Midlife at 38

I missed the opportunity to look back at the past year and write down new year resolutions at the start of the year as we were in the US then. I thought now would be a good opportunity to look back, as well as look forward, because another year has passed since my last birthday!

The past year was highlighted by our US Trip in Dec07-Jan08. E and I enjoyed our time together as a couple, and also had a fabulous time with friends and family in the US. We are truly grateful for the opportunity to travel , be with family and friends, be in new places and experience new things together. From the planning to finally documenting our trip, everything was a very memorable experience.

The past year would also be a year of celebrations --- celebrating the anniversaries of both our parents in a big way, celebrating the 1st birthday of my niece S, and welcoming two new babies from E's side of the family. Also, very recently, we have another reason to celebrate something that was totally unexpected (see this post) and I certainly believe that it was God's love that made it happen.

Last year, I also saw myself growing as a corporate officer and as a teacher. At work, I was given additional responsibilities. I also faced challenges of staff turnover and found out that I can deal with it well. And as a teacher, I have improved in a big way with the way I teach and the way I deal with students. I am thankful for all the opportunities to improve myself.

I have also been more active with charity work, and through this I have learned to appreciate what I have and I have been more open to giving more even if it "hurts".

Of course, with the help of this blog, I realized that I spent a lot more time with family and friends. I'm very glad about this, I know that my family and friends made my year very, very special.

Now for the more difficult task: New year resolutions!

1. I would definitely want to spend more time with family and friends, no matter how busy I am.

2. I will complete my Personal Finance Plan .

3. I will continue to be active in charity work.

4. I will list down ways to save and try to follow that plan all throughout the year, starting with NOT buying any designer bags this year.

5. I will no longer be insecure about my body, and just keep in mind that my value as a person is what's in my head and in my heart.

I just realized, getting old isn't so scary after all. In fact, I am thankful that I am already at this stage in my life where I am doing what I do best and am surrounded with people who value me for what I am. I couldn't ask for more.