2008 ... I count my blessings

I still remember same time last year, I was also sitting in front of the computer ... thinking what will happen in the next one year.

A lot has happened indeed ... somethings are good, somethings are better.

Some are little 'lemons' which I made into 'lemonade' =D

Year 2008 is very meaningful to me. It brings with it a new meaning to my life.

Started the year with a late recap of 2007 (just like the late recap of 2008 now).

I've prepared and cooked my 1st reunion dinner together with my sisters. Most of our past few years reunion dinner were 'yat wok suk' steamboat. It was not too tasty but just nice for a reunion dinner with my beloved family. I finally realised that it was not the tastiness that counts... it's that special thought and effort to prepare the most delicious food to our loved ones that matters.

Tried cooking a few dishes ever since ... I wouldn't say very nice but somehow I really appreciate everyone finishing the dishes.

Then it was that 'moment' when we decided to share our lives. I've never thought someone would ever fall in love with a girl like me (I mean seriously). No matter what happen, we will face it together like we vow to.

Finally 4 days before we start 2009, we tied the knot ceremoniously (thanks to all heng dais and ji muis!) and upgraded ourselves to be 'uncle' and aunty'. Not only that, we upgraded ourselves to be at the 'giving' end instead of the 'receiving' end for CNY.... =p

Throughout the 2nd part of 2008, I've got to know heartening stories about lovers / couples / soon-to-be husband and wife who went separate ways ... it pains my heart and it somehow or rather affected me as these are happening to some of my friends and relative. But I always tell myself that life is full of ups and downs ... it's how we look at it.

Now that my mother is not with us anymore, I've learn to love and care for my father and sisters more. Nothing matters more to me than seeing them healthy and happy. Like I've always said : in my next life, if I were given a chance, I will still want to be my parents' daughter and my sisters' ah jie. That is one thing that will never change.

2008 was an average year health wise as I seem to be visiting the doctor almost every month.

Was down with cough, flu, fever, infection throughout the year and even 'twisted' my ankle till I can't walk. Grateful my friends were there to help.

Many months this year were spent DIY and setting up our new home. I'm proud that we almost done everything by ourselves and of course with the help of family members and close friends and not to mention the two very helpful on-loan helpers Nadia and Kara.

It feels great to see when finally that 'home' we have been working on and spending our weekends there is now as warm and as homely as possible.

All the DIYs will always have special memories for all of us (especially those of you ... you know who you are who have helped us so much in painting, tidying and decorating the home). I do not know how more I can thank you all...

2008's travel was all fun especially with our usual-gang-of-buddies ... the local and overseas trips will not be that fun without you all. However, we did have a breakthrough (imho) that we gals travel ourselves to Bangkok and the almost-missed-flight episode. It was the best shopping trip I ever had so far.

2008... I finally decided to let go the tortoise that I started rearing when I started with ah dear ... they were getting bigger than I can handle and it's only fair that I give them their freedom. So we release them to the ponds full of friends at thean hou temple. I'm glad that I've released them to a better place.

We also have been up to Genting twice (thank you for someone's unlimited card) and played like there's no tomorrow. Getting those bears and giving them away was one of the best ever thing I've enjoyed doing.

2008 was the 1st time I go to a book warehouse sales and got the best deals ever. I actually rewarded myself with a year supply of books for 2009.

Thanks to keef, poh wai, yen ghee, foong ling, NDC, CY, yen erl who influence me to join the runs and walks ... I've seen a little more improvement to my health (of course, there's more room for improvements). Throughout the runs and walks ... I've learnt aplenty and meet aplenty. It also gave me time to myself and provides me the 'solidatory' I sometimes needed.

I develop passion for gardening and with the help of ah dear (physically & financially) able to create a garden that I can look at and smile happily everyday. A simple garden but so full of lives, so full of love and so full of hope =D

career wise, I've got myself a little promotion. I believe there's more to come as long as we continue putting in effort. We always reap what we sow.

one thing I couldn't forgot on 2008 CNY's eve was 'Si Tompok' having a fun time in dear's car =p

Finally as a closing to a beautiful year (and an opening to another beautiful year), I count my blessings ....

ps. leaving the 2009 resolutions for next post =D till then, take care everyone.