So Long 2018

And here we are, another year has past. I wasn't going to reflect back on 2018 because I was lazy, but then I read about my reflection in 2017 and things have definitely changed. Looking back, 2018 was a huge rollercoaster and fun fact: I'm not a fan of rollercoasters. Don't get me wrong, there were a ton of accomplishments and traveling that year, but I was going through a lot in my head. I've accepted the fact that there's always going to be this battle within myself whether it's about self-worth or overthinking constantly, but I am not going to let it defy me. I want to be a better person - a better daughter, a better student, a better friend, and a better girlfriend. I've learned so many things about myself in 2018 like my unhealthy/toxic traits, what I want to pursue career wise, and what I really want in life. This is part of growing up. It's not all sweet and fun. We all have flaws. I know I do.

In 2018, I went wine-tasting, hiking, whale-watching, kayaking, and I was even on live television at Good Day Sacramento. I took a yoga class and loved it, got serious with fitness and eating healthy, I got my passport and traveled to Japan with the love of my life and finally visited New York with my sister and friends, worked with numerous makeup/clothing/lifestyle brands like American Eagle, Fabletics, Just Fab, B.Tempt'd, Frank Bod, and NYX Cosmetics, got a job that I actually enjoy going to, discovered so many artists, I've also gotten the chance to see a lot of artists live like DJ Noodles, H.E.R., Majid Jordan, and Khalid, I've worked with Goodwill as a stylist for the Sip, Style, and Shop event and Style with A Purpose event, and last, but certainly not least, I earned my AA's and I'll be transferring this year, which means closer to graduating college. Yay!

Those are just some of the highlights that I remember right off the top of my head. I felt amazing at times, but there were those times where I was toxic to myself and those around me. Your girl was going through it. I know there were several moments that felt like hell. But I've learned from these times. I stopped being in denial. I stopped pretending. I've faced it head on. When I was reading my 2017 post, I felt a little sad because I can't believe how broken I was. 2018 was a total slap in the face for me and it was extremely painful and grueling. You could say, it was the year of realizing things. 

I've said and done some things I'm not proud of. I'm far from perfect. I feel ashamed, embarrassed, guilty, and regretful. A lot, I mean, A LOT, of tears were shed and beating myself up about it, but what happened happened. No more feeling sorry for myself and no more blaming myself. 

I can only move forward from here. I can hate myself all I want, but it's not going to make anything or anyone better. I'll try my absolute best to better myself. I want to find my peace.

Here's to 2019.

It is the Year of the Pig.

Let's see what's in store for me!

My Top 9 Instagram (@typicaltuyen) posts, thanks to Fohr. 

1.) My boyfriend and I visited the famous Mori Digital Art museum: teamLab Borderless in Japan. It was stunning! Definitely worth the visit. Just make sure to have time for this place too. I believe we spent almost 3-4 hours walking to every exhibit. It was nothing we've ever seen. We loved it!

2.) A new ramen spot opened up in my town called Kotteri Ramen Bar. My sister and I went and seen the cutest decor that said "Send Noods", so I had to take a picture! As you can see, I was super excited for ramen.

3.) My sisters and I went to the Museum of Ice Cream in SF. It recently opened and it was a cool exhibit! Very insta-worthy and delicious treats. My caption for this photo was "When only one room matches your feed...", which is so true.

4.) I totally remember this day. My sister and I went on a hike and we decided to have a photoshoot out of nowhere. It was a tiring hike, but worth it! The amount of tries we took to make this photo look artsy was crazy. Also, I had to edit the hell out of it, so it could match my feed. The poppies were tiny, not what I expected, but it was beautiful nonetheless!

5.) This photo was from my birthday! My sweet boyfriend took me out to a fancy dinner and right after, we changed to go to our friend's party. Ah, I felt so special. Good times! Forever grateful for my love.

6.) Getting major inspo from The Rock with the black turtleneck and belt, but I added my own twist. And those boots were definitely my most worn boots of 2018. Also, looking at this photo, I never realized how long my hair was. I miss it! It's growing back. Slowly, but surely.

7.) Attended a blogger event in the bay area and it was really inspiring! It's nice being able to connect with others who share the same interests as you. 

8.) Choose your fighter - Chun-Li or Ryu? My boyfriend and I did a last minute shoot for Halloween. Thanks to Leg Avenue for the coolest costumes ever!

9.) The most fun, yet thrilling experience ever in 2018 was riding go-karts around Tokyo with my boyfriend dressed up as Luigi and Mario. I cannot tell you how nervous I was, but it was so much fun! There were so many people waving, taking pictures, and recording videos of us. It was pretty funny. A once in a lifetime thing for sure. If I had the chance to do it again, I would. It was first time traveling internationally and Japan was beautiful. The food was delicious, the people were kind, and there's so much to do and so many places to visit. Sooner or later, I hope to go back.

All in all, 2018 was a wake-up call and I'll make sure to work on myself.