goodbye, 2025
Somehow – and grateful – I made it through another year. Though at times it was difficult and unexpected, there were also special, memorable moments sprinkled throughout. I visited parts of California that I’ve never been to before, finally planned another winery outing with my sisters and mom, was a part of and attended several Khmer community events, visited my east coast fam and met new folks in Lowell, started decluttering my room and selling on FB Marketplace, updated my wardrobe a bit, started a mini doll collection, finally dyed parts of my hair, participated in a peace rally regarding Thailand’s invasion of Cambodia and more that I can’t think of right now.
This year, I wanted to dedicate more time to my hobbies. So I purchased a Steam Deck, one of the best things I did for myself. I finally was able to play games that I couldn’t get on my Nintendo Switch. Tiny Bookshop has been a favorite, but I also really enjoyed Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, Beacon Pines, and Scarlet Hollow (an ongoing episodic game). I recently started a new game called Undusted: Letters from the Past. I’m still in the early stages of the game, so the story isn’t that clear yet, but I’m liking it so far!
I also found the Tr*mp administration to be so overwhelming this year that I lost some sight of my business and creativity. Coupled with the Thailand-Cambodia conflict that later became a full on invasion, it was just a lot on me mentally and emotionally. I thought – instead of trying to force any creativity out of me, I just needed to let it be and take some time away from it all. I spent my time watching movies, revisiting old movies, starting new shows, reading here and there, playing new games, cooking for my family, and journaling (to name a few).
The passing of my brother during the summer was an emotional moment for my family and I. His last few years of life was like a rollercoaster that none of us could help him off. His absence from my life had become normal to me, but since his passing, it began to feel different. During the holidays, I thought, he should be here with us, with his daughter. He would’ve been the first one to eat. He would’ve cracked some jokes. He would’ve stepped outside a bit for a smoke. It’s been this feeling of “something’s missing” and I don’t think it’ll ever go away.
While there were some wild things that happened in between it all, I’d rather not dwell on it…2025 was a lot for me as I’m sure it was for many others too. I’m ready to close out this (American) year and look ahead to more better days, more adventures, and maybe even some pizazz that I feel I’ve been missing out in this stage of my life! Cheers to a new year!