GOODBYE 2009

Roller-freaking-coaster.

My expectations for 2009 definitely didn't end up going exactly as I was anticipating it at the end of 2008. However, I have grown so much from the challenges that I was forced to face this year.

Cheers to 2009 for being a big kick in the heart, mind and ego. I have never experienced so many different emotions than I felt this year; sometimes a combination of emotions all at once. I'm stronger now than I have been in a long time, thanks to God, prayers, family and friends. The year has gone by so fast, yet at the same time, soooo slow. I guess that shows for the consistent highs and lows that I went through.

Nothing lasts forever. This happens to everyone, I know that. Thankfully, I was able to overcome the awkwardness and everything that came with the change that we were forced to adapt to. And thankfully we didn't lose out completely because that would've been a terrible end to the story. I was blessed to have a wonderful backbone to help me get through the rough patches along the way. When I finally came to my senses, I realized that everything happens for a reason. We live and we learn from the things that happen to us.. shit happens, but life must go on. And life did go on. For a few months, I questioned myself - how and why things happened the way they did and what I did wrong in everything and what I could've done better. But then I realized that what happened, happened. There was no room to regret the past. And it still haunts me to this day, knowing I could've done things differently and maybe the year wouldn't have occurred the way it did. Now, I've learned to be less attached and work with my emotions better. So, hopefully I can finally be at complete peace and have my mind and heart finally meet halfway.

Amidst all that, I was able to make new friends, rekindle with old ones, and get closer to the ones that were there all along. I learned that "friendship isn't being inseparable. It's being separated and knowing that nothing will change". To the people who felt like family from the first few times we hung out, to those who took a while warm up to me, to the ones who eventually grew to love, and to those who were there throughout everything, not only this year, but from previous years too, thank you thank you thank you!!! Great friendships were created this year; some I would have never thought would happen, but from what I've learned, you just never know! Expect the unexpected, for real. And as easily as I gained people in my life, I also lost people that were once very special to me. Most importantly, Mama Naty passed away this year. I didn't even get a chance to say goodbye in person because of exams and that hurt a lot. Another thing was having no choice but to lose touch with certain people because of the circumstances - that sucked, obviously. And one other thing was losing certain people because it was just supposed to happen that way. I can't please everyone and not everyone can please me. This year was definitely an eye opener, shoot! Getting rid of negative aura was one of the best things I did this year, no doubt.

Big accomplishment! Hello, graduating class of June 2009. Thankfully, I was able to graduate from UofT with my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Health Studies. Obviously my parents were proud and I felt a great sense of pride and accomplishment myself. Although I haven't found a permanent job or career yet, I've graduated and that's all that matters for now. And I'm going to start that hunt once I get back from the Philippines in May. Speaking of work, Old Navy has become a second home towards the end of the year - literally being there 6, sometimes 7 days a week. Good thing I have some of the best coworkers and managers, lol!

Another big thing about 2009 was being able to travel and make up for the lack of of it in 2008. In February for Reading Week, we stayed overnight in Niagara Falls; in May, we went on a weekend getaway to Chicago; also in May, we went for a birthday weekend in Carriage Hills in Barrie; in June, we spent a week with Anthony in Halifax; in July, we tanned like crazy in Veradero, Cuba; and in August, we went to New York City! Different people, always unforgettable adventures!

So 2009 most definitely was a 365 day-long roller coaster ride. Every day was a new adventure. Some days I never wanted to end and some days I never wanted to face. And with it all, I survived! I'm still standing. I will take with me all the experiences, advice and memories and roll with the punches and embrace change for 2010. I'm ready, world!

You know this.
Love, me.