I have read blogs that looked back on what happened and the learnings they had from 2008. Since I am a copycat, I'd do the same. Haha, kidding! Since I have a short memory, I would at least want to document the milestones for me and my family in 2008and keep the takeaways that could at least make my 2009 better.
2008 was NOT supposed to be a good year for me as per Chinese belief. I was born in the year of the Horse and with 2008 being the year of the Rat, luck is not on my plate for 2008. As such, I didn’t had high expectations of 2008 (not that I am a firm believer of these Chinese Horoscope). I thought 2008 was just fine but looking back, it was indeed a fantastic year despite some challenges.
2007 was quite a roller coaster year with erratic depression during pregnancy and after giving birth. There were a lot of restrictions on what I can do and not to mention bed rest for more than a month.
2008 was the year of happiness. Watching Sean and Sophia grow was indeed fantastic. My day is compete just to see them smile, giggle and demonstrate their new trick. It started with 'close-open' and now being Sophia's headbanging and Sean's hand jiggling when singing 'Happy Birthday' or 'Jingle Bells'. Towards the end of 2008, there's already a sign of tantrums that may signal that 2009 will be a difficult year :)
One of the challenges last year is the major organizational change we had to go thru at work. It meant me applying for my own job. They said that crisis also creates opportunities. Indeed, such application process has turned out to be favorable to me in a form of a promotion. I wouldn't want to say I am giddy happy because I hate to see some people go and get hurt. Maybe one of my learnings in 2008 is that there is nothing certain in this world. I'd like to say I am a positive thinker. I want to look at things in a different perspective. The major change in the organization for me was a good thing as it gives us one direction, makes us more result-oriented and made us believe that we can actually do more and be better at that. Personally, it made me realize quite a number of things. I have to keep going. In my entire career, I never had a job/position that lasted me more than 2 years. I have to keep up with that pace or at least not to be too comfortable with where I am now. We have to upgrade ourselves in a timely manner. Honestly, it's hard to do that when you have a family to consider so I hope I can balance both career and family plans. Then, it's also important to spread your options. Don't put your egg in one basket. That could be applicable not only in career but also in finances which I still has yet to learn how.
One of the best things that happened in 2008 is to be enrolled in this diploma course in Scandinavian International Management Institute in Copenhagen, Denmark. It was such a great opportunity to have attended a course composed of highly intellectual, talented and experienced executives from various companies. Of course, visiting Europe again after several years is such an excitement. I have visited Copenhagen 3 times in 2008 from August to November.
Travelling-wise, 2008 was also a good year. We had our summer vacation with the family (my side and Che's too) in Boracay. We treat the entire family with accomodation instead of spending vacation somewhere else just the two of us. It was Sean and Sophia's first plane trip too. Apart from the several visits to Copenhagen, I have also visited Belgium (Brussels, Brugge, Antwerp) and Amsterdam second half of the year and it was such a great trip! Lastly, after several years of waiting, I visited Hong Kong with the family as a treat from my parents-in-law.
Financially, it was not a bad year. I had unplanned purchases, travels and the ever-growing expense for the kids but savings was not compromised (although I could have done better). We also bought a family car which was supposed to be sold also but it ended up being a necessity for us since Che and I couldn't share a car anymore since I moved office.
Of course, 2008 was a milestone for Sean and Sophia as we celebrated their 1st birthday. It was a blast and I look forward to more parties for them.
As we enter 2009, the question is whether this will surpass the year that has just passed. I am welcoming 2009 with positive vibes and high hopes. I have my wishes for 2009 which includes travelling to US with Che to use up my miles and visit a very good friend, Anne, in Los Angeles, visit Vegas and Grand Canyon. Che is just knodding his head on this plan of mine but the possibility is yet to be explored. Another 'wish' for 2009 is to have our own house. It is OUR big dream (and maybe so is other married couples). Just recently, Che opened up the idea of just opting for a condo but I'd like to test our luck and wait for that single-detached house. It will be nice to have a spacious garden where you can have breakfast while watching the kids play.
I don't want to put high expectations work-wise due to a lot of uncertainty in the business world. In fact, we should expect the worst. All I know is that I am welcoming 2009 with a positive attitude and belief that this is a good time to make a difference.
On the parenting side, I think 2009 will be a difficult year as the twins are now officially toddlers. I should probably expect more tantrums and more signs of independence. On the good note though, I am sure it will be another year of documenting 'smilestones' and look forward to hearing more words from them beyond 'dada', 'dadi', 'tata' etc.
Che's industry (automotive) might be hit big time this year. It could be an opportunity for us to explore on possible business venture (?).
Financially, my New Year's resolution is to save more and organize the way I do that and so I have started by getting the help from technology thru automatic scheduled transfer - that forces me to save as it automatically depletes my payroll ;)
I hope I don’t become too hopeful of 2009 as I don’t want to be disappointed but at least having some 'targets' this year will make me set my priorities straight. Thinking twice, most of these wishes are tangibles that I am willing to compromise. After all, my daily prayer includes good health and long life for my family and loved ones and those are still what I want to keep in 2009 and beyond.
This has been a long post but I did enjoyed writing it.
Happy New Year!!!
