But I never like setting new year's resolution, or try to avoid that, because I could never make it. There's always something happened that either delay or changed what was planned. So instead planning for the future, I think it's more fun to look back the top 10 best moments in 2008. They reminds me how much I've achieved and help keep me going in 2009 :)
Best Wedding... ever!
I always find weddings are cheesy and boring, especially the Chinese style big banquet. It has always been very difficult to understand why would people turn their wedding day, supposed to be the most romantic day, into a big show. Wearing the monkey suite, greeting people that have not met for years (or have never even met before, because they were guest invited by the in-laws) and taking pictures that's never meant to be seen again, does not sound a bit romantic to me. Then comes the pre-wedding pictures slide show, shark-fin soup and toasting all over the venue, these all look just like a “show-off” to me.
Probably being single, has gotten me really sarcastic about weddings. But 2008 has given me new perspective about weddings. I had two very memorable weddings this year, all happened within one week. They were both my best friends, one was my buddy since secondary school and one was my roommate back at college days. These two weddings were surprisingly wonderful for me. Being so close with these two couples and their families, the whole wedding rituals become more meaningful. Happy Marriage for Nadia and Donovan, Katherine and Tomo! :)
Best Holiday -- Hokkaido
I love to travel. Every year I'd plan at least one exciting trip. In 2007, I went Morocco, learned Moroccan cooking and visited my friend Amy at Doha on the way back to Hong Kong. The year before I had a live-on-board scuba diving trip in Malaysia. That was my first live-on-board, the idea of being stuck in the boat for a 3 days with a whole group of complete strangers was not as bad as it sound. But definitely exciting when I spotted, not only one, but two 3-meter sharks!!
In 2008, I took the chance between jobs to take a week off to Hokkaido. Different from most Hong Kong girls, I'm not a big fan of visiting Japan. I always find it boring to visit Tokyo, even it has all the great food and nice shops. I'd always prefer my holiday to be something different from my daily city live.
Hokkaido was a perfect destination. Even better, I got a travel company and skiing buddy! Gigi, was the person to blame and praise. She suggested going to Hokkaido together and brought me the best trip of the year! We had the wonderful yummy crabs dinner and sushi breakfast, as well as the exciting snowboarding and relaxing in-room hot spring!! I still can't forget the great food at the Sapporo beer garden BBQ and cute little penguins at Asahiyama Zoo. Definitely want to go back there again some day :D
Biggest career move – Leaving Journalism
2008 is also a year that I've made the biggest change in my career. After 8 years of being a reporter, I left journalism and pursue a new career. It was a complicated and difficult decisions. I still don't know whether it was a good move. But it was a big step and I'm proud of myself to be able to bring that adventurous spirit in my career. Probably that's a safe way to say it, in case I blew my career.
It was not an easy transition to move away from journalism, which I think fit perfectly for my character. It was particularly difficult with the office environment and work schedule. People were nice, but they are “normal” in the new job. Journalists and writers could be wacky, but totally fun to hang out with :) Work schedule is also very different with the new job. No fixed deadline, made me feel like I'm never done with any project. But I'm getting used to all these and starting to enjoy my new job.
In addition, moving to this new job allows to see better how the entire IT industry works. Maybe it could bring me into other areas in IT, or who knows, bring me back to journalism with more expertise from the IT industry. Wish me luck la!
Best new toy – First MacBook
Being in the IT industry, I probably should talk a little about my gadget. First, I have a confession to make. Even I've been in the industry for quite a few years, I'm never a fan of gadgets. I'm just a girl that likes beautiful shoes more than cool mobile phones.
Yet, this year, I finally find a way to mix beauty and coolness. The answer is Apple! :) After months of consideration and a few calculation with numbers in my bank account, I've bought my first MacBook! It is the coolest laptop I've ever got! Glad that I've finally got rid of the bulky IBM and boring Windows. I can't think of anything else in the world can combine beauty and coolness. You can only say a gadget is sexy and beautiful, when it is a Mac :)
Best historical moment -- US Presidential Election I'm never a big fan of politics. But after meeting a new friend, whose dream was to become a politician, I started want to learn more about politics. On top of the influence from this new friend, the entertaining level at the US election in 2008 was also brought me great interest over politics.
As mentioned in my other blog entries, I think it's quite sad that many of us, non-Americans, find the US Presidential Election very entertaining. From the bright side, this probably arouse more people's interest over politics and understand the world better.
Of course, the significance of the 2008 US Presidential Election was not only entertaining. Seeing Barack Obama, the first African-American being elected as the US President was truly moving, even I am not black nor American. Though how much change is he going to bring to the country is yet to be seen, he certainly brought a change in attitude from how the world see the US. Finally, no more white trash at the white house!!
Most inspiring moment – Sichun Earthquake
2008 is a great year for me with all the good change and great things happened to me. Yet, it was not so great for China. Despite the success of the Bejing Olympics and Chinese astronauts visiting the moon, our country had a tough year. The snow storm early in the year and Sichun earthquake reminds me that there are still many people in China suffering and struggling for a simple living.
Actually, this is probably the first time I refer China as my country. Being raised in Hong Kong, a colony of Britain, I never see myself a Chinese citizen. It feels more like a Chinese ethnicity being outside the country. Even after 1997, I don't have a sense at all of being patriotic. It probably takes something more significant for me to recognize my nationality. Sadly, it was the Sichun Earthquake. May those who passed away from the disaster rest in peace and those injured and hurt recover in 2009.
Best meal – Can't choose!
I love food! Even my taste might change from time to time, loving food is something that never changed. So, a review of 2008 MUST include something about food :)
The problem is I don't know how to pick my favorite food of the year. There were so many good food and great meals, it was tough to choose one. Zulupping noodles at Pho 26, trying out the little BBQ seafood place and XinJiang restaurant at my neighborhood are definitely one of the many great meals.
But after so many great meals, I've learned in 2008 that the best meal comes with not only great food and nice environment. It was the great company that turned good food into a wonderful meal! In that case, the best meal of the year is probably my birthday dinner, when I had a few good friends to share the special moment with me. Small party, good food and wine, it was a fabulous dinner :)
I'm glad to have so many good friends in 2008 to share all the wonderful dining experiences with me!
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