Year in Review 2003: Year of Drama

Sorry...this was supposed be posted earlier this year around new years but...well...you know...oh...just read it...

Back in High School, I use to look back at the last year and I actually named that year. Though I can't remember all the names of my past years, they were labeled as "The Year I Met Powerful People" or "The Year of Change" or "The Year of New Beginnings" or "Year of Emotions". For 2003, I have decided to label it as "The Year of Drama."

Never before have "drama" in my life and, most importantly, in my friend's life have affected me so much. I have seen relationships that have ended, because of money. I have seen very important people pass away. And I have seen too many hearts broken this year. And all of these events deeply moved me, because it happened to very good people who did not deserve it. And it happened to my friends.

But I myself experienced some personal drama too, that really affected everything I did last year. I almost lost some really close friends, I did lose a great relationship over a stupid misunderstanding, and I almost thought I was going to lose my job. These events, along with some of my friends were enough to stress me out and even affected my health. (dont worry, it was mostly stress related heartburn).

But at the same time, when most people think "drama", they mostly think of it negatively. Of course, this year was also filled with the good" drama too. I had friends who announced they were having a baby, finally moving out of their parents, new jobs, leaving jobs to go back to school, and even a few marriage proposals. All of which has brought me as much joy they recieved

On a personal level, there were some great moments. Like finding out that I wasn't going to lose my job and in fact, finding out what I do DO best. And this was the year I had friends come and visit me here in the Northwest, including Danny and Akane and Jon and Denny and Mario and Kydd and even my family. But the most important "dramas" I had experience this year was the amount of friends I have made just this year as well as recieving some really close friends here in Seattle. And these friends here make a world a differences. It was never a dull moment where I am practically doing something every weekend (something I couldn't say the year before). I can finally say I have a life here and I am also having a lot of fun.


Anyways, I thought it be fun to go back to last years new year resolution I had made to see if I actually followed thru:

1. Head to the gym more often
--YES! I did do that. Not as much as I would like to but much more than I ever did. In fact, I can also say that I lost close to 25 lbs last year! Unfortunately, I gained back 10 lbs during my mom's visit and her cooking. Damn you mommy!

2. Be less irriable at work
--since moving into a new project, I have definately been a nicer person. Because I am enjoying the project I am on, the team I work with and the fact that I actually am doing stuff that I do best of this project and people are noticing. But the stress of finishing the game is coming, and I see mr. evil wing coming back real soon.

3. Keep in touch with friends outside of Seattle better
--once again, I blame work because I work late and I dont come home til its late and I dont really go online afterwork or even want to call anyone after a tiring day at work. But this time I also blame the fact I also have a life here and I always been going out. I mean, I remember how easy it was to keep touch with everyone while I was in San Diego but the truth is I did nothing but stay home after work which made it easy to keep in touch with everyone else cuz I had no one else. This is still something I need to work on because I truely do care about all my friends all over.

4. Be more social
--this I definately improved and I have tons of new friends to show for it. Its not perfect my interpersonal social skill but it getting better with practice.

5. Learn to drive in Seattle
--I definately am much more confidently in driving everywhere in Seattle and beyond. But I still am not 100%. Still need to learn to drive better in severe conditions and I still need to learn to parallel park. Baby steps...

6. Travel more
--I didn't go to Toronto this year but I did get to go to LA and San Francisco and Vancouver but most importantly, I finally got to visit Japan!! But this more traveling bit was really pushed strongly as I can honestly say that I have AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH have left Seattle for at least a day, even if its to Vancouver. This is one habit I would like to continue.

7. Drink more
--I have been drinking more, in fact can name a couple of drunken states I have been. But not over doing it. No AA meetings for me in the near future.

8. Blog more and more meaningful blogs
--blog more? well...not really. I mean, I am writing them 2 weeks at a time now! And we can forget about this more meaningful blogs...yeah right!! I blame work and having a life again. I think after my project is done after feb and my blogging should be more regular.

9. Live life to the fullest
--its only going to get better...

Stay tune for this years resolutions...