And good riddance!
The year hasn't been very smooth for me, although it had its memorable moments. There were high ups and low downs for sure.
Definitely a very significant year for me considering I celebrated my 40th birthday as much as I could throughout the year. Here's hoping that 2020 will be filled with more luck, prosperity, happiness and better health.
Here are some of the key highlights for me in 2019:
- Big 40 trip with primary school friends to Ho Chi Minh in March
- Scored one ticket to Pokemon Go Safari Zone in Sentosa in April
- Family trip to Melbourne and The Great Ocean Road in June
- Big 40 trip with Saxonians to Bali in June <- most memorable and epic!
- Watched Manchester United live in Singapore in July
- Big 40 staycation and birthday celebration at W Hotel Sentosa with family in July
- Family trip to Denmark/Sweden in September
- Big 40 trip with secondary school friends to Bangkok in October
- Completed second ever full marathon in November
- Watched U2 live in concert in December
- Family trip to Phuket in December
So many highlights!
That said, it had its share of downs. Home was tough for the first three quarters, things have improved somewhat and hopefully will get even better in 2020. Health is bad. Just when I've brought down my uric acid levels, my cholesterol shoots sky-high and I still have a pending retest of one particular cancer marker test. Work has been so-so, environment has deteriorated a little, bonus has become terrible, and more old-timers have left.
Anyway as with tradition, here was last year's review.
And here were my 2019 resolutions.
So here're my resolution reviews for this year:
1) Earn >SGD10K On My Saxo Investment Account FAILED
Terribly. My total loss as of the last day of the year stands at SGD13.4K. Things started bad because of my speculations on Brexit and then it took me several months to almost breakeven, only to then tumble into oblivion once the Hong Kong protests began and I was speculating on the HSI.
2) Exercise At Least 3 Times A Week FAILED
Another failure. I have managed about twice a week on average but three times is really tough and I have to make a bigger effort if I want to achieve this next year.
3) Achieve Passive Income Of At Least $500/mth ACHIEVED
This was done and exceeded with quite some effort, so I am quite proud to have achieved this. Largely dividends from stocks. This means I get to raise my target next year. And I feel like I am that little teenie weenie bit closer to financial independence.
4) Have A Thoroughly Enjoyable And Memorable 40th Birthday Year ACHIEVED
Another resolution met! This was truly remarkable, the amount of celebrations I had throughout the year with different groups of my closest friends. See the highlights above! Bali with the Saxo gang was far and away the most memorable and epic. Totally worth the sacrifices to making it happen.
5) Eat Less Sugar, Drink Less Alcohol ACHIEVED
This was met. I drink much less sugar now. It wasn't that hard to get used to. Alcohol is also much less these days. It helps that there are less drinkers in the office to drink with me. Need to keep this up next year for my health's sake.
And there you have it, 3/5 passes makes 2019 a pretty good year for me. Weird that I think it hasn't been that good but typing everything out and documenting my highlights makes me feel like the year has been better than I thought. The aim for 2020 is to make even more money, keep myself healthy and get healthier, treat myself better and focus on being good to myself and be happy.
So again here's hoping that 2020 will be filled with more luck, prosperity, happiness and better health.
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Sunday, December 29, 2019
Thailand 2019 Day 6 - Phuket
Finally it was time to leave Phuket.
So sad!
We were so burnt and tanned.
Had our regular buffet breakfast for the fifth time, and this was my staple, porridge with a massive amount of pork floss.
It was an early flight slightly before noon, so we left for the airport early.
Looking forward to the next family holiday already!
So sad!
We were so burnt and tanned.
Had our regular buffet breakfast for the fifth time, and this was my staple, porridge with a massive amount of pork floss.
It was an early flight slightly before noon, so we left for the airport early.
Looking forward to the next family holiday already!
Thailand 2019 Day 5 - Phuket
Oh no! Our last full day remaining!
We really needed to make the most of today.
We decided to spend the whole day by the pool and beach.
Literally, we ended being there from 9am in the morning, till 6pm in the evening.
This was pool, beach, pool, beach etc.
Coconuts, beers, lunch.
We ended the beach fun by building a huge and heroic sand fort.
Such fun and it was all ending soon.
We really needed to make the most of today.
We decided to spend the whole day by the pool and beach.
Literally, we ended being there from 9am in the morning, till 6pm in the evening.
This was pool, beach, pool, beach etc.
Coconuts, beers, lunch.
We ended the beach fun by building a huge and heroic sand fort.
Such fun and it was all ending soon.
Thailand 2019 Day 4 - Phuket
It is day 4 and time is passing us by to quickly!
So today we go island hopping again but to the northern islands including James Bond island, and other islets for canoeing, cave walking and so on.
The day begins with another trip back to the same pier as yesterday.
Already the tour operator today called Diamond Sea starts us on a much better note, with a much more comfortable reception area to set off, and then a safety briefing as well. Remember that this package was actually 40% cheaper than yesterday's tour. A much, much better tour guide too. Her name was Patty.
We head off to island hop. Again very beautiful and many photo opportunities.
One of the highlights for me was Pan Yee Island, which was a floating island featured for its floating football field. This was very interesting to see, especially as there was a bunch of guests playing football when we visited it. We got to see what happens when you kick the ball out, and that means having to jump into the sea to pick up your ball. So cool.
Again another day of pristine waters and beautiful sights.
In the evening we got back late and headed straight off to Jungceylon for dinner. This time we also got a chance to visit the Bangla Road, Patong Walking Street, which was a little sleazy if I have to say.
Finally, another tuk tuk ride back to the hotel.
So today we go island hopping again but to the northern islands including James Bond island, and other islets for canoeing, cave walking and so on.
The day begins with another trip back to the same pier as yesterday.
Already the tour operator today called Diamond Sea starts us on a much better note, with a much more comfortable reception area to set off, and then a safety briefing as well. Remember that this package was actually 40% cheaper than yesterday's tour. A much, much better tour guide too. Her name was Patty.
We head off to island hop. Again very beautiful and many photo opportunities.
One of the highlights for me was Pan Yee Island, which was a floating island featured for its floating football field. This was very interesting to see, especially as there was a bunch of guests playing football when we visited it. We got to see what happens when you kick the ball out, and that means having to jump into the sea to pick up your ball. So cool.
Again another day of pristine waters and beautiful sights.
In the evening we got back late and headed straight off to Jungceylon for dinner. This time we also got a chance to visit the Bangla Road, Patong Walking Street, which was a little sleazy if I have to say.
Finally, another tuk tuk ride back to the hotel.
Thailand 2019 Day 3 - Phuket
It is day 3 and we are going island hopping today!
The day begins with me discovering that my white pair of Crocs flip flops have given up on me.
Doesn't stop me and I buy a pair of water boots. Pretty cool by super not worth the price of 450 baht.
We spend an hour in the pick up bus travelling to the pier where our boat is waiting for us.
We head off island hopping in the direction of Phi Phi Islands. The waters around the islands are world famous for being crystal clear.
The kids also end up spending some time practicing their snorkeling, which was great to see that they enjoyed themselves.
The islands really look beautiful and it was a great day out at sea.
The only complaint was that the tour operator, which we booked via the hotel, was poor as compared to what we would experience tomorrow, at a far more expensive price somemore!
Anyway it was great to see pristine seas and island hopping nonetheless. On Phi Phi Don where we stopped for lunch, we were all caght in a passing thunderstorm and had to run to our lunch point unsheltered. Then just as fast as it came, the rain passed and it was bright and sunny again.
We ended the tour around 5.30pm where we headed back to the hotel, and then headed to Malin Plaza, which was a market of sorts, to have dinner. Got to try a lot of touristy Thai food.
Finally it was another 300 baht tuk tuk ride back to the hotel.
The day begins with me discovering that my white pair of Crocs flip flops have given up on me.
Doesn't stop me and I buy a pair of water boots. Pretty cool by super not worth the price of 450 baht.
We spend an hour in the pick up bus travelling to the pier where our boat is waiting for us.
We head off island hopping in the direction of Phi Phi Islands. The waters around the islands are world famous for being crystal clear.
The kids also end up spending some time practicing their snorkeling, which was great to see that they enjoyed themselves.
The islands really look beautiful and it was a great day out at sea.
The only complaint was that the tour operator, which we booked via the hotel, was poor as compared to what we would experience tomorrow, at a far more expensive price somemore!
Anyway it was great to see pristine seas and island hopping nonetheless. On Phi Phi Don where we stopped for lunch, we were all caght in a passing thunderstorm and had to run to our lunch point unsheltered. Then just as fast as it came, the rain passed and it was bright and sunny again.
We ended the tour around 5.30pm where we headed back to the hotel, and then headed to Malin Plaza, which was a market of sorts, to have dinner. Got to try a lot of touristy Thai food.
Finally it was another 300 baht tuk tuk ride back to the hotel.
Thailand 2019 Day 2 - Phuket
So it is day 2.
The first full day of the trip.
We decided we will start off by enjoying the Le Meridien Resort itself since it is touted as one of the best in Phuket.
We started off by touring the resort and its facilities. It is like most SPG Group resorts like when we stayed at the Westin in Bali or W in Sentosa. So we kind of knew what to expect. What was a major draw was the fact that it had so many large swimming pools, which were right by the sea. It was really about going to the sea to enjoy Phuket's pristine waters, then going back to the pool to freshen up and wash the salt and sand off of us, and then back to the sea, back to the pool again and rinse and repeat.
This we did the whole morning to mid afternoon.
It was so fun.
Throw in some coconuts and beers and it was perfect.
We also signed up for a day trip to Phi Phi Island and its surrounds.
In the late afternoon, we headed to Jungceylon, one of the largest shopping malls on Phuket Island. Right opposite was Central Mall. And just beside Central Mall was Bangla Road, Patong Walking Street. We had one of the best phad thais I've ever tried, and then we went to have dessert at this popular Thai chain called After You.
Finally it was a 300 baht tuk tuk ride back to the hotel for a good night's rest.
The first full day of the trip.
We decided we will start off by enjoying the Le Meridien Resort itself since it is touted as one of the best in Phuket.
We started off by touring the resort and its facilities. It is like most SPG Group resorts like when we stayed at the Westin in Bali or W in Sentosa. So we kind of knew what to expect. What was a major draw was the fact that it had so many large swimming pools, which were right by the sea. It was really about going to the sea to enjoy Phuket's pristine waters, then going back to the pool to freshen up and wash the salt and sand off of us, and then back to the sea, back to the pool again and rinse and repeat.
This we did the whole morning to mid afternoon.
It was so fun.
Throw in some coconuts and beers and it was perfect.
We also signed up for a day trip to Phi Phi Island and its surrounds.
In the late afternoon, we headed to Jungceylon, one of the largest shopping malls on Phuket Island. Right opposite was Central Mall. And just beside Central Mall was Bangla Road, Patong Walking Street. We had one of the best phad thais I've ever tried, and then we went to have dessert at this popular Thai chain called After You.
Finally it was a 300 baht tuk tuk ride back to the hotel for a good night's rest.
Thailand 2019 Day 1 - Phuket
It is time for a family holiday again!
This time around, we wanted something cheaper and less strenuous since we were just in Copenhagen in September!
In the end we chose Phuket because we found an SQ promotion to fly all four of us for only $800! After deducting my Frequent Flyer miles, the flights only cost me $500. I decided to splurge on the hotel, so we chose the Le Meridien Phuket. It had good reviews and was very well recommended. This cost about $270 per night with the strong Baht in play.
Off we went.
The day of the trip I even felt a little unprepared for what was to come because I never really planned anything.
Phuket was like the sort of place you'd just fly there and then play everything by ear. It so it proved to be!
So we flew at around 2.30pm and arrived at around 4pm.
On touchdown, it was drizzling, which made my heart sink. The wifey and I were monitoring the weather in Phuket the last two weeks and because it was raining so much in Singapore, it was sad to see that expected weather in Phuket for the whole week we were going to be there was going to be thunderstormy and wet. So seeing upon reaching that it was indeed raining, made me sad. I had secretly prayed and wished that we had better weather that went against these robotic online weather predictions.
We took a public taxi from the Phuket International Airport, which cost me about 1,200 baht. This was like $60! So expensive but apparently the standard rate. Le Meridien was in in Karon Beach which was near Patong, and about 90 minutes drive away. So far!
As we weaved through rainy traffic, the sun set and it got dark. It made the whole mood for the trip rather downy for me. Who knew this would be the low point and things were looking up from here on! Jason Mraz's Have It All really meant it when he sang "May the best your todays be the worst of your tomorrows!"
We finally reached the hotel and boy was it grand. Le Meridien occupied the foothill of a hill after Patong and it was in its own exclusive ravine leading out to its own beach. So exclusive! And given the expanse of the resort, it literally occupied the whole beach from one end to the other. This was where we were going to be staying for six days! Wow! Things were really looking up!
We checked in to an upgraded room thanks to my Marriott Bonvoy membership and it had a really nice view of the resort. The room coulve've been bigger, but I think the wifey was suitably impressed enough that I was happy.
Dinner was out of convenience at one of the resort's international restaurants with an international buffet. It wasn't cheap but we were tired from the flight and it was getting late already. As it was a Sunday, the restaurant had a long dance performance for guests.
And after that, there was a hotel party at the beach. It was nice to have an exclusive beach all to hotel guests only with hardly any possibility of the public encroaching on it. This left the whole area very serene and exclusive.
As I stood on the fine sandy beach in the night looking out at the dark horizon with only starlight and the lights from ships far out at sea, I got excited about what the rest of the days would bring.
This time around, we wanted something cheaper and less strenuous since we were just in Copenhagen in September!
In the end we chose Phuket because we found an SQ promotion to fly all four of us for only $800! After deducting my Frequent Flyer miles, the flights only cost me $500. I decided to splurge on the hotel, so we chose the Le Meridien Phuket. It had good reviews and was very well recommended. This cost about $270 per night with the strong Baht in play.
Off we went.
The day of the trip I even felt a little unprepared for what was to come because I never really planned anything.
Phuket was like the sort of place you'd just fly there and then play everything by ear. It so it proved to be!
So we flew at around 2.30pm and arrived at around 4pm.
On touchdown, it was drizzling, which made my heart sink. The wifey and I were monitoring the weather in Phuket the last two weeks and because it was raining so much in Singapore, it was sad to see that expected weather in Phuket for the whole week we were going to be there was going to be thunderstormy and wet. So seeing upon reaching that it was indeed raining, made me sad. I had secretly prayed and wished that we had better weather that went against these robotic online weather predictions.
We took a public taxi from the Phuket International Airport, which cost me about 1,200 baht. This was like $60! So expensive but apparently the standard rate. Le Meridien was in in Karon Beach which was near Patong, and about 90 minutes drive away. So far!
As we weaved through rainy traffic, the sun set and it got dark. It made the whole mood for the trip rather downy for me. Who knew this would be the low point and things were looking up from here on! Jason Mraz's Have It All really meant it when he sang "May the best your todays be the worst of your tomorrows!"
We finally reached the hotel and boy was it grand. Le Meridien occupied the foothill of a hill after Patong and it was in its own exclusive ravine leading out to its own beach. So exclusive! And given the expanse of the resort, it literally occupied the whole beach from one end to the other. This was where we were going to be staying for six days! Wow! Things were really looking up!
We checked in to an upgraded room thanks to my Marriott Bonvoy membership and it had a really nice view of the resort. The room coulve've been bigger, but I think the wifey was suitably impressed enough that I was happy.
Dinner was out of convenience at one of the resort's international restaurants with an international buffet. It wasn't cheap but we were tired from the flight and it was getting late already. As it was a Sunday, the restaurant had a long dance performance for guests.
And after that, there was a hotel party at the beach. It was nice to have an exclusive beach all to hotel guests only with hardly any possibility of the public encroaching on it. This left the whole area very serene and exclusive.
As I stood on the fine sandy beach in the night looking out at the dark horizon with only starlight and the lights from ships far out at sea, I got excited about what the rest of the days would bring.
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