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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Song of the Post



Now playing: Saosin - You're Not Alone
via FoxyTunes

Marketing Life.

Since the crack of dawn, mankind has been pondering over the age old question; the definition of life.

I'm sure that most of you who read my previous entries, updates and articles, have noticed the avid and continual search for this definition.

Everyone has his or her own individualistic view and insight to what life holds and means, which is consequential in itself for that's how it should work out. Simply put, there is no fixed definition for life and what it holds in itself.

The past couple of days were hugely rejuvenating in itself, as it served as an awesome period away from work and a breath of fresh air. No doubt school work has wonders of its own, but it is good to learn outside the typical boundaries of logic and concepts.

And more particularly the discipline of existence and the work of creation.

No doubt I'm looking quite forward to the holidays, largely due to the fact that it'll serve as a good time to restructure (slightly) and strengthen certain aspects of my well being, as well as to further better myself in other aspects.

It will also be a good chance to spend a little time with ourselves and obviously, friends and family. Social interaction is absolutely vital for us, human beings, and I guess that's why government bodies and the world's society accept the fact and existence of holidays and breaks.

Not more than 2 hours ago, I was at the waterfront, by the bay side. Evidently soaking up in the festive mood (of which up till now, I have no answer for the reason of celebration) which included a somewhat impressive display of fireworks, a couple of awesome live performances and large numbers of people massing around for various social interactive purposes.

Well, I'm not really a fan of huge crowds (in terms of moving, pushing and weird characters) and all but I guess a little discomfort now and then makes one stronger.

And I guess events as such serve as a great rally point for people of different orientations and demographics to come together and witness something that we as human beings appreciate visually; in this case, the beauty of the fireworks.

Yet another aspect in life, for beauty and appeal is evident in our daily lives.

And as usual, I began my usual "thought-process" in the midst of my shower awhile back, pondering about the age old question which I started this post with.

I guess this puts truth to the saying "you are what you learn", for I find similarity between life and the aspect of Marketing.

Uh huh. But before you guys (especially to my fellow Media Marketing classmates who want nothing to do with the module, EVER again) navigate away upon reading this segment of the update, hear my rational.

In marketing, we learn things like the marketing mix which are the 4 Ps, segmentation, market research and about the product, place, price and promotion. Simply put, we are taught how to work towards the Needs, Wants and Demands of the consumer.

You may say, where's the link?

Well, I find life similar to marketing, simply due to the fact that Life is full of never ending Needs, Wants and ultimately, Demands.

Literally, it does not make sense, but think of this in a metaphorical sense.

I'd like to view life as a ladder. But in contrast to the commonly known "climbing up the social ladder", my perception of "ladder" is different.

Let me rephrase my quote; I'd like to view life as a never ending ladder.

To me, to live is to improve and work towards something and achieving it. Many have the perception that achieving one's personal legend often means reaching the top of the "ladder", but I somewhat disagree.

Simply due to that fact that the configuration of life in itself makes its fluid and ever moving. And that is simply supplemented by the various needs and wants we have in our path of life, and the pursuit of our personal legend.

When a want is satisfied, another one comes in and slots right in place, and I guess that's what life is about while working towards one's personal legend.

Really interesting stuff, if I may say so. And a little food for thought for you guys, I hope.

And oh yea, I really appreciate the various responses I got for the previous post and naturally, hope to hear more from you guys.

Remember to check back for articles, updates and the lot. Currently, I'm working on a new article, related to my course of study at the moment.

So yea, look out for it and till then.

Cya'll later.