Goodbye 2008, Hello 2009

I must say 2008 has been a wonderful year for me. Even though I did not make any new year resolution, it turned out to be better than I could ever wished for. However, not everything I hoped for materialized. One thing I really hope to achieve last year was to meet my dream girl and make her fall in love with me. Well it still remains something elusive to me. Meeting her is one thing, but making her fall for me is another thing. Nonetheless, I tried to live my single life to the fullest by doing what I like most and simply being myself.

Most of the wonderful things happened to me were the result of my spontaneous decisions. I’m not the type who likes to make detailed plans. Most important for me is I know what I want and let my desire brings me to where I am now.

These are few of the spontaneous decisions I have made throughout the year.

Made the most expensive purchase of my life. Yes, you may have guessed it; a new house for my family and yes, I did not plan for that. If you want to know how spontaneous I could be, this would be the perfect example. Went to see the show house (encouraged by my brother) and few weeks later, signed a paper that basically mean I have sold a very long period of my life to the bank. I didn’t even compare other housing projects. Luckily, I haven’t regret this decision and I hope I won’t.

Visited Hadyai, Thailand for the first time as a weekend breakaway.

Decided to visit my friend in Vietnam and embarked in 3 weeks backpacking adventure across Vietnam, China (Zhuhai to be exact), Hong Kong and Macao.

During the adventure…

… I have (accidentally) eaten dog meat

… had coffee, Vietnamese style.

… swam in cold water of Halong Bay.

… rode on a scooter along busy roads of Hanoi.

… had romantic moments beside Hanoi’s West Lake.

… took a long bus journey to Zhuhai and back

… bet on a horse in Sha Tin racecourse

… saw panda bears in Ocean Park

… had the most breathtaking view on top of Victoria’s Peak

… bought a netbook in Wan Chai

… gambled in Grand Lisboa casino in Macao.

… drank herbal tea with insect legs in it.

… unexpectedly met a friend in China (imagine 1 out of more than 1.3 billion of people)

In time to come back for my brother’s wedding. Not long after that, I have a nephew.

Visited Singapore again.

Then I volunteered myself as a St John Ambulance member; learning new skills and most importantly, making new friends.

Celebrated Merdeka in Langkawi with booze on the beach with the new found friends from St John Ambulance.

Rafted down Sungai Sedim with Launi and Wan Chun.

Did some charity works with Lions club.

Launched a new online Penang travel guide to help fellow traveler to my beloved hometown.

Appeared briefly in one of the Astro’s program.

Did a flying fox and wall climbing in Pulau Jerejak on my birthday.

Family wise, I am glad that I managed to spend more time with my family now thanks to the decision I made more than 2 years ago to become self employed.

2008 was also a year filled with many wedding bells. Recently, I became best man of Nam Soon’s wedding. He is one of my best friend from uni. From the wedding, I get to know a few wonderful people from both the bride and the groom’s family and friends.

Not to forget Yap’s wedding early last year.

Before I ended the year, I managed to meet few of my best buddies from uni. We had a great meal in Midvalley’s Delicious. We chatted for hours catching up with each other on what’s going on since we graduated 6 years ago. Most importantly, we have rekindled our friendship.

Even though I have met new friends along the way, but I have lost some as well. I don’t dwell into it and just move on with life because life is too short to live in regret. All I can learn from it is not to repeat the same mistake again and be forgiving when the opportunity arrive. So, I am sorry to those whom I have offended or hurt last year. What can I say? It is not my intention and I am not perfect. Mistakes happen.

Like last year, I won’t make any resolutions this year. Yes, there are still many things I haven’t achieve, goals I haven’t reach and places I haven’t visit. Like every year, I will work hard to achieve them and take pleasure to enjoy the journey toward my goals. It is the journey that brings me true happiness. Even though there are a lot if uncertainties this year, I am sure I will be able to ride it through as long as I keep a positive and open mind.

With this, I would like wish everyone a Happy New Year!

If you love this post, then you might love these:

1. My deepest condolences
2. Yap is getting married
3. The Journey of Mr. Speed and Mr. Fun
4. All About Love
5. Best wishes from Chiang Mai