You know that feeling when you're in the middle of a whirlwind, spinning, not knowing when it'll end? I've been there, right smack in the middle. It's been a whirlwind of obligations, paperwork, and endless to-do lists. Sometimes, it's been so intense that I've had to remind myself to pause, take a deep breath, and remember that there's more to life than crossing off items on a list.

In the past few months, my life has revolved around two major things: buying a condo and renewing my visa. Buying a condo seemed simple at first, but boy, was I in for a surprise! It wasn't just about finding the right place and signing a contract. There was a mountain of paperwork, endless renovations, and countless hours spent coordinating with contractors. Just when I thought I was nearing the end, another beast reared its head — the visa renewal.

If you've ever been through the visa renewal process, you know what I'm talking about. It's like a game of chess where you're constantly figuring out your next move. Filling out forms, gathering documents, meeting with officials, endless waiting, and keeping your fingers crossed. It demands your time, energy, and heaps of patience.

While caught up in all this, I had a realization. I missed traveling. I missed exploring new places, soaking up different cultures, and hearing the stories that each corner of the world has to tell. I missed the excitement of landing in a new city, tasting unfamiliar food, and connecting with people who view the world differently. These enriching experiences have been on pause, and I've been itching to hit the 'play' button.

So here's my silver lining. All this condo and visa stuff has made me realize how much I love and miss traveling. So, I've made a promise to myself: once all this is sorted, I'm going to visit at least one new country this year. I'm ready to break free from the mundane routine and feel the rush of stepping into the unknown.

I'm also planning to be more involved locally. I've been guilty of not fully exploring the vibrant events that are just an hour's flight away in Bangkok. Whether it's art shows, food festivals, concerts, or local festivities, Bangkok is buzzing with activities. So, once I have this condo and visa chapter closed, I plan to immerse myself in the city's happenings.

This whole condo and visa journey has been a crazy roller coaster. But like every wild ride, there's relief and exhilaration at the end. I'm excited about what's to come — fresh adventures, new experiences, and memorable moments.

To all of you also caught up in life's red tape, remember, the whirlwind does stop eventually. When it does, grab the chance to do something that brings you joy. It's these experiences that truly add a dash of spice to our lives.