Happy New Year 2009!

Fireworks exploded in the sky for 2009 New Year celebration. Sms of New Year greetings, well wishes and blessings reminded me of the good things and unpleasant things that happened in 2008.

The forecast of the current economy situation is heading off into winter without knowing when spring would come, with all the doom and gloom. For every bad, there’s good and for every red, there’s black. Hopefully, this new year will bring a new beginning with new hopes, fresh ideas and lots of great happenings.

Life is short, forgive and forget, love truly and laugh uncontrollably. Let's remember to count our blessings, have self realization, acceptance, faith and gratitude for a happy family, great friends, good health and peace … all those things that we sometimes take for granted.

As for me, I’m extremely pleased that in Aug 2008, I’ve finally had my own blog, a place for me to pen down and treasure the memories that I have with my family and friends.

I also baked more often, ever since melamine was found in most dairies products. I have since baked marble cheese cakes for Christina’s birthday, 7th uncle 60th birthday, hubby’s birthday and Charissa's baby full moon celebration, butter cake for afternoon tea with guests at home and Jared’s Yamaha concert day, Bull’s eye cheesecake for Christmas dinner at Christina’s house, Chocolate cheesecake for Christmas lunch at Fei Yin’s house, etc I am totally satisfied that I am able to bake cakes for my family and friends and that they did enjoy my cake as well. Thanks to my sister, Saw Cheng and also to Christina and Jo for the sharing sessions … the recipes, the baking utensils, the cakes, the comments, etc.

For career, I am glad that I have 2 capable managers who are of great help and assistance. I am able to delegate more finance daily operations matter and accounts closing routine to them and allow myself to involve in more business discussions, meetings and be closer to our business. I had a few compliments from my boss for being closer to business and operations and appreciated me for taking his instructions and discussion seriously, as I always note down the discussion points and follow them through. I do not expect a great salary rise or promotion in this current economy situation but I am glad and blessed with a good job.

In Oct 2008, we had a big and great gathering with ex-colleagues from Coopers & Lybrand to Hyatt Kuantan, ie 7 families of 7 ex-Cooperians, 6 spouses, 9 kids and 3 maid.

Yesterday, we went to Genting with my sister family and niece and nephew for the kids to have fun at the theme park. The last time that I went on a holiday trip with my sister was more than 5 years ago.

We are sad for losing our Cousin in Jun 2008 and also a friend in Dec 2008, both lost their lives to lung cancer at the age of 30s, non-smoker.

I would like to wish all my family members, friends, colleagues and the universe a very Happy New Year, blessed with good health, good fortune and good luck in everything that we do. May all that was sad and unpleasant be your source of strength. May all that was good, be better in 2009.

Treasure the memories of 2008 and make 2009 an even better year!