In Which I Count My Blessings (And Recap the Year in Pictures)

Remember how the world was going to end 10 days ago?*
And here we are- ready to ring the new year: 2013!

To say this year has gone by in a flash would not only be a cliché but it's a gross understatement.
2012, gone in the blink of an eye.
But I'm not complaining.

After a(n emotionally) tumultuous 2011, this year proved to be so much more than I expected; it opened  up my eyes and mind to the world around me and to the person I am. To the person I am still becoming.

So- to cut out the mushy stuff- here're a couple of highlights of this year.**

1. I travelled to Asia for the first time ever*** and lived in Bangkok for 6 full months.
I learned some Thai****, learned to smile more often, experienced a proper green tea ceremony with Japanese ladies, saw some of the most beautiful sunsets, was re-united with a college friend and overall enjoyed all the little things in life.




You can view my photos here

2. I officially drive in & around the city, by myself.
I got my driver's license last year but it wasn't til this year that I put it to good use and can call myself a real driver.



3. I  cut my hair short. Very short.
And now I fear I can never go back.

4. I'm a student, once again.
And it makes me happy. I'm getting over my fear of singing in public and embracing my love of musicals- after being a closeted fan for years.

5. I'm a teacher.
Something I never saw myself doing and swore against- yet I enjoy it. It's an incredible learning experience as it is gratifying.
Plus, there's the school vacation calendar... *wink wink*

6. My gratitude journal (which I began this year in February)
I truly am grateful for all the little things in life and am so blessed.

7. Hey, I read 19 books (& some plays) this year.
I hope to read more again (ha, and I call myself an English degree graduate....) but for someone who gave up on a lot of things in 2011, it's a start!
I read my first Agatha Christie novel and joined my first bookclub ♥ ♥



8. I am a quarter of a century old.
Finally hit that big 2-5 mark-yikes. But it feels good.



9. I met some new (and awesome) people and am happy to have them in my life. I've also kept in touch with those far away, those I care for immensely.

Source: img2.etsystatic.com via Maria on Pinterest

10.  I had a snowy Christmas.
And was reunited with my niece & nephew (and brother & sister-in-law) after a year of 'separation'.

11. I've never felt more at home in Mexico.
For reasons that I can (& can't) explain, I've grudgingly lived in my home country for many years.
And for yet a whole other bunch of reasons that I can't (& can) explain, something changed this year.
Mexico sure isn't perfect- in a lot of ways, really- but it's home. And it's charming It's beautiful.
It's a grand city.

12. Myself > myself
I've mentioned it a couple of times on the blog- it's something I'm still working on- and I've come to terms with who I am. I'm cool with messing up. I'm happy to make a nuisance of myself.
YOLO, right?*****

What are some of the highlights of your 2012?
Any epiphanies worth noting?

So, let's ring in the New Year with open arms (and jiving hips)!
[Earth, Wind & Fire's September is also worth a listen to get your groove on. Or for any occasion really.]*Wishing you a spectacular 2013*

from Tumblr

* Poor misunderstood Mayans...** cue My Favourite Things*** And travelled around (some) surrounding countries.**** Chan phuut pahaasaa Thai dai mai nitnoy!***** Eeeeh, I said YOLO.

All pictures taken by me unless otherwise noted

At the End of the Day it's Just Another Film with a lot of Singing

Happy Holidays, folks!
It's been quiet here on the blogging front, but fret not, for I am still alive and well.

As healthy as an artichoke* for I got to see Les Misérables.
On my own. As is always the case.

If you recall my last post you will remember me confessing not being a Les Mis fan.
And I'm not just jumping on the Les Mis bandwagon because of the film- no. I have truly become a fan.

That being clarified, let's get on with another edition of my Ish-Reviews. **

I had mixed expectations going in, because I was blown away by the 25th Anniversary and expected an equally astounding vocal cast plus spectacular performances. [Of course, I excluded Russell Crowe from these expectations]

Never Say Never: Musicals Edition (Or How I Learned to Love the Classics)

I'm not a (true) Belieber* and I know it's a cliché, but that saying rings true to me.
It goes way back to when you were a young'un...

Mom: Have some of this.

Wee You: I don't like it.

Mom: But you haven't even tried it.

Wee You: Yeah, but I know I won't like it.

Years later you try whatever food that was only to discover it is delicious.
Be it olives, tamales, figs, asparagus, mole, etc, etc....

Needless to say, I was a picky eater.

But what does all this have to do with musicals, you say?
So freakin' much!

I've been a fan of musicals for as long as I can remember (thanks to my Disney upbringing**). 

I jam to show tunes (well, to music in general) in my car, in my room, on the street- you name it.

Up to a couple of weeks ago I was anti- Phantom of the Opera and anti-Les Miserables.
I'd seen both Mexican productions back in my teens and came out thinking, "Meh. What's the big deal". Production-wise I remember they were superb- especially considering Mexico still wasn't big on Musicals/Theater back then- it was just the music that didn't do it for me.

The year is 2012. The month, December.
Ah, how life has changed!
I watched both 25th Anniversary Performances (of Les Mis & Phantom) and I confess I teared up on various occasions.

I'll let the videos do the talking....

[ Let's just pretend Nick Jonas wasn't cast in this ]

Also. Bring Him Home (aka The Prayer),  you kill me.

Sierra Boggess is PHENOMENAL.
And Ramin Karimloo. And Hadley Fraser. 

SO good.

-End of Fangirling-
*clears throat*

Do you like musicals? Which are your fave? What are your favorite numbers?

Have you ever changed your mind about something?
(Tell me more, tell me more....)

And will you be rushing to the Big Screen come Christmas Day to watch Les Miserables?

Source: Uploaded by user via Queenie on Pinterest

* Although I credit the Biebs with talent because, well, he does have it. The kid can dance. He can sing. He can play instruments. That's more than most pop stars can do nowadays... Actually, I'm surprised he hasn't done a musical. At least not yet anyway...

** I still have my Disney Sing Along VHS tapes.