The Year That Was

It's over... the year 2005 that is! And what better way to welcome the new year than to reminisce on the year that was. Emote ba? Actually, nakikiuso lang ako noh! Kasi naman it's the same every year end. TV programs and newspapers are abound with their top 10 things or year-ender reports. Alangan magpahuli ako... hehe!

Anyhow, 2005 was pretty much a good year for me. It was sort of a transition year so to speak. And so here are my TOP 10 Highlights for 2005 :

1. Resignation--I resigned from work after working for 3 years. I resigned last February 11, the same date back in 2002 where I officially became employed. I do not have any regrets working for more than the experience and the opportunity to earn, I met amazing people. I think it was just time for me to experience another adventure and meet another set of amazing people.

2. Kalaag--This my new set of friends composed of different people bonded with one goal--to laag. I am blessed that Maia introduced Jan and I to Stan, Kenny, Sharon, Joy, Ina, Julie (we miss her). From that Dampa to Libis to Tagaytay to Taal to Metrowalk to Pagsanjan to Subic to Greenbelt, it was sure fun to be with them. I told Maia that Kalaag was one of those things that you don't wish for, but when it happens to you, it's like WOW!

3. Baguio--I took my time after I resigned. And so I spent 2 weeks in Baguio with my aunt, uncle and cousin. I didn't have any problem with the weather. I had a pretty great time with my cousin Kisay, whom I miss so much. Aside from that, I get to help out in the carinderia. Just as I was about to call myself hawd in the world of carinderia, I have had to leave Baguio.

4. China--When my mom mentioned that she and her friend were going to China, I decided to come with them at my own expense. It was fun being back in Hong Kong. But it was more fun as I discovered Macau, Beijing and Shanghai. The highlight? The Great Wall of China. That was pretty cool for me since it was just part of my History subject before. And now, I have seen it! I have climbed a part of it! Aside from that, there was also the Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.

5. USA--I could pretty much say that I traveled the most this year. And so it was in May, that our family had our Amazing Trip in the US, covering San Francisco, Chicago, South Bend, Las Vegas, San Diego and LA. It was pretty cool having my sister, Jennifer, driving the car, while I do the navigation. More than the places we have visited, I guess it was the family time that I treasure the most. Of course, it was also pretty cool to visit friends and relatives back there.

6. Law School--This is what makes it a transition year for me. I decided to resign from work as I have chosen to pursue further studies in law school. I had some doubts taking the entrance exam as I didn't have any confidence that my mind was that sharp. Anyhow, I made it to law school and I’m into my first year second semester. I remembered that on the first day orientation at the mini-auditorium, I didn't know anyone among the freshmen. I think it was pretty cool that I had former classmates or schoolmates, belonging to the upper class, who talked with me while waiting. Sure, law school is pretty hard with all the readings and recitations. But I sort of expected to be that hard so I can say that I am still okay.

7. Sanchez Roman – This is my section. And I do believe that I am blessed with them (so far … hehe). I never thought that I would create this kind of bond, considering the age gap (3 years lang naman noh!), with them. I don’t think that we are the same birds that flock together, we just flock together even though we are different. I never imagined that I would have these kind of classmates in law school – playing badminton, studying inside the library, eating at the food court, watching a movie. The first-semester dinner we had was fun. And so was our Christmas dinner at Shakey’s and our concert at Club Med. The timing of my transition was indeed just right.

8. 75W – This was my grade in my Persons subject, the closest I got in failing a subject. Don’t get me wrong because I have had my share in 70+ grades in undergrad (77 in Government Accounting). And so, I still feel blessed even with this 75W grade (W is for warning, so I was really on the brink of failing). And with that, I am thankful for the grades in my other subject since they were 80+. My highest was 92 in Christian Ethics (yes, we still have this subject in Law School). This 75W does not mean that I am on the brink of failure. It just means that I could survive in the Law School jungle.

9. Weddings – I have never attended this much wedding in a year as much as I did this year. Actually, I just attended 3 weddings – June 28, October 1 and November 8. It was actually nice to be a part of such a celebration, whether as a host, a guest or an usherette. And no, this doesn’t mean that I’m the next one for it is not a priority. Actually, I am ok just being me.

10. Davao – Being in Davao means being with family and friends. I was pretty sure of deciding to quit my job and get back to my roots in Davao. Davao may not be a perfect place, but I feel that I am ok here. Sure, we don’t have much choices of where to go, what to eat or what to do unlike in Metro Manila. But it doesn’t mean that it’s less desirable. Davao actually keeps me grounded for it is here that I have my mom, dad, sisters, brother and some of my friends. I am blessed to be here!