What are you doing New Year’s eve?

2007 wasn’t exactly a banner year for me. My Chinese astrology forecast for the Year of the Pig promised me 8 bad months and 4 good ones, and I got exactly that. A heady mixture of ups and downs.

the downs 

A project I worked on at the start of the year went awry, resulting in lost money. Another project, which I signed on for a specific number of days, stretched on for too long, which affected my reputation as a consultant who delivered on time–something I worked so hard to build in the previous years. I had to postpone my return to school due to scheduling conflicts brought on by the delays in the aforementioned projects.

My personal relationships weren’t spared. Long friendships ended this year: one brought on by another’s deception and another caused by our inability to cope with personal changes. While I have not completely given up on these friendships (we had such good times after all), I am currently inclined to consider these people ‘frienemies’ (a cross between a friend and an enemy). A couple of new friendships also ended this year: one caused by the other’s pathological dishonesty, and the other caused by a failure to disclose. I have renewed ties with the latter, though my intuition tells me it will be long before we can get back ‘that old feeling’. So I would still consider this one a ‘frienemy’, while the former is simply, to put it bluntly, ‘dead-to-me’.

I was less sick this year compared to 2006. I was, in fact, on the path to losing weight in the first quarter of 2007 but got kicked off the track mid-year. Fortunately I did not gain all the weight I lost; I was still heavier last year but I know I need to do more work on this if I want to live healthier. I remember being attacked by my ‘dead-to-me’ about my weight. My self-respect shielded me from most of the impact of this attack (and understanding that the attack was a desperate move of my ‘dead-to-me’) but it strengthened my resolve to do something about my weight. Before it becomes too late.

the ups

Even if two of my biggest projects did not go too well, 2007 can still be remembered as the first time I added a country to my places of work: China. I spent a couple of weeks in Beijing on a consultancy, and I took the chance to see the sights–chronicled in this blog, and to be with a dear friend. This year was a very good year for me in terms of travel. Saigon in April & September, Kuala Lumpur in May, Chiang Mai on June & November, Beijing on July, and Hyderabad in October. It seems that these trips were to make up for the Manila holiday that I did not take this year.

They say that when a door closes, windows open. This adage, it seems, is also applicable to friendships. While this year has seen the dissolution of some of my friendships, this year I also made new friends. Four are worth mentioning. The first is not really a new friend; I’ve known her for quite a bit but I only started to get to know her better this year. And such a good person to know, this lady. Down-to-earth and unassuming, and simple as her nickname, she is a refreshing sight to all the ‘frienemies’ and the ‘dead-to-me’s’ that came my way this year. I am honored to be her friend. The second is also an old acquaintance but our recent closeness have made me discover a good person. I am looking forward to getting to know him more. The other two are colleagues. I am actually quite amazed and alarmed at these new friendships: amazed at the speed with which it happened; alarmed at what can this mean to the friendship. Easy come, easy go? I hope not. 

My relationship with my partner has progressed to a new level of maturity that I hadn’t thought I’d be capable of doing and being. Both of us are busy with our own careers and as such we do not have much time to be with each other but whenever we do, we have so much fun and pleasure. Our passion for each other has not waned with time. Now I really know what quality time means. We went on holiday twice this year and we are planning to do more this year.

the 2008 forecast

First, something about my sign: sturdy, earthy, no-nonsense – that’s the Ox. Affectionate and easy-going, the Ox can show a fierce temper when agitated. He is neat, tidy, quiet and studious, with a great love of his home. Music can be a great love. Family life and a loving partner are high on the Ox’s priorities. A wonderful loyal friend.

And the forecast for the year of the rat: the Ox could be quite tired after a hectic last couple of months in 2007. During 2008 the focus on work continues, with excellent prospects for promotion, moving to a better position and also taking up new skills. It will be important for the Ox to take time out for recreational and social pursuits in order to relax and remember to enjoy himself. 2008 will also be a lucky year for Ox’s with possible monetary gain or unexpected gifts arriving during the year. Friends will also play an important role in the year, providing support, camaraderie and fun times. The Ox is not the most social animal in the Zodiac and it’s important for him not to neglect his existing circle of friends this year. His well-considered and honest advice will be sought a few times over 2008. March to August will be a terrific time for work advancements.

Have a happy new year, dear reader. May the new year bring us the best and the strength to cope with the worst!