2008: The Year That Was

In a few minutes, 2008 will be no more. I'd like to take this time to think about what happened over the last 12 months. No, this is not a memoir or a day to day chronicling of my year. I've decided to list down just those things that stand out--the ones I can remember with ease when I think about the last 366 days.

January marked a big change in the office. Our erstwhile section chief resigned last year and was then replaced by a new one. He started this year. Big change I'm telling you... not all for the better. I miss my old boss, if only because she at least cared for the job. And along with February came our first problem. We hold our annual Walk for Life celebration for our patients on this particular month. Sure we always do the bulk of the job (that's what staff do after all), but this is the first year we had to do everything ourselves. Just one of the signs of the tricky times ahead.

Also in February, I participated in a speech contest representing my Toastmaster's club--UEC Toastmasters. I joined the Tall Tale category which I messed in no small part due to my inability to make people laugh, and because I went overtime. Oh well, I'm chalking it up to experience. (There's a clip in that link I gave if you're curious at how my speech went.)

Last March, we went to Grand Villa Resort in Bae, Laguna for our annual youth camp at church. This year's theme is Gospel Fever where each one is encouraged and equipped to spread God's word.

I know that a lot people are wary of Christians because we seem to want to evangelize (read: preach to and convert everyone), but we only do this because we care. If you're really not interested, politely say so and we'll stop. (That doesn't stop somebody else from trying though.) Realize that in our belief system, it's the most important thing we could do for someone--share our faith with them. We consider it a personal failure to never have tried. So don't get offended, we are not judging you, merely sharing the good news--something you'd expect friends to do. Imagine if there was a sale on a mall your friend has just been to and they're practically giving away their goodies, would you be offended when your friend comes up to you and tells you about it? Would you think "What does this ass think of me? Like I need a handout or something?"? Of course not.

Anyhow, it was a fun camp, lots of lessons learned on top of the beautiful place.

This photo was taken from the balcony of our tree house.

April was another special month for me. That was the month I started this blog, in no small thanks due to I-Blog 4. Since then, I've posted 100 entries, and due for hundreds more this coming 2009. I've participated in maybe a dozen blogger events and I loved every minute of it. I love the people I meet and the stuff I get to try (not to mention the food I get to taste hehe..) What's more, I enjoy writing about it afterwards. Turns out not all bloggers are as geeky as me.

Yeah, I was the guy in that "chicken" costume.

May is my birth month. Had lots of celebration and consequently burned a lot of cash. That was the first time I joined photohunt too! I've posted one every week except a few weeks here and there when we were moving and in December when I was really busy, but it's been fun and I'm looking forward to more of it next year.

June turned out to be a fun month as well. We had a long weekend courtesy of Gloria's holiday economics, and we decided to skip town and go to Pagsanjan Falls! The trip going to the falls all by itself was well worth every peso. But the falls! Wow, it really was majestic!

You can take a look at the other photos here.

Boston beat LA 4-2 to win their 18th championship, Pacman beats Diaz becoming the first Asian to win 4 titles in 4 different weight categories. A successful Cardiac Rehabilitation Week celebration and an unsuccessful attempt at a midyear self-assessment--but no matter, there's always next year. (At this point, I will minimize details as I've mostly blogged about these things anyway.)

July had me boycotting Coke, hosting our high school reunion and found me on a page of Star Studio Magazine. A series of totally unrelated events. It was a fun month though! Oh and August! This month had me winning a cooking contest, attending a play with Randy David and Jun Lozada, and our toastmasters club winning Area Club of the Year.

September was pretty busy with us moving to our new home. An adjustment that continues to this day. I have yet to resume my earlier pace of posting as I try to adjust to my new environment. October was the month where I lost my long time roommate but gained a new sister--the month my brother got married. I felt this last couple of months was just a whirlwind. I don't really recall any thing in particular but I thought it was busy. December was of course marked by lots of Christmas parties and expenses galore!

Looking back, I'm glad I started blogging this year. I never thought I'd be blogging before I did, but now I can't imagine not doing it. Sure some days it's a pain, I'd rather read stuff or watch tv. Yet I realized now how much it helped me chronicle the different highlights and low points of my year. It gave me a chance to look at the bigger picture that is 2008. Made me realize how blessed I was... I am.

Now I'm looking forward to the next 365 days! I say bring it on! God willing, there'd be more challenges this year and more sources of strength to overcome them. More milestones to set while we continue to pick up the pace. Here's hoping it would be fruitful time for all of us.

Happy New Year everybody!