Self re-evaluation - 2007 & 2008

I realized that I should have done this at the start of this year, but seems that the first few weeks of the year, I don't have time (and not forgetting the mood!) to list down what I've been doing and what I plan to do for this year. So, okay, I'll cut the chase and here goes:

What have I been doing for the past 12 months (2007)?

I've done quite a lot, as a matter of fact; I've done way beyond what I can bear physically, emotionally, financially and spiritually. Despite being completely drained out, I've learned so much along the way, and I began to ambitiously see where I am heading now, though my first starts were somewhat blurry.

Career-wise: Well, I got a pay raise, which is not really a suprise as we do get pay rise annually. I also have been involved in a coastal project in Salut area, and one dambreak project (Murum-Bakun dam) - FYI, before this, I've been already thinking (probably praying as well) that before I leave my company, I get to be involved in a coastal project and a dambreak project. God surely answer prayers at the time I never expected. All is good, but because of my odd-hour work time and my involvement in church ministries, I felt that my current job can't substantiate what I can fully do in my church. Besides that, my future of doing PhD is uncertain if I continue working in my current company. So, I decided to apply for a new job which offers more time to do what I like most and with a less rigid work schedule, and a brighter chance to do PhD.

Love life: I successfully manage to maintain my singleness ;). Haha, yes!

Financial: I blew up my savings on my trip to Korea, which is worth it. It's quite sad to see all that RMs fly in one go, but thinking back, the experience I get there is just priceless. In fact, the part I've travelled there alone (some office colleagues have a sinister thought of me meeting up with a guy there - yeah, right) proved that I can survive on my own in a complete different world. I've also spend a bit of money on my trip to Jakarta and Singapore, but that's a few time lesser compared to what my Korean expenses were. But all money not lost; I also manage to get some as well. I got my first experience as a pianist playing in an Italian restaurant for RM 300 (3 sessions) and also I get to teach Fluid Mechanics in OUM.

Spiritually: I think I had a hard time on this one. Last year, I was heavily involved in BPM - involved in the album production, concert & conference preparation etc. It's not bad actually, but I was so into these that it took negative toll on the ministries I involved in the church as well as my prayer life. Never have I felt that I was so divided emotionally e.g. my heart says I should do this, but instead I'm doing something else. The Korean trip made me realized that I should trust what my heart says and wants, coupled with of course - strong, unwavering dependence and attachment to God. Since then, I became bolder and took the risks in everything I choose and plan to do in my future.

So, what has and will happen in 2008?

1. I got the job in UMS as a lecturer (Finally, with that whole last year waiting!). I applied for tutorship, but given lecturership instead.
   
2. Going to Manila via Clark for a 5 days/4 nights vacation starting on my resignation date (Apr 19th)
3. Hoping to visit Pak Yunus in Brunei, after years of visitation delays.
4. I hope to get my position confirmed by UMS by next year and do my PhD in 2010 (I know, that was supposed to be the next years resolution, but I don't see any harm of stating them now)
5. Maintain my singleness? (Hehe..)
6. A change in my personality outlook - wardrobe, body language, make up. One step at a time.
7. Involve in more diverse church ministries
   
8. Quit BPM (Among the toughest decision to make, but I got to do what I got to do)

If you have any ideas pertaining what I could do this year, please let me know. If I think it's achievable, I could chuck in your ideas in my list.