STARTING 2K6 WITH A BANG!

It's been a year since I drafted a manifesto to myself of accomplishing certain things which I deemed important, if not imperative. Barely a month into the new year, I can't help but reflect on what I have done and what I have yet to do on my "mission order" because, as to what I have been so used to, self-evaluation is part and parcel to moving forward.

Not so long ago, I gave up flourishing careers in public service and freelance consultancy to be in business with my Dad. Since I owed him so much, the thought of helping him put up his own financial services firm was somewhat appropriate to show the gratitude he rightfully deserves. Ten months after the company's inception, I'm proud to say that the work we have done has paid off. With clients and retainers exceeding initial expectations, I can now answer this proverbial question I asked myself when we were just starting out: "Can we actually pull it off?" Well, this is what I can say... HELL YEAH!!! Though it wasn't just father and son who did all the work knowing that Dad got the best people to run the show in which without them none of this would have been possible. So to Edith and Che, a big thanks to you girls. A more successful 2006!

If 2005 was a good year for my career, it was the exact opposite for my family. No, my Mom and Dad didn't separate and my sister isn't carrying a child out of wedlock (because her loser bf claims it's not his). Nor have we decided to sell off my family's assets and part ways forever. My immediate family's intact and we couldn't be any closer especially after what we have been seeing happening to our relatives. Separations, infidelity, alienation, and bad blood. These are the words that come to mind when I remember what had happened. Though I believe that it's bad to wash dirty laundry in public, I just mentioned this as basis to what I'm going to say next. Amidst the familial chaos, the bonds that hold my family together are stronger than ever. Bonds futhermore reinforced by the thought of not making the same mistakes that lead to a family's destruction. We are not a perfect family, but we are certainly happy. A house is not a home without love and if love were the gauge, we would be living in a sprawling 10 acre mansion.

All in all, 2005 was a good year. A year of many realizations, fruitful growth, and life-serving lessons. I just hope 2006 will be just as good and if may God allow, even better!

Oh yes, I'm saying goodbye to the term "boyfriend" as well and take the next step. Don't want to formally say it until everything's certain. :) Life is a gift, live it!