Looking Back: 2008

Looking back, 2008 had past peacefully, filled with much joy.

Family
I’m glad I had a vacation with my parents, which was one of my goals set in the beginning of the year. I tried to join them for breakfast during weekends, or at least have a meal together every week. Dad retired in November, so I tried to stay home as much as I could, hoping to make the transition bearable. On the other hand, I have not seen much of my sis and brother. Perhaps I traveled a lot, and they have their lives to carry on. People often asked me about my brother and sister, but I had very little to share. What a shame.

Perhaps a long over-due family vacation could spice things up!

Friends
I have to say that I failed miserably at this department. I guess I had put family and work first. I know, that sounded like an excuse. Maybe it is. I shall work on it.

Love
T has been great. We argued a lot. I still don’t call him every day, and we never talked on the phone for hours like other couples do. In fact, our phone conversation never exceeds 5 minutes most of the time. But he’s been very supportive and patient with me through thick and thin.

Work
An eventful year that kept me busy. Learned many lessons from the project that I handle. I wouldn’t say that it was super successful because despite the completion of the project, there were many glitches and even failures along the way. But those lessons were valuable. At times, I was choking myself with work and my expectations. Having a team to work in sync and passionately is not an easy task because each individual is different and special. Therefore, I have learnt that embracing each person’s strength is more efficient than forcing a change.

This year also marked a milestone in my short career—a job promotion. It was unexpected. My challenge became juggling current tasks with new responsibilities. Suddenly, I was more conscious to set good examples, and was more aware of the decisions I had to make because it would affect not only myself but my team members. I remember back in UMBC, my teammates always said, “Joc, you lead by example!” I believe it is the first step in leadership. But  of course, there are more to it. I shall learn one at a time as I go.

The year end biz trip to Tokyo was great! Finally visited the Tokyo Disneyland.

Sports
2008 was the year of Olympics. Many records were broken. Federer was over taken by Nadal, who was crowned the world No.1 soon after the Olympics. The epic 5 setter in the Wimbledon final was classic. I wanted Federer to win so bad, but had to give it to Nadal for his superb strength, agility, speed and unbelievable fighting spirit. China Women’s Volleyball team got bronze. Phew… Outstanding achievement. Brazil deserved the Gold.

Played in a few tournaments - Asian Volleyball Cup (AVC), Seremban Open, Asean Uni Games, JB Open, Sunway Beach Volleyball Circuit. I had wished for competitive volleyball and the AVC had given me the highest quality I could get. Never thought in my wildest dream that I’d be playing the Olympics Gold (04’) and Bronze (08’) medalists. Meeting Ya Nan again after 10 years was wonderful.

Health
Health was fine until December, where I was terribly ill. It was like I had accumulated it throughout the year and only allowed my body to give in in December, where I had taken most of the month off work coz I needed to clear my work leaves. I don’t remember ever being that sick. Besides, I might have picked up some injuries on my right knee from volleyball games. I can’t jump full fledge right now, but I think it will recover given enough rest.

Looking forward to a more fruitful year in 2009!