Monday, December 31, 2007

The year in review

2007 is the busiest year of my life and this, I’m not exaggerating. Some say that that’s because I’m a pig (in the Chinese horoscope) and pigs aren’t meant to have a good year. I’d like to believe that this has been a fulfilling year bustling with activities, which naturally means I open myself up to more risks, setbacks and stresses.

Now that the year is finally ending (in about 6 hours time), it is time to recount the experiences and store the achievements, blessings and heartaches in Jo’s hall of archives – at long blerdy last.

Blessing #1: Completing Uni
After two years of assignments, exams and school-going evenings, I am finally done with school. I received my results for my final modules last week and was pleasantly relieved that I passed with a good grade. All I gotta do now is wait for graduation!

Blessing #2: Doing G! mag
Starting the magazine isn’t that much of an achievement, but keeping it going is. Getting through the first three issues hasn’t been easy and admittedly, there were times when I felt like giving up. I am thankful that God has given me the strength and determination to hang on, and I will continue to do so as long as He wants me to.

Blessing #3: Being a freelance writer
Throughout the year, I’ve written 11 articles for Healthy Times and Simply Her which add up to a rather beefy portfolio and additional income. I don’t know how I got through those late nights, juggling assignments and articles, but now that it has ended, who’s complaining?

Blessing #4: Staying employed
Ever since the first month I started work here, I wanted to throw in the towel but I decided to stay on so that I don’t rock the boat while I complete my studies. In a blink of an eye, I’ve been working here for almost two years already and I know that I definitely wouldn’t have got through this trying period without God. It’s certainly time for greener pastures…

Blessing #5: Becoming a Godma
It’s a great privilege for someone to actually think that I’m worthy of being her spiritual guide. Edith is an awesome God-daughter and I’m thankful that she has been placed in my life to remind me that I constantly need to be a good Christian. The past months have been tough on her but I know that she will only get stronger through her ordeals. Looking forward to a lifetime journey ahead dearie!

Heartache #1: Hating my job
I guess it’s easy for people to say it can’t be that bad, but it is! I know that for a fact becos I’m going through it everyday. And being on leave for the past two weeks has confirmed the fact that there’s nothing to miss and nothing to look forward to when I return on Wed.

Heartache #2: Unhealthy me
First, a toothache which led to the extraction of three teeth. (Two of which are my wisdom teeth). Then, rashes which popped out of nowhere to irritate the shit out of me. I think it’s also a record number of MCs which I’ve taken in a year so much so that if you’re having a sore throat or fever, come look for me and I’ll know what to prescribe you.

Heartaches #3, 4 & 5: Getting my heart broken
I’d rather not get into details as yet, but let’s just say that the last week of Dec was painful and I almost lost my bearings for awhile. The scars are still lingering and I sometimes wonder what I could’ve done better. This heartache is not caused by Hil, in case you’re wondering. In fact, he has been a pillar of strength for me, without which I would have still been stuck in a rut.

Ok, to sum it up, 2007 has been busy, torturous but fulfilling. And I can't believe I'm saying this (especially after heartaches #3-5) but I am looking forward to a great new year ahead. Have a great one people!

Posted by Jo at 6:02 PM