A Year in Review
God. This year went by quickly, didn't it?
There's like, no one in the office today and I can't really make any phone calls to the people I need to contact because THEY'RE not in today, so I will write in my livejournal.
This year was pleasant, crazy, fulfilling, painful, vomit-inducing, heartbreaking, heartwarming, and eventful.
I'm not going to reflect on anything negative, because I've already put it behind me, although it comes up in my gut every now and then and makes my heart hurt. But I go into 2009 looking at the positive things that happened or that I accomplished in 2008.
* The biggest thing that happened in 2008 that I'm proud of is my transition from being a Research Assistant in my comfort zone of the Institute for Brain Aging and Dementia, where I worked for 6 years, to becoming a full fledged graphic and web designer. Although the first company I worked for didn't really work out, I'm happy with my job now at International Student Volunteers, and feel like I'm working on a career that I will be happy with for life. I love this shit. It makes me so happy to know that 2 companies have trusted my creativity enough to give me a full time job. I feel so lucky.
* I hung out with friends a lot, and made more attempts to see them. My friends are like my family. I love you so much and the time I spend with you guys is really important. It gives me a break from work, the work I do at home, and just having too much time to be alone and over think dumb things.
* I went on a roadtrip to SF with Chandra! This was definitely a highlight of my year. Now that I've driven to SF, I know that it doesn't really take that long, and I saved so much money!
* I went to Jen's wedding at the SF Zoo! That was really fun, and good to see Rob and Derek and everyone. I miss the good ole college days, but it was so great to see everyone and dance the Time Warp. I also was in Aimee's wedding in Vegas. Another beautiful event that I will always remember.
* I made a lot of things to put in my portfolio this year. 2 websites, 4 fliers, and got hired to do freelance web editing for a consulting firm. Things are moving along.
* I made a lot of really good friends at work. These people are golden.
* The American people elected Barrack Obama. :o)
* I spent quality time with my Auntie Lisa in LA, and visited Olvera Street and Chinatown. I also took public transportation more with Cathy and Melissa. Visited LA alot. :o)
* Kate taught me how to crochet. And now I'm addicted.
* I reached my goal of reading 2 books a month! I might finish book #25 by the end of the year. :o)
* And lastly, I worked really hard all year to stay grounded, stay focused, stay optimistic and always remember who I am and where I come from. Life is really hard. I learned this year that no matter how much of a good person you may try to be, really shitty things can still happen, and people may still be horrible to you. I've learned that I don't need to become a hard person to overcome this, or always be on guard, I just need to be smarter. I think kindness is the best thing. Always. And I'm not going to stop trusting people because a tiny number of people were horrible to me. I always have to remember the large number of people in my life who are amazing. It's those people that help me get through life with a smile on my face and determination in my heart to be the best person I can.
Farewell 2008. It's been lovely. :o)
There's like, no one in the office today and I can't really make any phone calls to the people I need to contact because THEY'RE not in today, so I will write in my livejournal.
This year was pleasant, crazy, fulfilling, painful, vomit-inducing, heartbreaking, heartwarming, and eventful.
I'm not going to reflect on anything negative, because I've already put it behind me, although it comes up in my gut every now and then and makes my heart hurt. But I go into 2009 looking at the positive things that happened or that I accomplished in 2008.
* The biggest thing that happened in 2008 that I'm proud of is my transition from being a Research Assistant in my comfort zone of the Institute for Brain Aging and Dementia, where I worked for 6 years, to becoming a full fledged graphic and web designer. Although the first company I worked for didn't really work out, I'm happy with my job now at International Student Volunteers, and feel like I'm working on a career that I will be happy with for life. I love this shit. It makes me so happy to know that 2 companies have trusted my creativity enough to give me a full time job. I feel so lucky.
* I hung out with friends a lot, and made more attempts to see them. My friends are like my family. I love you so much and the time I spend with you guys is really important. It gives me a break from work, the work I do at home, and just having too much time to be alone and over think dumb things.
* I went on a roadtrip to SF with Chandra! This was definitely a highlight of my year. Now that I've driven to SF, I know that it doesn't really take that long, and I saved so much money!
* I went to Jen's wedding at the SF Zoo! That was really fun, and good to see Rob and Derek and everyone. I miss the good ole college days, but it was so great to see everyone and dance the Time Warp. I also was in Aimee's wedding in Vegas. Another beautiful event that I will always remember.
* I made a lot of things to put in my portfolio this year. 2 websites, 4 fliers, and got hired to do freelance web editing for a consulting firm. Things are moving along.
* I made a lot of really good friends at work. These people are golden.
* The American people elected Barrack Obama. :o)
* I spent quality time with my Auntie Lisa in LA, and visited Olvera Street and Chinatown. I also took public transportation more with Cathy and Melissa. Visited LA alot. :o)
* Kate taught me how to crochet. And now I'm addicted.
* I reached my goal of reading 2 books a month! I might finish book #25 by the end of the year. :o)
* And lastly, I worked really hard all year to stay grounded, stay focused, stay optimistic and always remember who I am and where I come from. Life is really hard. I learned this year that no matter how much of a good person you may try to be, really shitty things can still happen, and people may still be horrible to you. I've learned that I don't need to become a hard person to overcome this, or always be on guard, I just need to be smarter. I think kindness is the best thing. Always. And I'm not going to stop trusting people because a tiny number of people were horrible to me. I always have to remember the large number of people in my life who are amazing. It's those people that help me get through life with a smile on my face and determination in my heart to be the best person I can.
Farewell 2008. It's been lovely. :o)