Thank goodness for *NSYNC.

Over two decades since its initial release, Bye Bye Bye is no longer just one of the many songs that defined 00’s bubblegum pop. Since then it’s become an unofficial anthem when everything we despise or caused us pain is ejected into space, never to be seen or heard ever again.

Just like 2020 in only a few minutes.

I swear to you, I’m going to be blasting Bye Bye Bye on loop until the clock strikes midnight for the new year.

But it wasn’t supposed to be that way.

It’s inexplicable that 364 days ago, I was looking forward for this year.

20 is my lucky number. Seeing the calendar flip to double 20 got the stars shining in my eyes, believing it’ll be an awesome year ahead. Travel and career plans, personal projects moving forward, and other run-of-the-mill stuff. So many ideas, so many plans.

But nope.

Now with some twenty minutes later, I’m recalling what’s happened in arguably the most cursed year in recent memory.

Such a string of unfortunate events led by Miss Rona made me ponder things–some that even made me question my purpose, my future, and what could’ve been had the pandemic never put the world on pause.

However, albeit the many crises that plagued Among Us (see the emphasis on my Game of The Year), there will always be bright spots we can remember fondly.

2020 wasn’t my year. There were personal setbacks I didn’t see coming at all. Nevertheless, I still have a lot to be thankful for. I’m blessed to have my family, my friends from all over the globe, and my co-volunteers in JGIS for their incessant support. Words aren’t enough to express how much I cherish them.

As far as achievements go, nothing but pride for the many opportunities that came along throughout the year.

I was promoted as lead of the JGIS social media and communications committee.

I finally set up my own blog under my own domain, Candice Wrote This. Thanks for the memories, thecandydoll. You’ll always be part of my teenage years.

I celebrated two years in my current role, having picked up fundamental customer service and negotiation skills in the process. Not bad for someone who made the jump from a communications (plus business) background.

This year has also pushed me to be less myopic about the world and be more socially conscious.

After close to three years of dormancy, I finally got my own gym membership. I expanded my cooking portfolio by whipping up recipes that don’t just require a cooking oil to work. I learned to eat healthier–sugar no more. Something healthy lifestyle something like that.

So, 2020. Thanks for coming. You were that year–but for all the wrong reasons that could take 20 dictionaries piled on top of one another.

Now sashay away.

I’m off to listening *NSYNC while waiting for the fireworks to pop.