2009 in Retrospect

Reviewing the year at this point is such a cliché but this is a valuable tool in keeping track of the good and bad points I went through personally. I should mention, however, that I have such a bad memory so the highlights of 2009 I write about here stood out in my mind.

First, the bad parts... I experienced heart break over a guy I was not committed to. The upside here was I felt human with emotions.

On to the good parts... I had my first visa, to enter the United Kingdom, no less! My flight was on April 2 and my visa was released on March 30. All people who knew I would be traveling were so glad as it was my only my third time to go out of the country. I spent 16 glorious days in that part of the world. The rejuvenation I experienced in that vacation lasted for many months. I wasn’t as burned out months after with no break in the office.

Official travels followed. I went to GenSan, Iloilo, and even stayed at the Taal Vista Lodge. I became a videographer and photographer, two job descriptions I never dreamed of doing. We left the office on Thursdays, stayed in the provinces until Saturdays, rushed desk jobs on Mondays, and prepared to leave the office again on Wednesdays. The highlights here are the hospitality of the receiving branch, the issues of the members and how we responded to them, and the food. I even met a lady who is now a good friend. The funny thing is, she is also from the head office. (Towards the end of the year, I went to Davao on vacation with old friends).

The Monday that followed that, our unit was assigned to lead the office flag ceremony. I led the singing of the national anthem and the office hymn.

Then, I was assigned to join the task force in assisting loan applicants. As I was primarily assigned to direct the people traffic which reached more than 5,000 applicants at one time, I acted as the host. I got to work with people from other departments.

After 2 weeks, I joined the chorale competition practice for the Christmas party. It was another activity with other departments. I gained another good friend.

Christmas time surprised me! I was surprised with the people who gave me gifts. I didn't know I mad that much impression on them. I felt so overwhelmed by their special gifts.

Snippets this year, I was assigned to read in the office masses regularly, reconnected with a friend I last saw in grade school, regularly went on ladies’ days out with an old friend, and connected with people from different parts of the world through social networking games.

2009 was a great year for me. I’m excited about what 2010 will bring!