As We Say Goodbye

Another year comes while another passes.

First post of the new year, though I admit, it is a little delayed. I guess its due to the bulk of activities as well as the various colorful new year celebrations which I was involved in over the past couple of days.

A difference in the numbers on your calender? I won't presume its that simple. The start of the new year yields much significance as it indicates changes and growth and more importantly, development.

Well, at the start of a new year, I'm pretty sure that the usual cliche surrounds us; new year resolutions, new year wishes, fireworks and the traditional countdown. From squeezing amongst the thronging crowds in hopes of getting the best view of the fireworks display at the stroke of midnight (from wherever you guys are in the world), to writing up new year resolutions on your personal diary or web blog, I'm pretty sure we've "been there, done that".

However here at metallic-stains, we tend to do things a little differently. So instead of the new year's resolution you may see on numerous sites, I'll be doing up a little "new year's appreciation", something which I think, we take for granted in our busy and hectic lives nowadays.

Such memories and reminisces.

Looking Back At Year 2008

Well, the year 2008 has been a turning point in my life, as in individual and also as a 17 year old youngster (understatement, perhaps?). I've undergone a huge change, at least to me personally, especially emotionally, largely due to certain events which happened during the course of the year.

To put it in one sweet statement; I've climbed and fell as I hit the bottom before reaching for the ladder of life again to climb back up.

Certainly the highlight of the year was my new experience in a totally different educational environment in the form of a polytechnic. I've met new people who have taught me things I would have never known or be able to acquire through the medium of the internet; things that can only be derived from real life experience.

I also found my passion. No, we're not talking about an individual here but my passion for the media. Ironically, I've never thought that this was meant to be until I took my first step into the world of media. It was then that I realized that it was a sign.

Pretty deep stuff there but I guess its the little things like that which defines and crafts the outline for the rest of your lives.

I wouldn't have survived, or kept going, without the people around me of course and this would be a great opportunity to show my appreciation via a couple of mentions.

To Mum and Dad, thank you. Thank you for believing in me throughout the years (especially year 2008) and standing by me even when hope was seemingly lost and even though I rarely show it, I really appreciate everything that you guys have done for me, to shape and guide me onto the right path in life. It is family which will stand by you no matter what you become, or how you end up, cause they are after all, your family.

To God Mum, though you'll probably not read this (due to language constrains and my limitation to articulate in mandarin), thank you for everything you've done for me all these years. From cleaning me up before I could even say "mum mum" (which means food, in baby language. I think) to watching me sling my heavy bag everyday as I head out for a new day at school, you've been there taking care of me and I really appreciate that. Thank you.

To Friends, which play a indispensable role on multiple aspects. I'm sure that everyone around me isn't exactly used to such "statements" from me as I don't often show my appreciation openly but a big thank you as well, for being around me and providing me with the laughs and imparting valuable lessons to me. I thank you guys for being there and being happy.

And finally, to the Readers of metallic-stains, who fuel me with my drive and motivation, I thank you formally for your readership. Your support and feedback structures a irreplaceable position in the foundations of the site as well as within the management team. Without you guys, metallic-stains will not be as it is today and with that, I thank you for everything.

2008 has been memorable indeed.

But what's the use of living in the past with your back facing the future?

One follows another; that's how Time works.

Looking Ahead At 2009

As mentioned in my previous post, the year 2009 will see changes which starts with the very site you're staring at right now. Metallic-stains will undergo a minor management change and content organization, details of which can be referred to in the previous post.

In terms of content on the site, I'm pretty sure that 2009 will see a new influx of experiences and inspirational happenings all around which means that readers will be treated to a feast of content from multiple perspectives and thus, will be able to engage themselves in stimulating topic and share their views in the form of comments or feedback.

In terms of course related work, (a couple of months into) 2009 will see the start of my journey as a year 2 individual. Naturally, I'm embracing newer challenges as well as newer learning experiences. Sure, work might get a little more hectic as compared to whatever previously encountered but what's life without the occasional challenge to strengthen one's resolve and expertise?

2009 will be a tough year for many, due to the evident global economic crisis. Financial activity looks set to slowdown which will incur repercussions for sure on everyone in the society.

But while some see it as a defeat, I see this economic situation as a test. A gauge of the society's ability to make the best out of the worse and recover as soon as possible. Belt tightening will have to be practiced (if not already) but I guess its a form of discipline as well.

As we say goodbye to the old and welcome the new, memories will still put that smile back on your face.

So as we say goodbye to 2008 and welcome 2009, let us reflect on the finest moments of year 2008 and smile for all that's worth.

But a coin has two sides and surely the finest moments will have their negative equivalents. Let us not forget the lessons learn in 2008 and take the valuable experience and knowledge along with us into the new year.

This is a new era, a new chapter in our lives and as we say goodbye, think but don't regret, ponder but don't over analyze and finally, react but be happy and stay positive because at the end of the day, being able to sit back with a smile on your face is the best feeling ever.

I'll see you guys around and once again, Happy 2009!


*The management team of metallic-stains.blogspot.com, would like to extend their thanks to the readers all around the world for continuous support of the blog and also wish everyone a Happy and fruitful 2009.

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