What happened in 2019?

Ask and you shall get. 

If you guys have been following this space for awhile, you will remember that I do my yearly summary during the last week for each year.

I can't believe how long I have been doing this. Yes, it has been 10 freaking years. Can you believe it? Ten freaking years! If you have been reading since the very 1st edition in 2010, congratulations!!! You have wasted a good 10 years of your life by my side. I can't thank you enough for doing so.

For those who missed it and wish to catchup: 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010. 

2018 was a rather depressing year as I've shared last year. To quote me from a year ago,

"Maybe I am just jaded or maybe it's mid-life crisis some may choose to call it. Regardless of what it was, it has to stop. I need a change. Not too sure how to achieve it yet but I hope help is on the way. And when I say help, I mean myself. Nobody can change me. It's probably all on me. "

I am not the most religious person but I always believe in a higher power. I've no idea who or what it is but my prayer was answered once again. I got the change I needed. A change that brought me new energy and new targets in life. I asked, and I got it.

I stopped almost entirely with paid content. I stopped almost entirely with all the PR events. It is not because I am very busy but I just wasn't in the right headspace throughout the year. I do not know how to express this part of my life but I just feel that I am pretty much done using my personal voice to sell things for others. Good news is I am a lot more active writing things online be it on my own space, Facebook page, or even just contributing articles to various online sites.

Erm, as for Instagram, I am feeling very strong fatigue not just in terms of me posting but also in terms of users uploading and engaging with Instagram posts these days. I can't say for sure but I guess most users are using IG Stories more than IG's original function. I might be right or maybe I am just giving an excuse for my lack of posts this year.

I also stopped travelling. I had a lot fewer reasons for me to be travelling with my life's new arrangement. Do I miss it? Maybe. Do I wish to travel again? Not really. Did I even travel in 2019? Yes, I did went to Bali and I'm proud to say that the picture I shot was actually featured on some 10 over different travel sites. #weirdflexbutokay

Anyway, here are some of the crazy things that happened this year. (Not in any specific order.)

New Job New Me at NTUC. #Everyworkermatters 



My journey with NTUC has been a hell of a ride so far. The people at work are great. I probably can't ask for more. Actually, maybe I can, no harm having more hot colleagues right?

Not to sound like I am carrying balls but NTUC is really less rigid than I imagined. I guess I am one of those lucky ones that have very supportive bosses and colleagues. NTUC might be an organization with loads of legacy but yet at the same time is very willing to innovate and evolve with time.

I actually asked for more projects and opportunities throughout the year. Despite me being a very new staff, I got pretty much most of the things I asked for. Of course, I hope this has something to do with how convincing I am as a person and also the way I pick my battles and not just because I am handsome.

I've a full list of people that I wish to thank after these 10 months of working at NTUC but I guess I will save it for next time. Meanwhile, I just want to say that I really appreciate everyone here with me and all the opportunities are given.

There are a lot more exciting changes coming 2020 and I can't wait for it.

New Job at Ngee Ann Polytechnic 



Being an educator has always been something I see myself doing in maybe another 10-20 years time. However, I never back down from a good opportunity.

A friend of mine was helping his friend to look for a part-time lecturer and he thought I might be a good candidate. After reviewing my own schedule and getting approval from my bosses, I decided to use my personal leave to teach at Ngee Ann Polytechnic. I wanted this so much, and yes I got it.

Yes, you got that right. I am now a lecturer. Probably the last person that you imagine working in NTUC or as a lecturer. BOOM! I am currently working at NTUC as well as a lecturer.

Yes, I am very busy but it is very fulfilling. I don't think I am any worse at work and in fact, I think I am doing better and more motivated with the additional responsibilities and work. I know, I'm crazy. The students are lovely and it's so fun teaching them.

One of the most common questions that I get all the time is regarding my tattoos and working at these established organizations where public image matters. I guess I am lucky that I am born in an era where tattoos are seen as art. That being said, I can't stress enough that I am not encouraging anyone to have tattoos all over your body. I did plan the shit out of my life and I am glad it worked the way I wanted it to. Here are some tips for you;

1. Do your tattoos on spots where you have an option to hide. Ngee Ann Poly does need me to hide my tattoos in classes. I am working with a group of youths in their formative years and I personally do not wish to misguide anyone too.

2. I only had my sleeves tattoo very late in life. No doubt I said that they are being appreciated as art, but the truth is there are industries that still see it as a stigma. Thus, I only started having these many tattoos when I am sure of the industry I will be at and also my career path. So do think twice before committing to any tattoos.

New Ink of 2019 



What can I say? I am a big fan of star wars and my favourite movie vehicle of all time has to be the millennium falcon. The lines are so fine and I love it. It was a birthday present to myself.

Not exactly asking when I paid for it, but yes, I got it as well.

New Family Member - not quite, but coming soon 



Seth is an amazing child. He has grown up so much within this 1 year. He is so sweet and witty. Just the way I wanted him to be. In fact, 2019 was a very special year for us. Due to my wife's pregnancy, we spent a lot more time together. I mean we have always been close but I feel like we connected even more since we were spending a lot more father and son time with the wife out of action, suffering from her morning sickness.

I digress.

After long planning and discussion, we finally decided to try for our 2nd child. I asked, and I got it. I can't wait to meet him (yes, him again) in 2020.

Seth is going to be a brother!

New Friends, new relationships 

Nope, don't worry, I did not get myself a new girlfriend or wife but I got a lot more friends. Not just new friends but also deeper relationships.

Many of my friends like to say that I have many friends but I choose to correct them that I am just well connected. I am going to be shameless and just say it. I am a person who is pretty good at meeting new people. I also have to admit that I am not exactly good at keeping friends around me for long. I choose to believe that it has nothing to do with my fun-loving character but more often because I am a very lazy person when it comes to maintaining a friendship.

However, I also choose to believe (once again) that I did better this year. Here are some of the friends that I like to thank for sticking around. Don't be sad if you did not get a shoutout. I already said I suck at this. Just remember this, although you are not mentioned, I still love you. And also means that we should hang out more often.

The Boys.

I swear I thought I have a better picture of us and not me cross-dressing. We are getting ahead of ourselves about that story.

Started off as basketball kakis but now they are just like family. We spent so much time hanging out. These boys are 15 years younger than me on average.

The Old Boys



Probably the strangest relationship ever. I met these old boys on a gaming Facebook group and the rest is history. We text each other more than we text our wife and girlfriend. That's how clingy we are.

The Chimi's Gang

I've no idea why I do not have one that I am dressed properly.

Chimi's is this place that serves good drinks and food right below my office. I met them earlier this year simply because they are just right below my office. It is a great place to connect. What started off as a customer/business owner relationship soon turned into a friendship. And also because of these dogs (we call everyone dog there.) I have been drinking a lot. Yes, 2019 is a very very bad year for my health.

The Office Sisters

I LEGIT THOUGHT I'VE MORE PHOTOS THAN ALL THESE CROSS-DRESSING ONES! I AM SORRY TO YOUR EYES!

I do not know about you but I probably spent more time with these ladies than my own wife. I love my work and silly shenanigans. I think we successfully made working at NTUC look very chill and fun. And we are the office sisters because I am the only guy in the team.

OR am I?

What will 2020 be like? 

2019 was a great year. I'm given more than I could ask for. I really don't think I can complain much or at all.

2020?

It will be yet another crazy year.

Greater job responsibility. Hope that everything goes well.

New Child. Most importantly, be a healthy one.

GE is coming. (No, I am not going to be MP but I mean it is a big deal since I am a Singaporean after all right?)

I can see all these coming.

What else will I ask for?

WEIGHT LOSS OF COURSE!

Happy 2020!

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Quick and Dirty July Updates - I got a new tattoo!

I know July is hardly over but I just wish to pen down some thoughts so far. And also to show off my new tattoo!

Nope. The image about is not my new tatt! HAHA. That's actually a rubber stamp from the rubber stamp station at the ReUnion exhibition which I shared previously. The rubber stamp was meant for notebooks and tote bag but me being me... I thought it blended in really well with my real tatts. 



This is my real tatt! The millennium falcon! It is probably my favourite movie rides of all time! Followed by DMC DeLorean from Back to the Future and of course the Pussy Wagon from Kill Bill. LOL.

I got this ink for myself as a birthday present!

YES! JULY IS MY BIRTHDAY MONTH!!!!


One of those random pictures taken at one of my parties. I know. I'm 35 this year and birthday shouldn't be a big deal but I guess I'm a lucky man. My friends still make effort to catch up with me for celebrations and it has been going on since late June. You have no clue how much weight I've been putting on just from the food and drinks. Besides my birthday I also started writing again. I haven't been writing much for the last few months. I've no idea why either. So recently I contributed two different articles for two different sites and you can read them from the link below. Will My job Still Be Around in 5 Years Time?THE “STRAWBERRY GENERATION” MIGHT BE BETTER THAN WE THOUGHT.Hopefully I can find my mojo back and write more. Besides that, my life is mostly about work. I haven't been playing much basketball or video games as well. And also shooting. I think I'm quite done with Instagram at the same time. I feel the shift of content once again. In summary - Memes are the in thing and travel pictures are already on the way out. (or already out.) No, I do not have studies on that to show but you read it here 1st. (I think.) Anyway, HAPPY JULY EVERYONE!(August.. I shall get back in shape in August. I think.)  

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The Cathay - Ink and Cut 2018

The little new ink that I got from the event.


Would you put a tattoo on you that is not selected by yourself? What if it's something you don't like? These are some of the questions I've been getting from friends and readers about The Cathay's ink and cut event.

Let's put a pin on that and let me share with you more about this event. How does it really works?

INK

Step 1: Pick a word of inspiration.

There is this word with a whole list of keywords like strength, strive, rockstar, etc etc. It's random so the design is actually based on the word you picked. Of course if you pick a word that is totally not you, I'm sure you can negotiate with the organizers that you want to change a word.

What did I get?

It's not too bad fit for me considering how I like to travel ever since I started having the whole shutterbug thing infected on me. I don't mean a real illness, I just meant I started shooting for a living.

BUT... I thought this might be a better word for me.

THAT'S RIGHT! And please don't tell my wife. :x

Step 0: Spent $50 

Actually I kinda got it wrong. So I'm doing this starwars thing where I will release prequels. In order to be part of this event, one need to spend $50 at The Cathay and redeem this tattoo or hair cut/hair tattoo. It's really not difficult since The Cathay is filled with so many different type of food, services and retail. If you remember, my chio chio skin doctor, Dr Kellyn is also in the building.

Step 2: GET READY! 

So it's really that simple to be honest. All you had to do is to get the word and that's all. Insert your hand into the erm... "glory hole" hang on and wait for the surprise!

No, she wasn't tickling my armpit but I can't exactly remember why I was laughing so happily.

FAQ 

I always wanted to do a tattoo FAQ but this time round I would just like to answer this one question and also some others about this event.

IS IT PAINFUL? 

This picture should probably answer everything.

I was using my phone as if nothing was happening. I mean, look at me, I've this whole sleeve thing going on and if it was pain, that probably wouldn't have happen. Truth is everyone has different pain threshold as well as when it comes to different parts of your body. Your biceps and forearms are probably the strongest. You hardly feel anything really.

Because my crew asked me to act like it's very pain. I've no idea why he asked for it but I did it to entertain him anyway.

Would you put a tattoo on you that is not selected by yourself? 

Yes and I did. I did it because I like the element of surprise! It's kinda like arrange marriage. You have no idea what you are getting into and the commitment could probably be for a life time.

What if it's something you don't like? 

I believe that every tattoo tells a story and if the story is ugly or something I hate, I guess it still makes a good story right? And I guess was pretty lucky to get a word of inspiration that really meant something to me.

What if you see this person with the same tattoo with you because he/she went to the same event? 

There are pretty limited slots per day. Each tattoo takes around 30mins to 1hr so based on what I've gathered, the event ink no more than 10 pax a day and they actually remove certain keywords after they are being used but I'm not sure how many times will they actually ink them before they eventually remove it.

CUT

As you guys should know I've not much hair to begin with so the "cut" segment of the event do not really applies to me. So instead one of my crew actually went and gave it a go. The guys behind the cut segment are actually from THE GOLDEN RULE BARBER CO. These guys are so cool. They look like they walk straight out from a show set in Harlem or something.

I apologize for this out of focus image. And also because it wasn't taken by me. :x

If you noticed. The guy from the right actually look a lot like Ice 3. When asked, he said he knows and he calls himself Ice box. No clue why box but my best guest is before a box has 4 corners and 4 is bigger than 3. LOL.

Besides ink and hair cutting there were also other fringe event like this dude that does customized note books and stuff. This event is really my kinda thing where it's all about making things the way you like it.

Anyway, for those who had no idea, this event is actually their 2nd installment. If you are reading this in 2019 because you googled and was trying to find out more information about the event, it means that the 3rd edition is on it's way and hope to see you there! That is if I still have space for more ink. LOL.

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5 Zainal Sapari memes that might change your life

Many wouldn't find it surprising if I told you guys that I'm not exactly the best student in class. I mean I don't think I'm bad but I'm not exactly one of those that pays attention, do my home work, and erm, cut my hair regularly. The last part might comes as a surprise since my hair is hardly an inch long now but not to forget I grew up in an era where this is what we call handsome.

erm, wrong image.

Ya, this. 

See! Handsome right? I mean, don't try to imagine how I look with this hairstyle if you still want whatever meal you just had before reading this. This was the coolest hairstyle back then, but of course not everyone agrees, especially not my Disciplinary Master, Mr. Zainal Sapari who is now the NTUC Assistant Secretary-General (ASG), Director, Care; Share Department, Director, U Care Department and MP for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC. I know, that's a mouthful and it reminds me of Daenerys from Game Of Thrones.

My Unscrambled.sg work brings me to places all the time. This time right, it brought me to Mr.Zainal's NTUC office where we are supposed to do an interview piece about his work. So yeah, I got to meet him for tea, but like he mentioned in a cheeky manner, there was no tea. All we had was water. You know lah, fight the diabetes war. LOL.

Although 20 years has passed, he is exactly like how I remembered him. Warm, humorous, and no holds barred despite being in politics. This sure didn't apply to the Mr. Zainal I know. Maybe a few pounds more but he is always ready to share some of his wisdom. 

Actually this is not the 1st time I bumped into him after school days. We were at the same event some years ago where he was the guest-of-honour and I was representing my company as a partner with AREU Tour Guide Chapter. 

Although I was never really his student back in school days, here's 5 things I learnt from him during this short session. Because pranks are what students do best to their teachers, so here's 5 memes I made instead.

1. Zainal Snow - You Know Nothing

Mr. Zainal dedicated his life to teaching, it was his first career and he was not shy to admit that he did not know much about how politics worked before he got into the game. In fact he didn't even know what he was walking into when PAP first invited him for tea. He thought it was nothing more than a simple dialogue over tea with some school principals to discuss education matters (he was a principal of Mayflower Primary School then). Thinking that he wouldn’t be missed since it’s a group setting, he had declined the meeting due to prior engagements. Little did he know that he was actually invited by the ruling party for that kinda tea sessions, LOL! 

He also shared with us that the best way to become an MP is to just do what you do well, and not try too hard to be one. It sounded a lot like those mafia movies where they will drop you with this famous quote, 

"You don't find us. We will find YOU." 

Lesson Learnt: It's okay to admit that you do not know something, we are only human. What's important is the hunger to learn and the passion to do what one believes in.

2. Zainal Sapari, father of 6 (no dragons), and breaker of chains. 

I know this is another Game Of Thrones reference which you might not be too familiar with if you are not a fan but come on, everyone watches GOT right? Besides the fact that they both have very long titles, they also have many things in common. One of the main reasons why he entered into MOE at that time was he believe that as a teacher he can help students using education and help them break out of poverty. 

Mr.Zainal himself came from a low income family where his dad worked 3 jobs which included being a cleaner, security guard and “grass-cutter”and his mum was a helper to an expat family. 

It was through education that Zainal became who he is today and he wishes he can do the same for everyone. He also quoted that famous starfish story where he believe that he will do what he can with what he have to touch lives even if it is just one at a time. 

He might have left MOE for years now but it is still the same for him today as he has the responsibility as an ASG at NTUC. He champions for a better life for low wage workers and his efforts as a labour MP sure affects many and breaks many's chains. 

Lesson Learnt: We might not have dragons or special power but everyone has abilities of their own. We can make an impact in everyone's life no matter how big or small.

3. YOLO!

He might be a politician now and my very strict and fierce DM some 20 years ago but Mr. Zainal was once young as well. He told us stories of his early life where he believe that when we face challenges, all we have to do is to "just do it!" So I taught him a new word YOLO! and explained to him what it meant. He replied me candidly - YES, YOLO! 

Lesson Learnt: No matter how big or small the challenge is, just YOLO!

4. Live life with no Ragrets. 

He does not have that tattoo of course. But when we asked him about him his thoughts about leaving his comfort zone and domain of expertise in MOE for some 20 years and joining the Labour Movement,, he told us with a straight face that he has no regrets at all. It's a challenge but he is enjoying what he does everyday. To him it's not just a job, it's about touching lives and helping to improve everyone's standard of living. 

Lesson Learnt: He didn't say this but I feel that being a politician is never easy. There are times that some things shouldn’t be said politically (thus the term politically correct) and there may be times that you can be irresponsibly quoted by the media. It's really not easy being in politics considering the amount of heat one can get on social media these days. You do your best and live life with no ragrets. That's the ballsy Mr. Zainal I know.

5. Let God Decide. 

Although I did my home work of reading his Wikipedia page before meeting him and knew that he did religious studies in his university days, this reply came as a surprise to me when we asked him about him having any plans for his children to be in politics. A simple yet impactful answer. Mr.Zainal is a man of God. He was also sharing with us about his relationship with God and how he seeks knowledge from his religion from time to time. 

Lesson Learnt: There are things in life we can't control and it's better to let Thor do it. I mean God do it. It's strange how I spent my school life running away from him but this session with him was so enjoyable I hardly wanted to leave. 

It sounds a bit strange to say this now but he really is an interesting man to chat with. Not exactly because of our erm history, but I think that he is a man that I would like to work along with. Wise yet unconventional, it's not exactly something one can balance easily.

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MR.SMITH'S 2017

Time of the year to look back at 2017 and blog about how crazy my year was. I kept telling myself the same thing every year, "man, that's some crazy year.. there's no way you are going to top that" but some how I just manage to do it year after year. So many milestones unlocked this 2017 and I'm glad you are all still with me. 

It has now became a tradition for me to do such a post. For those who like history, you can check out 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 , 2011 and 2010. To be honest I really love these posts to see how far I've come. It is also like an easy to-stalk content for those who just met me and wish to know a little more about me. (It is also a progress check for my own English. LOL)

Just a quick overview for 2017: total number of posts - 61. Which is actually 69 less than 2016 and a lot less than the previous years. I wouldn't say I got too busy or lost the passion for writing but I guess a lot more of my thoughts went onto Unscrambled.sg and also me being more active on Instagram, I've been neglecting this space a lot more. If you are a fan of my longer rant, I'm sorry. ORRRR, it's just me slacking because I'm fat and lazy. (if you notice I practically copied the 1st paragraph from last year which I copied from the year before which was copied from the year before that. So this shows how lazy I really am? HAHA!)

I mentioned I would work hard on my IG and I guess I pretty much achieved that. Not just the number of posts but I would choose to believe that the quality of my images are getting better given how much more I've been shooting for both my own IG as well as for my clients. 

I digress, HERE ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF 2017! LET'S GO!

PROJECT 24!

Enough of wine and beer, (and whiskey, gin, and you get the idea) it’s the final lap of 2017 so let’s go! Back in Singapore but I will continue to share images from our Taiwan trip with #chanbrotherstravel because the scenes were so great that I took over 1000 pictures. (That Includes those pictures that we threw out cause I looked too fat from all the good Taiwan food which I will NEVER upload! lol.) #secrettolookinggoodonIG #smithankyoutravels #project24sg

A post shared by Smith Leong 🏀 (@smithankyou) on Dec 25, 2017 at 5:19pm PST

After collaborating with #Girlboss @floraisabelle for almost 2 years, we finally decided to make things official. (No proposal video, no proposal ring, and she didn't even get down on her knees. I know, I'm easy like this. LOL.) We started our own content creation agency Project 24 to get into the business in full force. You know the saying that goes "Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life." Guess what? They lied. LOL. Although our Instagram always show the glamorous side of our job where we get paid to eat, travel, have fun, most of you don't see the part where we slog our life away in the office because we choose not to show it. 

I still remember what Darryl (my new crew) said to me when I was passing him some corporate videos to edited, "OMG BRO, THIS IS THE PART OF YOUR JOB THAT SUCKS. I FEEL YOU." It's okay Darryl, now I've you to do those things. HAHAHA. 

Anyway, just a little about Flora. In fact just 3 words – SHE IS CRAZY. She got pregnant, gave birth, and she didn't even take much of a maternity break. I took over her work for less than 1 week and she bounced back from the dead bed and starting working again. (I hope I do not get into trouble with MOM cause it was her choice you know? :x) 

It has been a great year so far thanks to a lot of our ad-hoc clients coming onboard on retainer $_$. Is this the time I get to use one of the most annoying hashtag ever? #blessed. And also please continue to send more clients over. I will love you long time.


I'M A PUBLISHED AUTHOR

My published author moment from #buysinglit the other day. With me is my buddy/co-author Dan, his son Ben Ben and my baby @sethankyou . Thanks everyone who came down to support us! @chris_goh @melpig @euniqeun @behindthebasics @floraisabelle @luffyhenn P.S. The book is still on sale so do grab a copy at the nearest bookstore!

A post shared by Smith Leong 🏀 (@smithankyou) on Mar 9, 2017 at 4:33pm PST

After blogging and writing for the longest time, I finally got my first book published. Strangely it's not really a book. It's more like a parenting comic. It's all made possible thanks to my buddy Dan! 


I GOT MY ANKLE BACK! (Not really)

Fly High . Burn Bright

A post shared by Smith Leong 🏀 (@smithankyou) on Jul 2, 2017 at 9:12pm PDT

You guys remember how I broke my ankle last year? Well, the doctor said that I would probably be able to function this December but I actually started walking around and even played a little basketball since April. I would like to think that I'm wolverine but sadly I'm not. Pain is secondary. The worst thing is that I'm still suffering from major PTSD. Sometimes so bad that I even avoid taking too big a leap as I can see it in my head how my ankle can snap if I slip and fall. There are still a lot of tasks that I can't do. I can no longer do yoga, do my Asian squads, and worst of all - jogging. I can't jog properly and this is annoying me so much. Which brings us to the next point. 

I PUT ON SO MUCH WEIGHT


Of course, not being able to do cardio is a big part of the problem but mainly also because I just can't say no. I've no idea what happened. I got distracted, I lost focus. I just can't seem to have that determination I once had to say no to negative things in my life. Like you know, fried chicken, soft drinks, rice, which I once not eat for months and didn't feel a thing. 
Good thing is I started hitting the gym with another one of my crew - JJ. He helps me a lot at the gym and I'm loving the compliments when people say that I've a nice big chest. #AttentionWhore

TATTOO SLEEVE 

Who needs t-shirt when the designs are printed on your skin. #happylabourday #getout #tattoo

A post shared by Smith Leong 🏀 (@smithankyou) on Apr 30, 2017 at 7:29pm PDT

Now this is something off my bucket list. I've always wanted a sleeve so I could look like Beckham or Justin Bieber. I always feel like I look a bit too clean and weird without my tatts. Yeah, I know I wanted to do a post that feature every tattoo I have but I've yet to get around to do it. Next year I guess. shrug* 

MY NEW NOSE

👀

A post shared by Smith Leong 🏀 (@smithankyou) on Nov 22, 2017 at 7:59pm PST

Never have I imagined that I would be saying this. I know there are like 194608123 female beauty bloggers out there who have done things like this but coming from a big, married man who looks more like your not-so-friendly-neighbourhood debt collector, this is the 1st I believe. Anyway, live life with no ragrets, I'm loving this nose. 

I ATE 100 NUGGETS

Not over a year but over a night. Okay I lied. We didn't managed to finish all 100. We attempted. Well, this is also something on the mini bucket-list, let's call it the erm.. cup list. Basically they are things I want to do that are kinda achievable but also a bit dumb to complete. This is 1st off the list I guess. I am not sure why I put it on my highlights but I guess I'm sad like this. LOL. 

TRAVELS

It has been a good year I guess. Didn't travel as much as I wish due to starting of the new company but I guess it's not too shabby. Not in any specific order 

Taipei with Shangri-La 

Feeling the blues. #smithankyoutravels

A post shared by Smith Leong 🏀 (@smithankyou) on Mar 6, 2017 at 12:50am PST

Taipei with Family/Site Recce  

This sums up the trip. IG life vs Real life. lol. Swipe left for more #smithankyoutravels #taiwan #expectationvsreality

A post shared by Smith Leong 🏀 (@smithankyou) on Dec 9, 2017 at 7:17pm PST

Taipei with Chan Brothers 

I feel it in my fingers, I feel it in my toes Christmas is all around me and so the feeling grows It's written in the wind, it's everywhere I go So if you really love Christmas c'mon and let it snow #loveactually #christmas #smithankyoutravels #travel #taiwan #shifen

A post shared by Smith Leong 🏀 (@smithankyou) on Dec 24, 2017 at 6:39am PST

Bangkok - Retreat 

Always something new for me no matter how many times I'm back here in Bangkok #smithankyoutravels #neonmarket

A post shared by Smith Leong 🏀 (@smithankyou) on Mar 23, 2017 at 4:41am PDT

Bangkok with AirAsia 

Back in Thailand again for a crazy 72 hours with an even crazier bunch of people. Been travelling so much lately cause of my new venture @project24sg and awesome client @airasia. Can't wait for more 🙌🏻✈️ #worktimefun #smithankyoutravels #moreclientsmoreluck #AirAsiaTopShopper #AmazingThailand #ThailandShoppingDining

A post shared by Smith Leong 🏀 (@smithankyou) on Jun 20, 2017 at 5:49pm PDT

Kuching/Sarawak with AirAsia 

Monday, JUST BRING IT! #smithankyoutravels #sarawak #travel

A post shared by Smith Leong 🏀 (@smithankyou) on Jun 4, 2017 at 6:02pm PDT

Munich with Munich Tourism Board 

You thought it was squad goals but they look at you as their father. LOL

A post shared by Smith Leong 🏀 (@smithankyou) on Aug 11, 2017 at 7:18pm PDT

Hong Kong for Love Off The Cuff Movie Preview 

One night in Hong Kong. #smithankyoutravels . . @discoverhongkong

A post shared by Smith Leong 🏀 (@smithankyou) on Apr 18, 2017 at 7:17am PDT

2017 Thoughts 

We win some, we lose some. This happens all the time but I guess 2017 is the year that I feel it the most. Not because we lost Gong Cha and got Liho, nor losing Llao Llao and getting Yole (which I've yet to try) but I guess it's the fact that I was placed in a situation that I need to make certain decisions and the main takeaway behind it is that "We are only human. We can't win it all." There are times that we need to make certain tough decisions. We need to give up sometimes in order to get something else. I got something I wanted for a long time but I lost something along the way. shrug. oh well. Resentment can't change things so I guess I can only move on. 

I've been spending a lot more time with my son who is turning 2 soon. He is growing up well and healthy. Picking up things and becoming a big kid that can interact and play. I've made a whole new group of friends from playing basketball and now some of them are working with me and we hang out all the time. They are like my new crew/entourage/or what people call it these days #squad. (Or is that outdated as well?) Happy Holidays everyone, see you on the other side.

- Smith

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