First, my 3rd trip to the U.S., visiting Hawaii, Washington, D.C. and of course, New York City.
Hawaii's spectacular beauty took my breath away. Although I'm no fan of sun, surf and sand, the experience was enriching, and for the first time since I became a working adult, I didn't check my hospital emails for a month while travelling. Full credit goes to the relaxing Hawaiian atmosphere, which enabled me to reach full Zen mode, carrying over to the rest of the trip. I'm very grateful. :)
Washington, D.C. was equally fabulous, though for an entirely different set of reasons. The historical monuments blew my mind, and I learned so much from just 5 days in this beautiful city. The food sucked, but its people are incredibly warm and hospitable to foreign visitors. Their high school students deserve special mention for being amazingly well-behaved at public places, be it the Holocaust Museum, a traffic junction or a food court. We met huge groups of them on a daily basis, and never encountered a single rude teenager. They were all respectful and disciplined, unlike our local kids who run amok every chance they get. Where did Singapore go wrong???
In NYC, I fed my insatiable appetite for Broadway, and fulfilled dreams to see my favourite actors on stage, including Dexter's Michael C. Hall, Breaking Bad's Bryan Cranston, Monk's Tony Shalhoub and The Good Wife's Alan Cumming. I got to meet Hall and Shalhoub at the stage door, and both were wonderful to their fans ( not to mention gorgeous in person! ). It was also a thrill to interact with the cast of Les Miserables, especially Will Swenson and Andy Mientus, who were sweet and gracious to everyone. Didn't get to meet Ramin Karimloo ( he was delayed by backstage visitors and I decided to leave when it began to snow - in April! ), but I'm confident an opportunity will present itself in the future.
Bonuses came in the form of Tracy Letts - an actor and playwright whose work I recently became acquainted with ( Homeland, Killer Joe, August: Osage County ) and whom I deeply admire - and Seth Meyers, whose monologue rehearsal tickets literally dropped in my lap while I was browsing the NBC store. Both gentlemen were so friendly and great to talk to, I'm now their fans for life. I never take celebrities for granted, so thank you very very much. :)
Last but not least, the Museum of the Moving Image's gala tribute for Kevin Spacey. I purchased tickets without much forethought, only beginning to worry closer to the event when I realized I might be out of my depth. Fortunately, it turned out to be the complete opposite of what I expected. Despite being the proverbial fish out of water, I met the loveliest people that night - mostly executives from the entertainment industry who share my love for films, television and the stage. For me, it was the perfect dinner party, despite not finding a chance to waylay Mr. Spacey. I did, however, brush shoulders ( literally ) with Hollywood producer, Dana Brunetti, and his girlfriend at the time, Broadway star Kristen Chenoweth, and stood beside actor Chazz Palmintieri ( The Usual Suspects, Bullets Over Broadway ) for 5 long minutes as we waited for our coats at the entrance. It was one of those enlightening moments when I realized how human celebrities really are. I was too star struck to engage any of them directly, but rest assured that if I get this opportunity again, I won't be shy anymore!
Second, my ultrasound course is finally coming to an end, after which life will gradually return to normal. I've learned so much, and met many great people who helped me through the process. I appreciate every single one of you tremendously. :)
Third, another major hurdle conquered - finishing my mortgage payments. In half the originally stated loan period.
To be honest, I don't quite know how I managed to do this on a single income, and with so much extra to spare. It is indeed God's grace that has made this possible, and I continue to give back by donating to various organizations and supporting my church.
Fourth, an amazing experience with Jason Mraz! It was my 2nd close encounter with my favourite musician, and despite the lack of a formal meet and greet, he deemed me deserving of a gift, which he hurled at me at the end of the sound check session. I didn't run to the stage only because the organizers had cautioned us not to approach him, but I know if I'd decided to break the rules, he wouldn't have minded. It's a terrific memory which wasn't captured on camera, but which I will cherish forever.
Last but not least, a year-end rundown wouldn't be complete without mentioning a few movies and TV shows.
Favourite films ( not considering The Hobbit since I haven't seen it yet ): Gone Girl, Interstellar, How To Train Your Dragon 2.
Favourite new TV shows: Outlander, True Detective, Gotham, Fargo.
Favourite returning TV series: The Killing season 4, The Fall season 2, House Of Cards season 2, The Newsroom season 3, The Voice season 7.
Breakthrough moments:
Chris Jamison - the 20-year-old college student with the honey-smooth vocals and shy smile caught my full attention when he performed a cover of Nick Jonas' Jealous during the live rounds. He came in 3rd in the end, but I predict great things in his future if he makes the right decisions. I haven't been this excited about a Voice contestant since season 2's Chris Mann, who came in 4th but went on to release a successful album, became a regular at White House events, and is now touring the U.S. as the lead in Phantom Of The Opera.
Reeve Carney - former star of the Spider-man Broadway musical, now positively sizzling as Dorian Gray in Showtime's Penny Dreadful. I don't normally go for pretty boy looks, so my interest hinges entirely on his intense performance. It also helps that I watch an uncensored version of the series, allowing Carney to fully showcase his range ( you know what I mean, right? :)). Am eagerly awaiting season 2!
David Mazouz - plays a young Bruce Wayne ( aka Batman ) in Gotham, with heartbreaking sadness.
Camren Bicondova - plays a young Selina Kyle ( aka Catwoman ). She's only 15, but strikingly beautiful, spunky and intelligent.
Finn Wittrock - plays a psychotic killer named Dandy on American Horror Story: Freak Show. Practically outshines everyone, including Jessica Lange, Frances Conroy and Kathy Bates. That's really something!
Colin Morgan - played Merlin in the BBC series for quite a few years, but has since grown up and caught my eye in The Fall season 2. A still image does him no justice whatsoever. Watch the show ( it's superb ) and see for yourself. Those eyes of his are unbelievable. :)
So what's in store for 2015?
Graduation from the ultrasound course.
A trip to Greece to celebrate my milestone birthday.
Another trip to the U.S. for a conference and more Broadway shows, woohoo! I'm aiming to see John Oliver this time round; he's a genius!
Catching up on my work commitments so I can get promoted again - tiresome, but needs to be done.
A few surprises which will no doubt come my way through divine means. ( I'm a great believer in this. There's no other explanation for the numerous blessings I've received all these years. )
I'm still aiming to write that book / screenplay. Maybe I'll be able to get started soon.
Thanks for reading! Here's wishing all my readers a joyous Christmas and fantastic New Year!
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