commented that my teeth indeed improved. So, maybe this was not a bad idea after all. I am glad that I made this decision to get braces.
So, my year has been filled mostly with first-time travels and experiences. I would like to thank everyone who made all these possible since I certainly could not experience all these with my effort alone.
Also, I am forever thankful to God since He always guided me throughout the year and kept me and my loved ones healthy and safe. Even though we had obstacles along the way, and we were fearful of the worst, I am glad that we survived.
Honestly, I am scared of facing the new year since I know that a lot could happen, but I am trying my best to stay hopeful. I just hope that 2025 will be a lot better than this year, and even if there are challenges along the way, may God help us emerge from them triumphantly.
Nevertheless, here's to more travels and worthwhile experiences for the year 2025! Although I am hoping that I get to have bigger purchases this time, such as my own place to stay and a car, God willing.
Anyway, I would like to thank everyone who became part of my life this year.
I wish everyone a more blessed year ahead, with good health, success, prosperity, and abundance.
See you next year in 2025!
Happy New Year to all!
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