Looking Back on 2006

Last day of 2006. Time to pack away all those happy/ unhappy memories, regrets and glories and stash them somewhere. It's time to move on to 2007. Anyway, thought I will post something to "commemorate" 2006.

Firsts
Blog: This is my first blog. Although I created a second blog, it is pretty much defunct because I finally ran out of steam to complain about stupid rude Singaporeans. I'll still post something in that blog once in a while, but guess this is still where I'll post most of my things.

Bangkok: The first time I traveled to Thailand, and the first time I traveled with Craziblues. First time I bought cashmere, and silk. First time I bargained over prices. The trip was interesting, and as Craziblues mentioned, it's lucky we did not strangle each other. Even then, I'll still dream of traveling with Yun, Tytianne, and Craziblues.

Hokkaido: First time I ate lavender-flavoured ice-cream, and drank lavender-flavoured soda. First time I slept on tatami. First time I ate hairy crab. First time I fed foxes. First time I roamed around the village wearing yukata. Just thinking about the times in Hokkaido makes me want to go back there again.

Baby: First time I carried a colleague's baby. Usually I try not to carry when offered because I'm more used to carrying toddlers; you can carry them upright rather than cradling them in your arms. Anyway, I'm a paranoid. I always think of the worst: what happens if I accidentally drop the baby?

Public Talk: First time I gave a public talk for clinic assistants working in GPs. Was quite nervous, and a little worried because I had the least number of slides out of the 4 presenters, and yet I was given the most time to present. Anyway, everything went fine, and I was able to talk for that given amount of time with just that number of slides.

Canon A700: My first digital camera. Yah, I know I'm kind of slow, but hey I just need a little convincing that the photo results would be as good as my film camera. Anyway, between me and my dad, I think the 2 of us almost drove the salesman up the wall when we went scouting for a digital camera.

Regrets
Job: I'm still working in the same place despite my wanting to get out. Suffered for another year, although it was slightly compensated by a promotion and the fat year-end bonus. Still, I am not satisfied because I am not getting any work-life balance.

Violin: The year has ended and I still have not picked up violin. Not that I'm procrastinating. On contrary, I have attempted to sign up for violin course at Yamaha music school, but I was told that there were no vacancies.

What Next
Job: I will convert to locum next year. Say goodbye to my benefits and bonuses, but what the heck. Even if I stayed on as a permanent staff I am still deprived of my leave entitlement. What's more I do not think the manpower situation will improve; I anticipate an abundance of resignations next year when the coast is clear and HR cannot make us pay back the 2006 year-end bonus.

Traveling: Wanted to go back to Hokkaido next year to watch sakura, but I'd want to go back to Japan in 2008 when Tokyo Disneyland is having its 25th anniversary, so I guess I'll shelf the plans for Hokkaido. Hmm... but I'll definitely travel somewhere.

Violin: Still thinking if I should learn the violin or maybe I should just concentrate on my piano...

Anyway, no point in planning too much now. Just flow with the tide and make the best of the opportunities that come my way. Meantime, I should really catch some snooze. Have karaoke session with colleagues in the afternoon, followed by a New Year's Eve dinner.