Another Start

It's six days after the old world has died. I don't know what to write about and most certainly haven't the energy to recount events during the holidays. I'll allow myself to be unimaginative with this year-end Q and A:

What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?

Resign from my job. It was the first time for me to go through an exit interview, the exit clearance process and the whole turnover thing.

Did anyone close to you give birth?

No.

Did anyone close to you die?

Thankfully, no.

What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?

Focus and discipline.

What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

November 4. America elected Barack Obama as their president. It was just a hugely dramatic moment. I've been a fan of Obama ever since I came across his name for a paper I was doing in my Advocacy Reporting class. He worked as a director of the Developing Communities Project (DCP) in Chicago. My paper tackled solving the world's problems at grassroots level and Obama's work at the time highlighted that. I just knew he'd be such a great man.

What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Being brave enough to get out of my comfort zone.

To quote Jim Paredes, "Transitions are scary. One is being asked to leave one place and go to another... transitions can still be daunting. It demands of whoever is going through one to let go of the safety harness in one comfort zone and jump into another, and in the process become untethered, unsafe and unattached, (hopefully for only a while) until one reaches (if ever) the new terra firma."

What was your biggest failure?

Not losing weight!

Did you suffer illness or injury?

Just the minor cough, cold or flu.

What was the best thing you bought?

My Black and Decker electric beater. It makes mixing batter a breeze. Not a lot of people know that I cook and bake.

Where did most of your money go?

Traveling and eating out. Paying my credit card bills.

What did you get really, really, really excited about?

The trips and adventures that Biboy and I have been taking.

What song(s) will always remind you of 2008?

"With You" Chris Brown

"Breathe" Anna Nalick

Compared to this time last year, are you:

happier or sadder?

Happier! Thuper!

thinner or fatter?

Fatter!!! I am such an ogre right now.

richer or poorer?

I still don't have much savings but, in terms of earnings, I think I'm richer now.

What do you wish you'd done more of?

Exercised. Or to put it correctly, I wish I had the discipline to workout and move my ass.

What do you wish you'd done less of?

Indulged and pigged-out with Biboy. Oinky!

What was your favorite TV program?

House. Pushing Daisies. Shark.

Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

Nope. I don't hate anyone ever. That's such a petty feeling. After love and like, I only feel contempt or complete and utter indifference for people or things that don't matter to me.

What was the best book you read?

I was not able to read much this year. I liked Paolo Coehlo's "Like The Flowing River". I would love to get my own copy of Griffin and Sabine.

What was your greatest musical discovery?

Biboy introduces me to all these hip-hop and RnB artists. But, no musical gems for me this year.

What did you want and get?

A metal and ebony limited edition watch from Fossil. Biboy gave it to me as a surprise gift for the New Year. That boy spoils me to no end.

What was your favourite film of this year?

I loved Quantum of Solace. It turned Bond into a real guy for me. I didn't really get to watch a lot of movies this year.

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 25. Biboy woke me up to a bouquet of two dozen roses. We went out and checked this place for our business venture. It looks promising. In the evening, he got me a chocolate mousse cake.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?

I've been trying to hide all the weight I gained. My trademark item for the entire year were boxy, cropped jackets. I bought them in bright, solid colours or patterned and printed ones.

What kept you sane?

Biboy. Food. Travel. Blogging.

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Hugh Laurie. Barack Obama. Daniel Craig. My only girl crush this year was Leighton Meester (Gossip Girl's Blair Waldorf). And I saw her first in House.

What political issue stirred you the most?

I was riveted by the Democrat vs. Republican campaign. Sarah Palin was such a laugh! Locally, it would be the PNP folks (Euro Generals) being detained in Moscow because of the money they had on them and the hoopla that followed it. And of course, the melamine scare, although that didn't really have much to do with politics here.

Who did you miss?

Tevs! We hardly ever get to talk now or hang out. It's like we live in completely different timezones. I hope she gets to go with us to Cebu for this year's Sinulog.

Who was the best new person you met?

Brandtz. He's such a nice person. He's fasyon and a geek at the same time.

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.

It pays to be the better person.

What was the nicest thing someone told you about yourself?

"You were the growth," Owen said over coffee.

The most touching experience you've had this year.

Elaine prepared a poster/card for me on my last day at work. It had our picture there and she went around the office asking for people I knew to write messages for me. It was so sweet. I cried all the home on my last day.

What did you like most about yourself this year?

This is cliche but, I can proudly say that I was able to do stuff "my way".

What did you hate most about yourself this year?

I've been lazy and undisciplined.

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

"Cause you can't jump the track, we're like cars on a cable,

And life's like an hourglass, glued to the table.

No one can find the rewind button, boys,

So cradle your head in your hands,

And breathe... just breathe,

Oh breathe, just breathe" -Anna Nalick's 'Breathe'

Was 2008 a good year for you?

Yes. The first quarter was pretty messy but, things got better toward the 3rd quarter and the last quarter of the year was a blast!

What was your favorite moment of the year?

Dozing off on the white sands of Panglao and waking up with a squint-or-you'll-miss-it tan. I had to convince everyone at work that I did get dark and I had tan lines, so there!

What was your least favorite moment of the year?

The commute to work. Since I started working in the non call centre industry, traffic jams have become an irritating fact of my life. I miss the traffic jam free nights when I was still working at PS.

Do you have a new year's resolution for 2008?

I want to start a serious exercise regimen. And I want to be able to manage my finances better.

What was your favorite month of 2008?

I love August because I went to Cebu with my Mum and baby sister and then Biboy and I went back to Bohol and Panglao. December was memorable because Biboy and I bought an oven and baking tools and started selling brownies. We hope it continues to be successful.

Did you drink a lot of alcohol in 2008?

Nope. Biboy and I bought a bottle of Absolut Mandrin but have not even consumed half of the bottle yet.

What are your plans for 2009?

I want to attend pastry and baking classes and also get TESL/TEFL certification from DLSU. I'd like to continue taking trips with Biboy, rediscover Pico Iyer, and really start writing again.

How are you different now that the year has ended?

I am now again open to everything that life has to offer. I am no longer bitter and shrivelled and angry. Indeed, I have found muan jai - wholehearted happiness.

*Neighbours, I'm tagging you to answer these questions too