A Good Year and A New Year

A quick recap the year 2008. It was generally a good year for me, and can actually be seen as a few different life chapters. Firstly, another good semester which got me re-listed. It wasn't as challenging as the previous two, although I probably struggled towards the end for a too laid-back approach at the start. Nonetheless, the semester ended well, and gave me a much needed comfort zone for my SEP. Secondly, an internship stint in the civil service. Working experience was something I really lacked, and had really wanted to have. And at the end of the two months, I gained more than just working experience. Friendships, invaluable advices, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, and most importantly, a better gauge of what I want for my future. Lastly, the final four months of the year at Hong Kong. Well, I've said what I wanted to say about my amazing SEP journey, and I will leave it at that. There are also many good encounters and happenings here and there which perked up the year, but I shan't go on about everything little single thing.

Of course, with the ups, there's the downs. The world situation in general was bad, from attacks and unrest, and to melamine and downturns. On a more personal note though, it has to be Blackburn Rovers. Well rovers are kind of used to less-than-satisfactory starts to the season, but this time it's real bad. We all knew it was going to be a tough season when Sparky left, although I had hope in Paul Ince. But when we had to scrap for a 3-2 victory from a totaly depleted Everton side on the first day, I knew something was wrong. And so things did turn for the worse. Some rovers fans may disagree with me, but I think it was necessary for Ince to go as his style was just not working. Furthermore, the stress, pressure and self-deceit was clearly evident towards the end of his tenure. Fast forward to today, it was painful to see Robinho's last minute equaliser, but then again, I can only hope for the best now. As I told my friend before, one of the things I can proudly boast as a rovers fan over any Big Four fan, is that we are mentally stronger, as we have 'been there, and done that'. You name it, won the title, change of managers, europe, fight for europe, boring mid table, struggle for survival, relegated and promoted, we've experienced everything. So whatever happens, we'll take it and stay positive.

To be very honest, I didn't feel anything special about yesterday's transition from 2008 to 2009 today. Then again, this does not mean that I do not have plans for a new year ahead. For one, my second internship is nearing, and with this one being half a year, it will definitely go down as another memorable chapter in my life. Definitely looking forward to it. After that, it would be full steam ahead in my honors year, and to be honest, I'm feeling a little nervy about it, as I'm setting some pressurizing goals for myself. I'm also going to pick up some new skills, and re-buff up some old ones I learnt back in poly, and hopefully put them to good use through a new planned personal web space. Obviously my current blog template has to be changed, and eventhough I kept my old one, I should probably have a new concept for a new and exciting year ahead.

Here's to a happy and smooth-sailing new year for everyone! Happy 2009!