SOCHEWS

I’ve been holding wrap-up, year-end sessions with close friends. And for some reason, we always end up asking each other about the good things of 2011. Maybe because I’ve walked through so many unfortunate, heart-breaking events this year with these dear friends, none of us need to revisit the details. Instead, this has proven to be a great exercise in thanksgiving. So, I thought I’d list all the good things in my life for 2011. Here goes:

The Last Five Years. And how scared shitless I was by it all. And yet, we did it!

Her. For eight months.

How They Met, and Other Stories by David Leviathen.

Being part of a brand new Esquire in Malaysia. And being put in a writing bootcamp. I’ve grown, and that’s all I could have hoped for. That, and being part of a mad, rad team.

The heart-to-heart talk with Dad. Who told me it was okay to fail, even if it meant divorce. That was pretty cool to hear.

New friends. Best part of any year.

Bon Iver. Civil Wars. Gungor.

The sunset on the beach in Penang.

I liked Guinness!

Carrying Kaylin on the way to eat durian. And not have her cry.

Inside Job by Charles Ferguson.

Watching Dolores O’Riordan sing “Dreams” in Singapore with G.

Walking in the cold in Dublin wearing shorts.

Klue Doh!. Not just because of the show, and the great feedback. But because of the amazing people involved. I won’t forget that part any time soon.

The video of the 29-year-old girl who hears for the first time. I’m partially deaf in one ear, so I smile every time I watch this.

Meeting the beggar I befriended when I was a teen after more than 10 years. It’s a long story. She’s an old makcik in front of 7/11 Bangsar who I talked to every week when I was young and struggling to belong. I saw her again this year. It’s a wonder to be surprised by joy.

The Boyzilian. I lived to tell the tale.

Chad and his big balls. The last, best news of 2011.