The year in 12 sentences or so

It’s December 30, 2007 and I am in the mood to look back at the year that’s about to end. Maybe this is a good way to start 2008…as they say, we can never reach our "destination" if we don’t try to look back once in a while. So many things have happened this year but I have no time to list all of those in a single blog entry so let me try to capture the highs and lows in a monthly account…

January. Was working in an interesting Environmental Impact Assessment project when suddenly, our client announced the termination of the project because of some internal issues. That was a tough thing but wait until February came…

February. I found out that my boyfriend (now an ex) was cheating on me (have been cheating on me for how many months already??) and it was February 13. One day before Valentines Day. Need I say more?

March. In the middle of tears, sleepless nights, dates with San Miguel Beer, my friend, Mar-vic (based in Guam) arrived for a much-needed vacation…and that was what I’d call a gift from the heavens. I can no longer tolerate drinking alone and her arrival definitely meant a lot.

April. Two more gifts from heavens arrived. This time it’s my friend from Toronto, Lorraine (who invited me again for a vacation in Cebu). The second one is JR, the guy I met in a van, on the way to Lorraine’s hometown.

May. I vacated my apartment. Finalized plans to leave the Philippines. I told myself it is better to start a new life somewhere. Enroute to Phnom Penh, I stopped by Singapore and caught up with another dear friend, Len P.

June. Arrived in Phnom Penh! Traveled to Vietnam and visited my good friend, Mien (also celebrated my birthday with her!). Ahh…life is good again. Though there were some sad days after I heard that a close friend’s marriage just broke apart. I cried tears again. 

July. House-sitted for friends Tuomo and Karen, and took good care of their two dogs, Sabbay and Luna. Fell in love with Luna. She’s a Yorkie (Yorkshire Terrier) and promised myself I’d buy a dog just like her! Once again, I discovered how "being alone" is also very therapeutic. Got Baby Doggie as a gift from Tuomo and Karen, my award for being such a great "Nanny".

August. JR (the guy from the van episode) arrived from Cebu! Now he’s easily become my friend-housemate-personal chef-and maybe future boyfriend (hehehe). I thanked the heavens again for this wonderful package.

September. I joined DHL Express Cambodia. Mornings are wonderful again. I pass by the riverside on the way to work, watch birds and pigeons flying, monks on the way to temples, early-risers walking their beautiful dogs…ahh, I am definitely on the way to complete recovery.

October. Went to Bangkok for a company training! Got to know my lady boss in Thailand. She rocks! Enjoyed a dinner, ice cream cones, and movie with her. I asked my sister to join me the weekend after my training but she couldn’t get flights! Darn.

November. Went to see Angkor Wat!!! Finally! A dream come true. Realized once again that this place is just magical. Went home to Manila for a week to sort out a million stuffs and most of all, visit my chiropractor who gave me a bone-breaking session that I thought I wouldn’t survive it…

December. Won a photo contest (2nd place!) sponsored by a magazine here! Also won "Star of the Night" in a Filipino Community Christmas Party…hehe…don’t ask me why I won because I also don’t know why… ;D

So there, 2007 was like a roller-coaster ride. It’s like I really went down the pits but thankfully, I survived the hardest parts and now I am here, ready to face the world again.

See you soon, 2008!