2009..looking back

About a year ago, I recapped how 2008 has been and with the new year just a few hours away, it's time to look back on the events of 2009...

I must say that this year has been quite a rollercoaster ride for me. Not exactly the best of years, but one of those I'll definitely remember.

Dad. I usually say no regrets and no going back in time, but if there's one moment that I'd like to go back to, it would be this year - not to undo anything (I still believe that everything happens for a reason) but just to say goodbye. I can still vividly remember that fateful friday morning when I got the text which changed our family's lives forever - papa passed away. But somehow, it was much easier to accept it knowing that he no longer has to suffer...he's in a much better place right now and though he's not with us physically anymore, we know that he'll always be around looking over us. We miss you so much papa!

On a lighter note...

A year older. Gabby turned 1! (let's not talk about me getting older...hehehe). We had a big Nemo party for him and we're already planning the next one in just a couple of weeks. He is as cute as ever and such a smart kid! Can't help but spoil him like crazy...hahaha. He's starting to talk already and he now calls me 'ninang'! Yey! He's growing up so fast and learns something new everyday. But he'll always be our dear little baby Gabby :)

Minneapolis Part II. I had another onshore assignment but only for 6 months this time. I still had that excitement with the whole thing but this time around, I was always counting the days til I get back...missing my family was a given, but I sure did miss him big time! It was somehow easier this time though since we've been through it already before. On the other hand, Minneapolis will always be my second home. It was a more 'relaxed' assignment this time and it was filled with lots of fun moments with my roomie and our Minneapolis 'family' - weekends with mommy and daddy, happy hour with Cads and Lawrence, Friday nights with the downtown gang, lunch hour with the Oracle folks - Ila, Abel, Von, Cads and Lawrence, endless Pinoy parties for all occassions, night outs at downtown, spur of the moment Albertville trips, movie nights...and a lot more!

Travel galore. My traveling goal for this year is a definite check - Chicago, New Jersey, New York and Los Angeles. I wasn't able to go to a new state though as planned, but there's always next year for that! Hehehe. On the local front, it was Boracay just before the year ended with my good friend, Cristy :)

Work. Nothing much new on this front...my project is as challenging as ever and I'm seeing that it will be more 'exciting' as I go back to work next year. It wasn't that rewarding though for everyone as we felt the global financial crisis, but things seem to be looking up. Hopefully next year would be more financially rewarding!

Meet the family. I've already met his mom before and this time around, she was back in Manila with his 2 older sisters. They were really nice and more importantly, they liked me! :)

Surprises. It kinda sucks that we're apart for most of the important occassions like Valentine's (I'm in MN) and the holidays (he's the one in MN this time) but he never fails to make it special. On Valentine's, I came home to the apartment with a beautiful bouquet of pink flowers and chocolates, and for Christmas, he got me the watch I've always wanted. Thanks, dear! Here's hoping that we'd finally be able to spend these occassions together next time!

2 years and counting. We've been together for more than 2 years now and things have been really great. He left though late this year for Minnesota but we're still as strong and together (though not physically at the moment) as ever. Big decisions need to be made soon and I'm just continually praying for the best. We've been through a lot already and I'm positive that things WILL work out as always. I love you, dear! :)

2009 had its ups and downs but just the same, it was still a year full of love, happiness and some tears...but all for the best. I pray that the coming year will be good for all of us.

Happy New Year!