What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
I really can't think of anything. I just realized I didn't do anything new and exciting. That's not cool. Oh, well. Oops. I just realized just now, 8:59 PM, that I did something new. I've tried online business. I baked this year. I baked from scratch. I made my own money (from the garage sale) and spent it all.
Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Surprisingly, I have kept some of my New Year's resolutions. I'm currently looking at my planner (the 2008 Belle De Jour Planner) and I am really thankful that I was able to achieve some of it.
Here are the goals that I've set for myself:
Have a job as a nurse/Be a nurse at SLMC, MedCity, etc. - Not YET done! Finding a job as a nurse is quite daunting. But, I have faith that I will find one this new year.
Help in paying the utilities - Since I don't have a job and I got turned down in People Support (because I wasn't accepting a salary lower than Php 16,00), I really can't help in paying the utilities.
Be a Board Top Notcher - I am not a topnotcher but I DID PASS the Philippine Nursing Licensure Examination which is an amazing feat itself. I was really ecstatic when my cousin called me to say that we passed the exam. I am now a registered nurse of the Philippines! Woohoo...
Pass the NCLEX, CGFNS, IELTS, TOEFL - Gosh! Processing my papers would take at least 9 months. So, I believe that by the end of this year, I will be able to pass the NCLEX, CGFNS, and IELTS.
Read books - Well, I didn't read the books that I wrote here but I read books this year which is better than what I did last year. I read Alan Corey's Millionaire by Thirty, Bill Clinton's Giving, James Patterson's Along Came a Spider, and 13 Chapters of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight. The best book among the four for me is the one by Alan Corey. I suggest that you go buy and read it.
Read the BIBLE everyday - I thank GOD for letting me read the whole Bible. Well, by tomorrow I would only be around 10-15 chapters short. I failed to read my Bible selections during our Liliw immersion. But, I am really happy that I got to read about 95% of the Bible. I feel truly blessed. And, it really was a blessing. God's Word came at the right time. He really knows what I'm going through and I feel his guidance. Thanks talaga kay LORD!
Exercise, Lose at least 4lbs/month, Stop impulsive eating - I was faithful to these for about 5 months and then I fell from the wagon. Very Oprah! Haha. I even lost 20 lbs during my 5 months of faithful exercise, and mindful eating. Even though, I'm back to my original weight I am not that hard on myself. I actually feel a bit better because I realized that I could do it. If I had done it for 5 months, I could surely do it again but this time, I will not gain the weight back! I really have faith in myself and with GOD.
Have a semi-annual check-up - I only did this once. So, maybe... It's a half-done resolution.
Save at least Php 4,000 a month - I wasn't able to do this. Too bad. But, at least my new account is still active. And right now, I have Php 4,000 in my bank. Hehe. I read or heard somewhere that in order to be great, one must have a horrible start (or something to that effect). Php 4,000 will become Php 40,000,000. I know I could do it.
Stop cursing, Stop using the words b!tch, f^ck, Sh!t - I did not fare well on this resolution. I really have to watch my mouth more this coming year.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes. My friend Shyn and her hubby Boo gave birth to a super cute baby girl named Raziella Therese a.k.a. Tetet. She's my inaanak and I am a very terrible godmother. I promise I will make-up for it on her 1st birthday next year. Promise!
Did anyone close to you die?
Nope. Thank God.
What countries did you visit?
Nada.
What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
I would like to have more motivation/inspiration for the coming year. And, I hope that my good outlook continues. Positive thinking does a lot for you.
What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
June 1 and 2. The Nursing Licensure Examination. Its one of the most tiring and very anxiety-filled days of my life.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Being a registered nurse of the Philippines. I am a professional. This is it! I am really an adult now.
What was your biggest failure?
Biggest failure? Hmm... I really can't think of any. Maybe the fact that I 'half-reach' some of my goals. But I am looking at it at a positive light because if I could do it once then. I could do it again.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
Maybe the last cold I got this December. It was a really terrible cold. I even have trouble breathing at night because my nostrils are filled with snot.
What was the best thing you bought?
The best thing I bought was Alan Corey's book.
Whose behavior merited celebration?
Hmm... Behavior that merited celebration. I'd like to say that my behavior is qualified but aside from me, I would have to say Alvi. She knows the reason why.
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
My dad. But, that's all that I will say.
Where did most of your money go?
Food, movie tickets, transportation, and books.
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
I really, really, really got excited when I learned about the Nursing Licensure Exam results. I also got really, really excited when Alan Corey sent me back an email. It was so exhilirating to find out that he's really reading his messages.
What song(s) will always remind you of 2008?
Womanizer by Britney Spears, If I Were a Boy and Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It) by Beyonce, Lucky by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat, Superhuman by Chris Brown and Keri Hilson, Love Story and White Horse by Taylor Swift, Ever Ever After by Carrie Underwood, So Close by Jon McLaughlin.
Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? – HAPPIER!
ii. thinner or fatter? -- FATTER! But, with a more positive outlook!
iii. richer or poorer? -- RICHER! Really.
What do you wish you'd done more?
Exercise. Really. I should've exercised more.
What do you wish you'd done less of?
I should've complained less. There's a lot to be thankful for.
How many one-night stands?
NONE. Never will.
What was your favorite TV program?
Grey's Anatomy, Pushing Daisies, Keeping Up With The Kardashians.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Nope.
What was the best book you read?
Like I said, Alan Corey's book, Millionaire by Thirty.
What was your greatest musical discovery?
Hmm... Taylor Swift.
What did you want and get?
Too many to mention. Probably, passing the licensure exam.
What was your favorite film of this year?
Its a between Tropic Thunder, The Dark Knight, and Iron Man. But, I am leaning towards Iron Man. And then, there's Sex and the City. There are a lot of good movies this year. There's John Lloyd's and Sarah's A Very Special Love.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Nothing really special. I turned 20. Gosh. I can't even remember what I did on my birthday. I am really spaced out. What the hell did I do on my birthday?
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
If there's a thing that would've made my year more satisfying, that would probably be the new generation of MacBook Pro.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
If it's nice, if it fits, then, go! Or, if its black and spandex, then, I'm good! Hehe. :))
What kept you sane?
My friends. The Bible. And, most especially, my sister.
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Hmm... Definitely, Robert Downey Jr. and Patrick Dempsey (not because of Grey's but because of Enchanted).
What political issue stirred you the most?
Hmm... Nothing really. But, the political issue that made me feel great was Barrack Obama winning. Its not only a success by the American people its an achievement by the human race as a people. It made me believe that nothing is impossible.
Who did you miss?
My mom.
Who was the best new person you met?
Hmm... I didn't meet a lot of people this year. Maybe the people who bought some of my merchandise. Hehe.
The most touching experience you've had this year?
The one with Alvi and Aemiel.
What did you like most about yourself this year?
That I am very thankful this year. I am more content. I like that about me. Thanks to the LORD ALMIGHTY who speaks to my heart through HIS WORD.
What did you hate most about yourself this year?
Hmm... That I'm still lazy and I still am an impulsive something.
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
Storybook endings fairytales coming true... Deep down inside we want to believe they still do... In our secretest heart... It's our favorite part of the story... (Ever Ever After by Carrie Underwood).
Was 2008 a good year for you?
Very good year!
What was your favorite moment of the year?
Hmm... Like I said passing the Nursing Licensure Exam.
What was your least favorite moment of the year?
Finding out a very ugly truth.
Where were you when 2008 began?
At home.
Who were you with?
Yaya, Kamille.
Where will you be when 2008 ends?
Probably at home. But maybe we will drop by the celebration in Ayala.
Who will you be with when 2008 ends?
Yaya, Kamille, and Papa.
Do you have a new years resolution for 2009?
Yup.
Did you drink a lot of alcohol in 2008?
Nope. I only had 1 Margarita and 1 Cosmopolitan.
Do a lot of drugs in 2008?
Nope. Never will.
You do anything you are ashamed of this year?
Yup.
How much money did you spend in 2008?
A lot. Really really big numbers.
What was your proudest moment of 2008?
Please refer to my answers above.
What was your most embarrassing moment of 2008?
It was in Eastwood. May tama na ako. Pero konti lang. I was shouting "Josef, Josef." We saw Josef of Big Brother and we were sort of happy and struck that we saw some kind of celebrity. Gosh. That was embarrassing.
If you could go back in time to any moment of 2008 and change something, what would it be?
The day I stopped exercising.
What are your plans for 2009?
I have big plans for myself.
How are you different now that the year has ended?
I am more positive. I am more content.
What are your wishes for the new year?
Wish for my family :: Contentment, Richer in every way
Wish for my friends :: Great jobs! Great careers!
Wish for the country :: Food for everyone. Education for all. Peace. Love. Yes to eradication of poverty and hunger. Quality healthcare.
Wish for myself :: Happy life! Blessings in Love, Career, Friendships, Family, Health, Wealth, Christian Life.
