Monday, December 31st, 2007
As this year comes to a halt, I would like to take a trip down memory lane..this one is a bit cheesy, but certainly 2007 was an unforgettable year. Let’s look back shall we?
I started off this year with a new career, that was in the academe. I thought passing the rigorous interview was the hardest, but it was just the beginning. This was something new for me, and I had to adjust. This kind of work seems demanding, but it was a good learning experience. I saw positive changes in me, like assuming responsibility and developing good work habits. I also met some "new" people, that later on, I call my friends: my colleagues and my students (of course!). Its good that somehow I developed a form of "bond" with them. Because they are also humans, and they need love and attention! (whoo). Some few years ago I was just like them, now it seems surreal that I am now mentoring them, and helping them out deal with their academic life…
Just when you thought that having a successful professional life is one thing that made me happy, well, not really. This is also a year of mourning. Two of my closest relatives passed away…
My memories of Tita Dang would forever linger on. She taught me how to serve and care for the needy, as she did when she was still alive. She’s a doctor of medicine, you know. And unlike those who could pay for their own tuition fees, she was from a lower socio economic status. But it did not hamper her to achieve and pursue her dreams. She worked hard day in and day out, delivering neonates in a local community health center. Knowing that it would not suffice her family’s daily needs, she had dreams of flying abroad. Until she was stricken with the big "C". That time, it was disabling for the whole family. Dealing with cancer is a big family matter, and she needed our support. We were there for her all the time. I remember visiting her after work. I even taught her that, in order to swallow effectively, she should flex her neck (or chin tuck). She appreciated that. I remember also the first time she cried in front of me when she learned about the diagnosis.It was an endearing moment for both of us. Now this is the first time we celebrated the christmas and New Year without her…She will be truly missed.
My Lolo Ed who told me about the war stories also went ahead..(If you have time, you can read my former blog entry dedicated to him.. here also)
We’re also moving to a new house come next year. A nice welcome, and homey feeling, but I would definitely miss going home to our old house here in Binan.
I also learned to shy away from my old, impoverished habits. There is too little time to accommodate things, and the key is to PRIORITIZE. Weighing some important decisions to be made was also one of the best things I learned. I cannot be involved with too many things or occupations, because I will not be able to participate well and give out my best. So I had to stop grad school for a while, give up some days in clinic. I also gave up my "gig" days, beer drinking, smoking, and all vices. Well, all these are part of the process..and its a sign of maturity to stand up for your own and be able to make important decisions in your own life. At the end of the day, it is me who will be responsible for the consequences of my own actions, and not other people.
To all the people who became part of my year, THANK YOU! Its a sign of being assertive, to say THANK YOU, and being assertive is a healthy and appropriate social skill. I hope we will all stick with one another for the new year to come. And God bless to you!