Before We Leave 2011...

Hey 2011,

It's been a pretty awesome year for me and Tobie and we're really, really thankful for all the awesomeness that came our way. And this seems a good a time as any to make sure we count our blessings and remind ourselves of all the reasons this year was great.

This year marked our first two years of being together as a couple, which is something pretty awesome to consider. It actually feels like we've been together a heck of a lot longer, but who's counting really? All I know is that I remain forever thankful that we found one another and we continue to become better people because of the support we give one another.

This year we also visited Manila Ocean Park for the first time, and it was a pretty spectacular experience. I'm glad that we have a facility like this here in the country and I'm looking forward to future explorations of other educational experiences like this.

Despite quirks with the scheduling, we also had a killer time at the "Almost White Party" with the rest of our friends at Malate. Plus we had these really cool Patapon shirts made that really added some character to the night's festivities.

This is also the year that we fulfilled a major bucket list item in terms of finally getting to see Kylie Minogue live in concert. Best of all, we didn't even have to leave the country to see her since she finally came to Manila!

2011 is also the year that Tobie and bought a star together, or more specifically a galaxy as a way of showing our support for The Mind Museum. And it's the Mice System, which naturally reminded us of Muab'Dib from Dune.

This was the year that we finally took a trip together out of the country and best of all it was to Singapore! Not only did I get to spend more time with my sister, but we also got to watch The Lion King musical, had an awesome time at Universal Studios Singapore and got to see a lot of great exhibits at the ArtScience Museum and other places around the country. And this definitely won't be the last - we're scheduled to go back this January to watch Wicked!

And as if getting to see Kylie Minogue wasn't enough, this year we also got to see Jason Mraz live in concert as well and again it was right here in Manila. I doubt we'll ever be able to fully explain why two of our favorite artists who have played such a big role in our lives would visit the country in the same year. But we're definitely not complaining.

And lastly there was this year's Pride March, which was the second time that Tobie and I were able to march together as a couple. Plus we got those "I Want a Marriage Too" pins that make for really fun accessories.

This is all just a taste of what made 2011 amazing for us as a couple and I can't wait to see what 2012 has in store for us. As always we remain thankful for all those who have been a part of why this year has been amazing ranging from our good friends who enjoy O Bar with us, the geeks who juggle their schedules just so that we can enjoy tabletop RPGs together well into the wee hours of the night and to all the others who continue to support us as a geeky couple.

2011 was awesome and I hope that you guys take the time to remember all the great things that made the year special for you as well. After all, there's nothing wrong with being a bit more positive in your outlook towards life - it's always worth it to be proudly baduy after all.

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!!!