I am the big countdown...

So comes to the end another year. I haven't really done this in the past, in fact...I don't think I ever have. But I think it's a good exercise to do. Especially with respect to moving forward and learning and what not...

Of my life in general
2008 was without question, for me, the YEAR OF THE WEDDING. 11 weddings I attended this year...the most I have ever been to in a single calendar year. Not bragging or anything...just stating the facts - that pretty much everyone got married this year. So a big congratulations to all of the newlyweds for 2008, for those whose weddings I attended and for those whose I didn't...here's to your new lives together and to your ongoing journeys. 2007 seemed to be the year of the breakup...and it only seems fitting that 2008 would be the year of the joining together, he he he. 2009 seems to be quite the year as far as weddings are concerned...I just think everyone's just at that age.

As usual, I did my bit of travelling this year. I went to NYC on 3 separate trips...two for work and one for pure vacation. So that was fun. I also spent about 8 days in Hawaii this year. Visited Kels and John and met up w/ Cat and Ronnie...but I wanted to go and just enjoy the scenery on my own for a bit. Didn't take as many vegas trips as I wanted to, he he he, but I went about 4 or 5 times I think. I also got to go on a cruise for Jem's birthday. Surprisingly, it was the same cruise and ship as the one I went on a while back with the Irvine crew...funny how things work out like that. I guess there aren't that many ships to begin with. And just recently, I came back from a vacay to the Philippines. Got to see my lola, who at 92 years old, is still very strong; my new inaanak, Miggy...my cousin's newborn son. Got to see a lot of the fam too. I loved the trip out and it was definitely too short. Hopefully I can go more often...

I learned how to swim in 2008. Well, I kinda knew how already...but only underwater, and I was very scared to swim. So I decided to take lessons. I was really embarassed about telling people that I, a 30-year old, was taking swim lessons at the Torrance Rec center, so I covered it up. After 11 weeks, I was able to become very comfortable in the water and practiced swimming as often as I could. Can't wait for it to warm up again so I can hit our pool a few times a week. My next goal is to become a much stronger swimmer and participate in a mini-triathalon.

I aimed to read one book a month, and I was able to get through 8 of them. Not too shabby I think. I definitely need to keep reading...a lot. There are a lot of books I want to get through this coming year.

Mom retired at the end of '08, just before we left for the PI. It's nice to know that she has done her service to the world and can now take it easy. I only hope to be able to shore up my debt and to be able to help them out much more and give them more peace of mind. So now that they're both retired. Maybe mom's blood pressure will go down, and they'll get to do more travelling. Congratulations mom, you deserve your retirement!

Of sports and activity
The Lakers went to the NBA finals...and got embarassed in 6 games. It was a huge step because no one predicted them to even be IN the playoffs, let alone a title contender. We showed them...and hopefully for 09, we'll show them the trophy! Good sign, we beat them on Christmas! Take that celts!

The Lions are now the not-so-proud owners of the NFL's worst record in it's long history...a pathetic 0-16 record. If only we can follow in the footsteps of last year's Miami Dolphin's. NFC North Champs.....here we come!

The 2008 Beijing Olympics....what can I say. Team USA returned to the top of the basketball world, coming close to the domination of the dream team back in the day. Michael Phelps....WOW. And everything else. I love the Olympics.

of the rest of the world
This year wasn't the greatest year financially, we are in a recession, housing is down, and just the general economic outlook is grim. However, in 2008, we elected our first black president, probably one of the biggest changes I have ever been witness to in my short life thus far. I never thought I'd see the day, but change has come and yes...ANYTHING is possible. Don't ever think that you can't amount to anything, because as Obama proved...you can do it. It was an emotional night for me that election night...because I realized how great of a country we do live in. Yes, there are a lot of things that suck here, but I know how much we DO have, how much freedom we get that in many places...can be your death. I am proud to be an American, now more than ever.

55 small things you can always do
43. Respond promptly to RSVP's.
In the spirit of weddings and all things related...it sure is stressing when the hosts have not received the RSVP for the invitation they sent to you. You usually know right away whether or not you can attend, so just send it right away. It'll save you a lot of stress looking for it when it comes time to actually send it in(when the happy couple is asking whether or not you've sent it yet), and save them a whole lot of stress in knowing that you're attending/not attending right away. In the case you cannot attend, then it helps them move along to other people that they wanted to invite but couldn't.

Happy New Year everyone! I have a good feeling about '09. A really good one. Let this be the year you learn new lessons, make new friends, have another year of memories, of laugher, of tears, and good company. Let 2009 be the time you pursue something you've dreamt of and always wanted to do, no matter how big or how small. And lastly, make sure you "...shine in oh nine!"