Twenty Thirteen

TWENTY THIRTEEN...

This year passed in a blink of an eye. It felt like New Year a month ago. Was I superbly busy this year that the time flies without me noticing that it's the end of 2013?

It was definitely a busy year for me. I've been working non-stop since the start of 2013 and will be finishing this year on a project as well. There were so many ups and downs, tears and joy through this year but no matter what happened before, this year was a blast!

The thirteen things I achieved this year (not in any specific order):

1. First overseas shoot

I started the year with my very first overseas shoot in Jakarta, Indonesia for 10 days. It was for My Ghost Story Asia Season 2. I brought a team of seven from Malaysia, teaming with the Indonesian team, the Filipino team and the Thai team through a span of 2 months. It was a stressful shoot but being with great teammates, it made everything smooth sailing.

2. First visit to Bangkok, Thailand

I had a quick 4 days 3 nights in Bangkok on my own to recce for MGS2. It was a terrible trip, I must say. I had diarrhea through those days and the Thai team were not accommodative and I didn't enjoy those days there.

3. From PM to Producer

As we were finishing up MGS2, I was taken aback when I was credited as Producer in this project. I'm glad that all the hard work paid off with an appreciation of this sort. 

4. Missing my flight for the first time

Technically, this is not an achievement. It's such a sad moment, when I was already nearby the airport but I missed my flight by 5minutes. Thanks to not switching my phone clock back to Malaysia time, I was an hour behind and that made me missed my flight to Brunei for a week diving! I then decided to buy the next flight back home for a week of break. I will never want to miss my flight ever again!

5. Solo trip to Philippines

I had my first solo traveling to Philippines for two weeks! I climbed Mount Pinatubo, toured Corregidor Island, dived in Puerto Galera and lots more. It was by far, the greatest trip ever! Next...a month in Philippines to travel as many islands as possible.

6. Producing 3R

After 10 years of having the dream of working in 3R, I was given the opportunity to produce it! It started with a 7 episodes of reality series called Projek3R and continued with a 13 episodes 3R. It was by far the toughest project ever but I learnt a whole lot.

7. Shooting Underwater for TV program

Wooohooo! I finally had the chance to shoot underwater for 3R! Big big big achievement! Hope to have more underwater shoots to go!

8. Hong Kong and Macau

Mom and I made our way to Hong Kong and Macau...finally~ It was an awesome trip, meeting Granduncle Kee and both aunt and uncle and enjoyed so many trips through the 9 days there. Disneyland, Ocean Park...my childhood dream. Ate so much that, played so much, photographed so much. It was awesome!

9. Visit to Yangon, Myanmar

Eventhough it was for work, but it was my first visit to Myanmar. Didn't enjoy much though but it was an eye opener to see the culture and lifestyle of the people there. Wouldn't mind to have a trip to Myanmar again. Anyone?

10. Visits to Hospital

There were so many visits to the hospital for doctors appointment and therapy. Thanks the the left arm which went wonky after Projek3R's shoot. Until today, after endless waits and appointments, I still have no idea what is wrong with the hand. Urgh! How I hate seeing doctors, going through so many tests but no results and idea what is wrong. Next appointment...March 2014!

11. Internssss

I've never had so many interns working in my project until I was given...12 interns in total this year! It started with 9 interns in Projek3R and 3 interns in 3R. It was hard to manage but they were of a lot of help especially in having extra pair of hands in production. There were good interns, there were great interns but there were horrifying interns as well. I wish each and everyone of them the best in their future undertakings and a big thanks for being a part of 3R family!

12. Mum's here for my Birthday!

It's been a few years celebrating my birthday away from my family. This year, mum came a day before and was here for my birthday until Christmas. Weeeeeeeee~ Wish dad was here too. 

13. New camera equipments~

I bought a new Rode Mic and a new Manfrotto Monopod for my 60D...feels slightly complete with the new gears. Now let's see what's next to add on the camera. The only downside is the more I add on, the heavier the camera gets and it's not convenient when traveling but heck, that's the purpose! *laughs*

Yeap, that sums up to thirteen items checked this year. It's the last Friday of year 2013 and I'm still trying to finish up the work here before my REAL holiday begins. It's not fun to work through the holidays, especially when seeing everyone having fun taking leaves an all. Oh well, that's not how it works when working Freelancing. 

Twenty-Thirteen has been great to me! Though many ups and downs but what is life if there's no challenge to it.

Let's toast to another amazing year ahead!

HAPPY TWENTY-FOURTEEN!