2025 was a BIG year in many ways. We moved across the continent, I got a new job/role, girls started new school, we got a new kitten, and so much more. There’s no perfect way to capture these changes, big or small which are ALL important, so I’d do the simple chronological way to summarize.
January: We had an amazing New Zealand road trip, planned just on time before we had to leave Asia. I visited Brasilia for the first time and was impressed by the modern city. I had my first Brazil related work trip to the Amazons.
February: progress made in Brasilia (house, school). Enjoyed last few weeks in Jakarta. Saying goodbyes and packing nonstop. Also decided to move the family earlier than planned because I missed them too much and can’t imagine living away from them for 3 months. This came with heavy financial cost but it was worth it.
March: first international swim competition in Bangkok, adjusting to my new role?, relocation related stress, departure, arrived Brasilia with the whole family.
April: settling to a new place could be overwhelming even for experienced family (3 relocation!), finding new routines, celebrated Lizzy’s 9th birthday
May: biz trips happened too often, getting our shipment from US storage (time machine experience).
June: summer vibe started, weekend vibe and new kitten pic after many family debates of whether to spend $$ for a new cat. Lizzy and I won the debate and went for Bubble. Our first family holidays in Rio de Janeiro. Dream came true as I took the family to Buenos Aires.
July: started to feeling settled in Brasilia. The start of knee issue. Mom left us for China. We love having her but also understand that she feels best in her home in Shanghai. We were off to LA for Blackpink concert and disney.
August: we welcomed Bubble to our home. Bubble is the cutest kitten but Cookie is not liking her.
September: girls had their first swim competition in Brazil and I had my first running race in Brasilia. Spontaneous trip to Pirenopolis and surprised by how cute it is and the crazy drive to there. Ketty Perry concert and Sofia’s birthday party. Sofia’s first out of town swim team trip.
October: Peru trip during school break, we started in Cusco, then Sofia and I did the inca trail, and met daddy and Lizzy in Macchu Picchu, followed by few relaxing days in Lima. Very low key 10 years anniversary.
November: after lots of travels and disruptions, I decided to recommit to routines and goals, which is difficult given the amount of biz trip I had. Lizzy’s first out of town swim team trip, we had a blast, and she surprised all of us with a medal. I started HRT out of desperation to my knee issue and more volatile hormonal shifts. The much needed beach vacation.
December: Celebrated daddy’s birthday. Another great racing weekend where Sofia regained swimming confidence and I let go of my PR goals for 2025.
Overall, I am very pleased with 2025. As a family, we accomplished a lot together. We all faced the challenge of adapting to the new life, we shared the frustration and the upside surprises of Brasilia. What I enjoyed the most is that we are in this together. I shared each step, each decision, each choice with the whole family and the reason behind them.
Work wise, the main change is the people I work with (which I adore), it’s a bigger program, I oversea more projects and teams, I travel much more (67 days on the road, visited DC twice, Belem, Manaus, Sao Paulo 4 times, Recife twice, Fortaleza, and Salvador), and there was big changes in our institution that threatens my job security for a few weeks.
Family wise we are best than ever, united, fluid communication, shared experienced and special moments, loving our new life and home. I am constantly aware of how many years I have both girls at home. Even in our most precious moment, I get future nostalgia, which is bittersweet because I know I feel that way before I love these moments, and they are temporary.
Friendship wise is not great as I am once again away from people I interacted with, and takes time to build new friendship. I tried to keep in touch with old friends and managed to talk to many of them often. But I could do more and plan to do more.
Selfcare wise has been an interesting year. The knee issue was a good wakeup call that triggered me to start HRT and strength training program as medicine. Hopefully with this new changes, I can take my health, energy, and running career to a new level in 2026.
Favorite books: Audition, Breakneck, Best Laid Plan (which I just finished. I am surprised to learn quite a lot although I am familiar with Sarah’s nested method). I also enjoyed Heart of Lover, You are safe here.
Favorite TV: money heist (series), Killing Eve (series).
Favorite trip: Buenos Aires.
Our New Journey 
Wow! What a huge year. Wishing you all the best in 2026, and hoping it leaves you feeling more rooted in your new community and routines 🙂
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Wow 2025 was a big year for your family! I am glad you at settling into your new home and role. Will the travel level off or is this how much you will likely travel going forward! That is a lot of days away! My days away are usually <50 which is pretty manageable.
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