Cheers to Ticking Off 2024 Bucket List

While searching through my phone notes for a password to one of my government accounts, I came across my 2024 bucket list. I had written it down back in the first month of the year and completely forgot about it. Looking at it now, I realize I didn’t put too much pressure on myself, as I only listed six things:

1.       Learn to Crochet 

       In another post, I will share about how I learned to crochet and what inspired me to pick it up. To my surprise, I found it listed in my 2024 bucket list! I didn’t even remember writing it down. Now, I’m really into crocheting. I’ve attended freehand crochet events in malls, went to different physical yarn stores, and even launched my own online crochet shop. Who would have thought this goal would be checked off my list, especially when I started the year feeling unmotivated and emotionally drained? Learning to crochet has been one of the best decisions I made this year. It’s not just a skill but a journey that helped me climb out of the emotional void I was in. I’m so proud of myself for trying something new and rediscovering joy. Now, I’m quite literally crocheting my life back together, weaving vibrant colors. Here’s to keeping this passion alive in the years to come!

2.       Travel 

       Traveling can be hard to prioritize, especially when you don’t have much to spare. But I really think manifestation works. In the first quarter of the year, I was able to fly to Bacolod, where my sister lives, to celebrate her wedding day! Even though I went for the event, it still going places. I’m able to try and enjoy local food, visit tourist spots, help my sister with her wedding, meet my nephew and niece, and best of all, witness her love story come to life before Christ. I managed to accomplish two things at once, celebrating my sister’s wedding in Bacolod while also getting the chance to travel.

        It was also my first time to experience the vibes of La Union, Glamping trip to Magallanes Cavite to celebrate our anniversary, and a sponty birthday celebration in Baguio!

3.       Meet Old Friends

       I often say I have only a few friends, but as I’ve grown older, I’ve realized it’s less about the number of people in my life and more about the quality of the connections I keep. I’ve become more intentional and selective with people, choosing to hold on to those who truly matter and letting go of relationships that no longer align. What’s meant to stay will stay and let go of those who wish to move on. In short, I no longer force relationships, it is what it is. Thankfully, even without daily conversations or frequent meetups, I remain deeply connected with the people I can’t imagine life without. I’m truly grateful for these kinds of friendships. Some of my closest friends are even in other countries, yet we’re still the same as ever. I’ve made it aa point to prioritize staying physically connected to my friends whenever possible.

       Recently, I’ve been blessed to spend time with a few of these amazing people. Jessie, a close college friend, has inspired me to rekindle my love for hobbies and even introduced me to crocheting. She also accompanied me in buying yarns and joined me in fangirling during EXO Chanyeol's concert. 

        Then there’s Rochelle, or Pinayhakawati as she’s known online, a friendship that started in the virtual world and grew into real life. We met in Dubai as expats and bonded over shared experiences. We've met earlier of the year for a sushi date.

        I also reunited with Michelle, my childhood best friend, just days before she flew to Europe for her wedding. We shared a heartfelt moment, reminiscing and celebrating her new journey. 

        I reconnected with Debhie, a childhood friend who flew to Dubai a month before her wedding. I delivered her bridal crochet bouquet order, and we caught up over coffee and lots of chismis. 

        Before the year ended, I also got to see Aris, another childhood friend who works on a cruise ship. On Christmas Day, we spontaneously "kidnapped" him and headed to Tagaytay for bulalo and a coffee night. It’s always worth meeting up with him whenever he’s on vacation out from the ship.

      These one-on-one moments with such incredible friends mean so much. We’ve laughed together, cried together, and shared our hearts openly. It’s these genuine moments of joy and vulnerability that strengthen the bonds of friendship. I’m truly grateful for the time I’ve had with them and for their friendship. It’s a beautiful reminder that even when life gets busy, making time for the people who truly matter is always worth it.

4.   Invest and Save.

     I may not have savings yet, still broke but we’ve finally made it—we’re about to become condo owners! I couldn’t have achieved this without the love of my life, who encouraged me to prioritize myself and my future. I’m also grateful for investing my time in the right people along the way. I can’t wait to start home vlogs, buy furniture, and design our little home that maybe would turn to a business too, who knows? 

5. Business

     Started my crochet shop in 2024, turning my hobby into a business where I can create everything I can, from hair accessories, bags, clothes, and even flower bouquets. It’s incredible how this hobby has become something I can earn from and share with others. 2024 already shaped up to be exciting, with a lot of done projects, but one of my proudest moments has been seeing my handmade bouquets used in weddings. it feels like a milestone for me. As I look to 2025, I’m hopeful for even more opportunities in crocheting and excited about the possibility of reviving my thrift shop. 

2024 has been great, and I hope 2025 will be even better.