Dear Diary,

I’ve been busy this year. I haven’t had much time to talk to you. There’s just so many things I want to tell you. I feel different since the last time we spoke (for the better). I’m more (emotionally) mature now, and I’m just so happy about all this year’s adventures. You better grab a cup of tea, because I’m taking you for the whole ride, Diary. I’m here to tell you all about them.

Porquinhos

At the beginning of February, my husband and I wanted a new hamster. Max (our hamster) is irreplaceable, but with my husband working from home and spending long hours alone, he desperately wanted a new companion again. 

After talking about it, we decided to get a hamster again. Hamsters have a lifespan of approximately two years. So, we knowingly agreed on something that would break our hearts in two years or less. By the end of February, we had 4 piggies (but I’ll tell you about that in another story, Diary).

Carnaval lover?

I went to a few Carnaval activities this year, which was a shock because I hadn’t been in for over a decade. I detest the sun, hate loud music, and even certain crowds, so I would rather stay home with my company. With the help of some friends, I got motivated to join some Carnaval events, and little did I know this introvert survived two nights out and even a whole parade in the sun (shocker).

I’m grateful for my friends who stimulated me to do things out of my comfort zone. And not only Carnaval, but we also started double dating a lot this year, too, to watch movies. I hope this will continue in 2025. Diary, you know I adore all movie lovers. And I love having friends (even if I’m not always responsive). I must work on that because friendship goes both ways, and I tend to disappear).

Please, please, please

After waiting for weeks, my Spotify wrap confirmed that my music taste is as predictable as last year’s. Can you guess my number 1 artist? It’s the same as previous years and the year before.

In all seriousness, this was a good year for music, especially for women. You know precisely which women I’m talking about. Yes, I mean Sabrina, Billie, Chapell, and Karol. It saddens my heart knowing that none of them made my top five. Even worse, none of my top five were women, all men. I won’t beat myself up for it; I did what I could to keep myself sane. During my hot Aruban fall time, I listened to many old alternatives; I was shocked that none of them made it to my wrap either (oh well).

Respect the Balance

2024 has been a fantastic year for horror. I missed a few, but I intend to catch up in 2025. What stood out: Imaginary, Immaculate, The First Omen, Abigail, Tarot, A Quiet Place: Day One, Longlegs, Trap, and Smile 2. What was superb: The Substance.

Sent from my iPhone

Hands down, ‘Baby Reindeer’ is still on my mind. I even wrote about it because it was so impactful to me. 

By December, I was all hyped up for Squid Games (so hyped up that after finishing it in less than two days, I was utterly disappointed). It’s good, don’t get me wrong, but why did I finish it so quickly? The waiting game ended just to start again (but at least we won’t have to wait 3 years for a new season.

On a funny note. I watched ‘You’ (the series, not YOU) for the third time (I’m thinking about reading the novel). For some reason, I thought that the last season would come out this year. Turned out I was wrong. But I’m all set for 2025. It will be out then, and (hopefully) Stranger Things, too.

The City of Eternal Spring

This summer, I had the pleasure of visiting Medellín for the second time after five years. It was just as beautiful as I left it (but definitely more crowded and touristy, but after COVID, that was to be expected). This time, it was just the three of us: Mommy, J., and me. We all went to the doctor and were surprisingly healthy, but like always, we did get a few tips to lead a more healthy lifestyle. Aside from almost puking into an Uber stuck in traffic (stupid migraine), I had a really amazing time (even when I lost my patience with Mom). Every part of our trip was good, even the nights when we just ordered Rapi and watched some lousy movie on Netflix.

Grease: The Musical

Mom and I went to see Grease: The Musical on their opening night, and yes, it surpassed all of our expectations.  I was happy to go with Mom. I know she likes Grease, and getting her out of the house for a bit was good. Of course, my nose had me hostage because I was already sick then. Still, that didn’t stop me from enjoying the show. I especially liked the performance of Reanne Ras, who sang like an angel. All performers did great; you could see how hard they worked to deliver a fantastic show.

I loved (and didn’t expect) that they didn’t make Grease politically correct (because who are we kidding? Some parts didn’t age well and wouldn’t survive in today’s climate, and with good reason). And yes, they did the part where Danny wanted to get intimate with Sandy when she obviously didn’t want to; yes, I believe the correct word rimes with grape.

Lego Serious Play

At the end of December, I treated myself to a workshop to set some goals (Lego, it must be fun, I thought). It turned out it was more complicated than I thought. I could feel myself blocking, and I even gave the instructor some “sociaal wenselijke antwoorden” a few times. The worst part was my hyper-awareness, me knowingly choosing what to say and what to withhold, or I was going to burst into tears. The session resembled my college years at Hogeschool Rotterdam where the teachers would force us to use the “UI-model” of Korthagen or Kolb’s reflective cycle but that’s good thing). There is something profound in my unconsciousness (that is holding me back), but I wanted to find out for myself first what it was. Who am I kidding? That may be impossible without the help of a professional. With that said, I’m considering the T-word for next year. Like I said, I must talk the talk, but more importantly, I must walk the walk. 

Writing Journey

Even though the year started slowly, I finished strong with many stories (for those who read them). Sometimes, I feel like I’m talking to a wall because I don’t get much feedback, but I got a few at the end of the year. I’m just happy to know that some of you actually read. I don’t like some people’s idea about Arubans not liking to read. It just saddens me. So, thank you for being here and sticking around. 

For 2025, I already have a whole year planned with stories and other content. I will post more on Instagram to create more engagement by doing something I’m truly passionate about (just kidding, I’m not). Yes, you guessed it, photography. I will assign myself a few colors each month and post the pictures I took in that color range. The photo must be of landscapes, buildings, food, animals, other people, and things, but not of myself. What do you think of my little challenge? I should make things interesting.

Self-love and December cold

I will never forget December 2024, the month I got a cold twice! I didn’t rest like I should, and my body started protesting, a reminder that if we don’t take care of ourselves on time, it will come to charge us later. So, when I looked myself in the mirror while I was getting ready for family gatherings, I looked myself hard in the eyes and realized that I must start practicing what I preach (no matter how much I think needs to be done). And with the help of my community (family and friends), I know that I will be able to take better care of myself because, without a community, self-care is practically impossible.

A few of my favorite things…

With the help of my brother, this millennial grandma started using PayAw. I downloaded the app before but couldn’t successfully register, so I gave up. My brother convinced me to start using the app when he told me I would get a free cookie if I used the app to pay at Subway. That was just the beginning because now I can conveniently fuel my car whenever I want. PayAw quickly became my favorite app this year.
Look forward to using it even more in 2025.

As far as it goes for stores. Diversi has been at the top of my list, not only for candles but also for the cutest mugs and novelties. Since they mostly have one piece of each product, you will find yourself hunting for items like a game. So fun!

My mom would say that WOW Cosmetica is my favorite store. She has the wrong impression that I go there every week, but no mom. I only go once a week (joke). I meant once every two weeks (joke). 

I see it, I like it, I want it, I got it

This year, I spent as if Ari’s ‘7 rings’ were playing in the back of my head, and I had her bank account, too. That won’t happen next year. Because I’m already committed to treating myself less (with material things I don’t need). I already made a monthly budget for 2025 (can you believe I’m using Excel as a tool? Canva will get jealous). I will save myself for success.

Till next time Diary, I hope you enjoyed this one.

Happy New Year to you all!