looking back at 2009

It's already the third day of 2010. And I'm already dreading what's gg to happen tmr. Sigh. But away with the negativity! I could complain and complain about what was not good about 2009 but I've decided to reflect on what has been good in 2009. Life shouldn't be about regrets and sadness and angst. So here we go, my recap of 2009.

1. My last semester of my undergraduate life.

Well, it can be considered as something sad but well, I consider it as completion. A time when I got the chance to embark on my own honours thesis and actually claim it as my academic legacy (somewhere in the Central Library and the Map Resource Room). It wasn't the easiest of semesters. Interviewees were initially hard to get, some weren't very nice and also a lot of inertia on my part. Having to rewrite whole chapters and tight deadlines. But what was most important is the friends and honours classmates who were ever so willing to help out, whether it was fieldwork or recommending interviewees. If it weren't for you guys, I would have been able to complete the thesis. Seriously. And of course, the end result was more than satisfactory. At least in my heart, I knew I was capable of something. And it was a bittersweet end to perhaps the happiest time in my life so far.

2. Grad Trip

After the exams had ended, I embarked on a dream trip to Europe. Visiting most of the places I had only dreamed of going. The Acropolis, the Coliseum, listening to the Vienna Philharmonic. And 1 month is really not enough for me. I had a great time in the continent of culture and I really do hope that I get to go back soon enough.

3. My First Job

Ironic as it seems, getting that first job has be one of the milestones of 2009. I thought it would be really difficult to get my first job. The interview process was more daunting than I thought and I was almost certain that I wouldn't be able to secure a job. But thankfully, everything worked out in the end. But the road forward is uncertain. I'm still trying to learn but to what extent will I continue to pull through, I really don't know. Perhaps 2010 will be a better year.

4. Family

2009 was a hard year for my family. My aunt had a relapse of cancer early 2009 and many of my family members, especially my mother, took it really hard. We were all psychologically prepared for the worst and we went all out during CNY to celebrate with her as much as possible. Thankfully, our prayers have been answered and my aunt is on the road to recovery. Perhaps this is one of the greatest blessings of the year. The avoidance of tragedy.

So that's 2009 for me. May 2010 bring more opportunities for me to discover myself and ultimately find happiness in my life.