Viktoria Jean

“Perhaps that is where our choice lies — in determining how we will meet the inevitable end of things, and how we will greet each new beginning.”
― Elana K. Arnold, Burning

Today we ushered in the first of 365 wonderful days and we get to choose how we spend every minute of every single one of them. Why the perpetual obsession with new year, new beginnings, when every sunrise grants us a chance to start afresh?

I belong to the blessed bunch for which 2020 wasn’t so bad. Apart from the usual ups and downs, nothing a change of mindset couldn’t resolve. Staying home granted a wealth of time to spend with my loved ones, read more books than my usual schedule allows me to, binge-watch Netflix shows (Selling Sunset!), carry out fruitful planning for the future, and a multitude of DIY projects.

So in 2020, I took the plunge and bought my own place with my savings – a resale condo that was reworked entirely without the help of an ID. Basically hacked the entire interior, including the tiles of the kitchen and toilets, and redesigned it our way. To make this happen, I compiled a 50-slide PowerPoint mood board with Pinterest ideas, pictures, colour charts, and trusted a local contractor (DM me for their details, I really love them) to piece these up on a reasonable budget. Anyway the final look is amazing. I love every detail as there are so many corners to hang and chill out, and everything I love is in my own home. In 2021, I hope to continue creating good memories in these spaces with the people I love.

Moving out wasn’t difficult for me. I lived out of a suitcase for quite a while and my folks have always given us freedom to live our lives. Despite it all, my family and siblings are still as close as ever, thanks to my Mom’s lovely cooking which we all agree is the best cuisine on earth. In 2021, I vow to take up cooking and baking lessons from my Mom, and pray I’ve inherited her culinary genes.

And speaking of genes, I’ve only just learnt my family’s got some insane singing genes (which I’ve not inherited) during a home sing-along session. Mom also shared some of her favorite tunes. Sharing one of her ’90s greatest hits by Mao Ning that she love and I now love. The lyrics are not overtly emotional, and serves as a subtle reminder not to waste precious time or leave room for any regrets.

月落乌啼总是千年的风霜
涛声依旧 不见当初的夜晚
今天的你我
怎样重复昨天的故事
这一张旧船票
能否登上你的客船

We can’t relive yesterday’s stories, but we can make today count.

Momentum in all aspects (except entertaining guests and partying) that have slowed over the festive season will start to pick up soon, and I can’t wait to see what challenges the new year brings. In the new year, I hope to share more of my readings, joys and DIY projects here too, if time and space permits.

2021, let’s bring it to the next level!

xoxo,
Jean