Dec 31, 2008

Looking back 2008

It's the last day of 2008! I have seen many posts that fellow bloggers have put up on New Year Resolutions, Christmas Celebrations and Summarizing 2008. I have done a short and sweet (??) New Year Resolutions post earlier and thought I should also do 2008 Summary post. So what's worth noting in this year? Here goes:
1) I did my half marathon!!! Yippee!!! Ok, I promise this shall be the last time that I am writing about my happiness of finishing this. But I am really and still happy. So please just smile and say something nice;
2) I moved to my current apartment this year in Feb. Prior to moving, we stayed with my in-laws for about half a year. I can't say that they were difficult people to stay with but it's always good to have a place called my own.

3) There had been many stressful projects and moments at work this year. Some difficult to handle and I tried to avoid co-workers in the work arena. But overall, I am glad that I had set myself realistic targets for myself and my team. I would be reporting to a new boss next year. He is based in Australia while I am here in Singapore. As he told me in his last trip here, we will need time to get to know the style of each other.

4) I did not blog much this year. With this post, I am closing this year with a pathetic 90 posts.
5) I have tried to try new things this year. I took up bookscrapping and have delighted many friends with my own creations. I would definitely be bookscrapping more this coming year. Hubs has a bow and arrow set that he bought from US when he was studying there. He is thinking of teaching me archery this coming year.6) I am glad I visited Burma, where my love was born. It made me realise how fortunate I am to have the life I am having. I must say that my perspective of life changed quite a bit after the trip. I feel myself more grounded internally (if you know what I mean!).7) I am glad I made very conscious effort to be in touch with my own family this year since this is sort of the first year since I got married and live on my own. We have many shopping trips, Food+Gossip sessions, Parks walks. My mom and sis woke up at 3am in the morning to cheer me on my first marathon. They even video me running! I would continue to make time for family. For they serve as anchors of my life.

8) I am sending 2008 and welcoming 2009 with a new hair style!! Quite different from the usually straight and easy to maintain style. I find it refreshing.

I am thankful to all who crossed my path this year and all events that happened to me to add more colours and flavour to my life. Thanks 2008!! Thanks to you too. Thanks for being willing to read my humble blog and many shallow thoughts. Your very kind comments have added much colour to my life and encouragements to push me into achieving what I aspire.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!
May it be a better year for everyone.

26 Ripples:

Blur Ting said...

Wah, nice hairstyle. Very feminine. :-)

Completing a half marathon is something worth cheering about, I am proud of you!

Living in your own apartment is also a good thing. I'm also happy to have made that move.

The best thing about this year is I've met you in person! You're the first Singaporean blogger I've met so far.

I wish you and hubby all the best in the year ahead!

jyankee said...

Oh nice... I just put up my last 2008 post. Hope to see you in 2009. Wishing you and your family a very happy New Year's!

WaterLearner said...

Yozz Ting,

I am always game to try new hair style? Haha ... feminine is usually not one of the adjectives to describe me. Ummm... refreshing!

I like my own home. We are spending the eve quietly at home. No big fanfare or count-down. We like our cosy little place. Not posh. But comfy to our liking.

I am very thankful to have met you and CH. And we did not even arrange to meet! You do not know how that training run did to boost my confidence of completing the half marathon distance. Thanks for reminding me to go for it.

May all the wishes in your Resolutions Post come true. Send my warmest wishes to the two handsome boys and that handsome big boy.

WaterLearner said...

Jyankee!

I love that Apple pie that you just baked!!

Thanks for coming around. Happy New Year!!

MakeTraffic said...

Happy new year, Karen!

May 2009 bring you joy, health and fortune!

Cheers! Maketraffic

Blur Ting said...

Hehe, thanks for the well wishes. I should try a new hairstyle. I've had the same old one for so many years!

Mariuca said...

May this New Year bring you more love, joy and success. HAPPY 2009! :)

Wishing on a Falling Star
Mariuca’s Perfume Gallery

WaterLearner said...

Hallos MT!

Happy New Year to you and your family!!! May traffic to your good site grow!!

WaterLearner said...

Ting,

Try it. Maybe a perm would be nice?? But it takes time to do it up every morning lor. But well, if you don't try now, then when??

WaterLearner said...

Hallos Marzie!

Happy New Year to you & B!!!!

May it be a better year!

La Delirante said...

Hi :) Long time no see :)

I agree with Blur Ting that your hairstyle is very feminine, very nice :)

I wanted to wish you a wonderful 2009 :) May it be full of happiness :)

All the best,

WaterLearner said...

Hallos La Delirante,

My very best wishes to you too.

May it be yet a good year ahead!!

Amel's Realm said...

Your thoughts aren't shallow, Karen! ;-D And it's nice reading your summary! Happy New Year! Like the hairstyle, too! ;-D

WaterLearner said...

Hallos Amel!

Happy New Year to you and R2!!!

May it be a good and happy year for you!!

Blur Ting said...

I love that photo of you in Burma, really nice!

I haven't started running yet.Best friend came by for lunch today and 'cheo' me to join Sundown Run.I think they're gunning for the 84k! Gosh!

But yah, once you start to be more aware of your surroundings, things take a new perspective. I like walking around Singapore and looking at things like how I would when I'm traveling in a different country. It makes everything look more charming that way.

The World According To Me said...

Happy New Year to you and your family.

Great post. It sounds like it's been a good 2008 for you. Here's to a happy and healthy 2009.

River of Karma said...

Hello there,
Been awhile since I dropped by. Great to see you had a good year in 08. Here's to a better one in 09.

Cheers,
River of Karma

surjit said...

Thanks Karen, for your Greetings.
I wish you and your family a very Happy and Prosperous New Year.
May the new year bring new laurels to you.
God bless.

LadyJava said...

Hiya Karen!!!
Happy New Year to you and your loved ones... May it be filled with lots of joy, love, health and kaching!! ehhehe...

Hugs
LJ

Blur Ting said...

Hey, new look for your blog too! Nice!

WaterLearner said...

Ting,

They are going for Sundown 84km? Wow .... that's terrific! I can't imagine how to complete that kind of distance. Semi-crawling allowed? I am thinking of doing the full marathon for Sundown though. What about you and CH? Planning to go also?

WaterLearner said...

Hallos Pink Elephant,

Happy New Year to you!!

WaterLearner said...

Hi River of Karma,

It has indeed been a while since your last visit! Thanks for popping by!

Here's wishing you the best in the New Year!!

WaterLearner said...

Surjit & LJ,

Happy New Year to you!!!

WaterLearner said...

Ting,

Yups, I had nothing to do last evening and was trying out Adobe Photoshop CS3. The changes to my blog was the result of my hour or so of figuring out how to use the software.

kegler747 said...

Happy New Year to you and everyone in Singapore (my favorite city)!