Because... 2013 has been different.

1)      A year of unemployment without the scarcity of money.

Resigning a job with a fat pay check ensured I had enough savings for all the travel, food
and other ‘indulgences I should avoid naming on a public blog’.

Also, as a freelancer, money might reduce but there’s never a dearth of money.
Thank you 2013!

2)      Having the closest family ties.

A daughter returns home after 3.5 years of staying away with a certain certainty that she’s going
to leave soon. Maybe in marriage or in the pursuit of further studies.

As a young daughter who has completed her education, is sensibly creative and earns her own
living, your parents start to think of you as a matured retard, making you a part of their decisions
and so on.

Your mother starts confiding in your, your father seems to be less upset with your nut-chores.
Thank you 2013!

3)      Gold baby gold

As an Indian, the moment you turn 20, your parents will fuss over buying you a new phone but
want gold? “Here is your money, go buy yourself some gold!”

Your parents probably have no money but when it comes to buying you gold, their money just
multiplies.
Not sure I like gold that much, so, thanks but no thanks 2013!

4)      Travel and some more travel

Bought myself flight tickets to visit an old friend. For the first time, I decided to pamper myself
and reward myself.
Thank you 2013!

5)      Trip with an ex and other friends

This one does not happen very often. Rarely, it turns into one of the best trip.
Of course, when your friends and ex take care of your food, booze and stay, it is a bigger perk!
What more can I ask?
Thank you 2013!

6)      “Now that I an ‘adult’, mommy, can I please take a trip with friends?”

Yes. Yes. Yes.
Although your parents remain skeptical, you get to take your first trip with friends and whoa!
*details will be spared*
Thank you 2013!

7)      Some good-byes were never meant to be forever.

2013 has been the ultimate shocker. Gave me a loss I never expected.
This loss has changed my life forever. My perception to life has changed forever.

2013 has been a turning point. For all I know, my life will never be the same again.
Fuck you 2013!

8)      Wanna try?
A year of trying every new shit possible for the heck of being adventurous and care free.
Thank you 2013!

9)      Coffee and more coffee. Some more coffee please?
Regular coffee evenings with some of the closest friends. Also, a year of exploring every possible
coffee place in town.
Thank you 2013!

10)   Imma a popular biatch!
Being more popular than ever.
Of course, these things happen in a small city where everyone knows everyone.
What’s the harm in boasting a bit!
Thank you 2013!

11)   Making tea-time boyfriends
It is one thing to have a boyfriend.
It is another thing to have boyfriends who treat you no differently. You don’t have to dress up or
brush your teeth or wax your hands. They’ll still love you the same way.
Thank you 2013!

12)   Being appreciated
With 2013, came appreciations from people, adults, teachers, friends, some relatives and
parents.
No, I didn’t top my exams or win a Grammy.
It is more pleasurable when you are appreciated for ‘who you are’ without having done anything
great.
Thank you 2013!

13)   Moving out of the country
2013 has given me the biggest surprises of my existence.
I moved out of the country without much thinking, in a week after receiving my VISA during the
most chaotic time of my existence.
Moving from India to London has its own perks, I can’t deny!
There are more food options to choose from and of course, more alcohol to try!
Also, it is socially acceptable to GET DRUNK.
From a pampered daughter or an employee with a decently fat paycheck to wage earning. The
most humbling experience I have ever had.
Not sure but I am sure, it has its own ‘highs’. Literally! So, Thank you 2013!

14)   Meeting geeks and other cool people
A year of meeting and interacting with some of the coolest people ever.
Chilling for 3 consecutive days with India’s finest bands: Indian Ocean.
Meeting the sensational Susheela Raman.
A brief exchange with Raghu Dixit.
Thank freaking you 2013!

15)   Friend-zoning ‘the love of life’
Some things are just not meant to be. Move on!
Story of my life. Maybe, I should Thank you 2013!

16)   The thickest of friendships have been built. Forever.
Yes, 2013 has given me the strongest of the friendships. I know, they’re forever.
Thank you 2013!

17)   Loving the family more than ever before.
Yes, these things happen when you grow older! :D
Thank you 2013!

18)   Loving India more than ever.
Yes, when you move out, you realize how much you love your motherland.
Thank you 2013!

19)   Taking a risk indulge in a festive feeling.
Yes, I took a ghost ride in my pajamas to make it to the Christmas midnight mass to give myself
the feeling of the festival where “no one should be alone”.
Although, I was saved from it, thanks to the amazingly nice family friends one could ever have.
Thank you 2013 for making me realize the importance of religion not for spiritual reasons but for
emotional reasons!

20)   Falling in love with Zeus.
Yes, I am in love with the supreme god!
Thank you 2013 for him!