Look back at 2025, look forward to 2026

First post of 2026!

Today, I drove my family to visit the Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle, which has a Dragon Kiln that is still being used today. This was something that was just 11 minutes drive away from home but somehow (in 20 over years), I just never visited the place.

I am glad I went there with my family. As I get older and my parents age, having everyone healthy is a precious thing that I no longer take for granted. 

Here are some photos from today. 

 A playful family photo together =)

 

 The famous Dragon kiln...

Some of the quirky stuff you can find there. 

 

Look back at 2025

2025 was a year that I did a lot. I am not sure if I accomplished a lot, but let me walk you through what happened in the year.

1. Fab Academy

Man, this one was a real challenge which felt so sweet when I completed. You can find my entire journey here. 

2. Fab 25 Czechia

This trip is definitely a highlight of 2025. I completed Fab Academy and was so blessed to be able to attend my graduation in the Czech Republic. Wonderful experience!

 

3. Restructuring at Work

My department at work got restructured and as a result, I got moved to another lab. I cannot say that I was too happy with the changes but I supposed the silver lining was that I was moved into a teaching role that I quite enjoy now. I am only teaching one class now but this is something that I think I can venture further into.  

4. Healthier?

I joined a health study that gave me a smart watch and a health coach. I have stepped into my school's gym for the first time ever and hopefully, this is a journey towards a healthier life.

I also got my first pair of progressive glasses. I was wondering why I spend so much on other stuff but hold back when it comes to important things like clear vision. Well, wonder no more. I got it done.

5. My New Home

I collected the keys to my BTO (Build-to-Order) apartment. It is still not done yet but I am really excited for the day when my renovation is done and I can finally move in. My very own place! I just hope my neighbors are nice.

 

6. HK Trip 

This is another thing that I am really happy to have done this year. This trip is special to me because I got to spend quality time with my HK family (Pak Leung and Alice). I made a plan to go and just went. It was hectic and tiring, but also filled with fun, adventure and love. So glad I got this done.

Here are some highlights of the trip:

 

Christmas light up in Central

 

 Kowloon Walled City Park

  

 Toy hunting around Mong Kok

 

 Cheese baked rice with pork that I had for lunch at 4pm

 

 Hong Kong Museum of History

 

 Amazing Dim Sum at Master Chan's

 

 Fluid bear workshop at Tsim Sha Tsui

 

Dinner at home with HK family. Food cooked with love.

 

At the airport...

The flight home. The food and service on Cathay Pacific was good. Their baggage handling was horrendous. They lost my luggage tag when I flew in and broke my luggage on the return flight. I watched Superman and Nobody on the plane. Discovered and loved the song "More Today than Yesterday" by Spiral Staircase, which was on the Nobody soundtrack.