My 2012 Highlights

2012 has been a very blessed and busy year for us. It seems like every year is just getting better and better. I'm excited for what 2013 has in store for us. I'm very thankful for the amazing experiences we were able to have this past year. Here is a list of some of the highlights of 2012 for me:

1. Attending three Taiwanese weddings

Me and The Boyfriend at a co-worker's wedding

I know, I've reached that age where there's a wedding, an engagement, or a birth happening every other week. I absolutely love weddings, and although traditional weddings in Taiwan are much different than Western ones, I always have a great time. This year, I attended two of my co-workers' weddings, and also a friend's. Lots of food and lots of laughs were had.

2. Being asked to be a friend's maid of honor at her wedding

I'm so honored that one of my friends here in Taiwan asked me to be her maid of honor at her wedding next year. The Boyfriend will be her fiance's best man. This means so much to us. I can't wait for the wedding... and the bachelorette party.

3. Traveling to Japan

Our much used Lonely Planet for TOKYO

In April we had a long weekend, and it happened to be our 3-year anniversary, so The Boyfriend and I decided to go to Japan for 3 days. We had a great time in Tokyo, sightseeing, shopping and taking hundreds of photos, and we also went to see Mount Fuji, which was absolutely spectacular.

4. Going on a 2-week cruise in the Mediterranean and visiting Italy, Greece, Turkey, Spain, Monaco and France

The Boyfriend and I on the Ruby Princess sailing out of Monte Carlo, Monaco

Words can not describe how ridiculously incredible this vacation was. The Boyfriend and I got to see so many incredible places like Venice, Athens, Mykonos, Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Istanbul, Kusadasi, Nice, Rome, Naples... and the list goes on..

5. Spending 2 weeks with my brother and his fiance on the Ruby Princess

My brother and I during formal night on the Ruby Princess

Living in Taiwan, and having all my siblings work and live abroad as well, I don't get to see them that often. But, this past summer I got to spend 2 weeks with my oldest brother and his fiance aboard the Ruby Princess while on our Mediterranean cruise. It was such a fun experience.

6. Visiting my sister in Dubai

My mom, me and my sister in Dubai, UAE

After our 2-week cruise and spending 3 days in Barcelona, we went to Dubai to visit my sister for a week and a half. It was awesome spending time with her and her boyfriend, going shopping, lying by the pool and just being able to catch up.

7. The best surprise ever!

When we arrived at the airport in Dubai after our time in Barcelona, my sister and her boyfriend met us there. AND... my mom surprised us by being there,too! She flew from South Africa and spent the week and a half with us in Dubai. At that time, I haven't seen her for a year and a half, and this surprise just added to an already wonderful summer vacation. Also, it was nice to spend my birthday with them; the first time in three years.

8. Spending time with my brother and his fiance in Dubai

The Boyfriend and I in Dubai, UAE

My other brother and his fiance were in Ukraine when we were in Dubai, but I got to spend a couple of days with them before I returned to Taiwan. I also haven't seen them in a very long time, and it was great catching up and hearing about their wedding plans.

9. Reaching 500 followers on my blog

Screenshot of the day I reached 500 followers

I started blogging back in June 2011. In November this year, I reached 500 followers on my blog, which is absolutely crazy. I truly appreciate every nice comment and that you take the time out of your day to read my random ramblings.

10. My braces coming off

My first non-braces photo

Oh, what a wonderful day November 19th was. My braces were finally taken off after 14 months of not being able to eat properly, and just being very uncomfortable in general. I'm so happy with the results, and still can't stop smiling.

11. Having my best friends from South Africa visit me in Taiwan

Me and my friends from South Africa on Halloween

Just having that little bit of home with me here in Taiwan was amazing. My friends were in Hong Kong for business and decided to come and visit me in Taiwan for a little less than a week. We had a great time catching up, going shopping, eating and being able to go out partying together on Halloween.

12. Good friends finding out they're pregnant, having babies and getting engaged 

So many of my friends in South Africa got married this past year, and it breaks my heart that I couldn't attend it and share in their joy. Although I couldn't be there, I'm still so happy for each of them and wish them all the best. Also, 2012 was the year of the baby, it seems. Many friends gave birth to healthy, happy babies, which makes me feel very happy as well.

13. Celebrating our 3-year anniversary in Japan

The Boyfriend and I in Tokyo, Japan

Like I said, The Boyfriend and I went to Japan for our 3-year anniversary. I can't believe it's already been three years since I've met him, but then again, I think of all the amazing adventures we've shared together already, and somehow it seems longer. If it's even possible, I feel that I love him even more each day.

14. Going to the Lady Gaga concert

Our tickets to see Lady Gaga in Taipei

I couldn't pass up the chance to see the Lady herself in concert here in Taipei. It was a fantastic show, as you can imagine, as she knows how to entertain the crowd and keep your eyes peeled on the stage.

15. Going to see Roxette in concert

Seeing Roxette live in Taipei

When I think about Roxette, I think about the cassette I used to listen to over and over as a little girl. I almost couldn't believe that they'd come to Taiwan, and had a great time at their concert belting out all the songs with them and basically reliving my childhood.

I'm so thankful for all these memories and blessings that absolutely made 2012 the best year ever... so far... May everyone have a spectacular 2013!

What are your highlights from 2012?