2010. It really has been a very different year in my life. After spending the last 17 years in formal education, this year began with me being officially unemployed: no more the student; just a jobless graduate. It started out with much excitement, as I looked forward to my first job and giving it my all. Things however didn't go according to plan (quite naturally), and I ended up spending a good third of the year pursuing a lot of non-academic interests. I began experimenting quite a bit with my cooking: from the chicken lasagna and masala chicken to the lemon tarts and vanilla pudding. I also began concocting cocktails, where I truly found an enjoyable hobby and am able to express my creative side (which really is quite limited though.. lol). I also began learning basic Spanish, although I figure not having another Spanish speaker to practice it with hurts my progress (damn where are those senoritas when you need em'??)
Then came the trip back home, where I really ramped up my search for a job. After a short stint with my dad's friends' company, I began formally as a process engineer at Aker Solutions. And lo! Gone were the days where my mind ran free while time seemed to creep ever so slowly. Suddenly.. I began to miss my unemployed days in the US, when everything just seemed so much simpler. In retrospect, those truly represent my halcyon days.
The highlights.. The beginning moments of the year at Las Vegas with Julian, Cheng Khang and Kwong Hann. The surprise birthday celebration in my apartment with a few rounds of Dominion. The totally unexpected fine dining experience at what is now America's No. 1 restaurant, Alinea. The graduation ceremony under rather pleasant Chicago skies. The few hours layover in Istanbul on my way back from Chicago. The dozens of interviews where I had a chance to meet some outstanding individuals. Last but certainly not least: The return to where I was born.. the place I call home.
Goodbye 2010.
Happy New Year everyone!!
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