Taking stock
What is it about the closing of yet another year that makes people stop, look back and take stock of themselves and of the events of the past year? I'm no exception, I guess. Its been a rather nice week leading up to the Christmas and New Year holidays. Have met up with many friends, some of whom I have not seen in a while, some of whom I see on a regular basis. Have enjoyed plenty of good food, good company and good conversation. Old friendships have been renewed and new friendships strengthened.
It has been a year of firsts for me. First year out of NUS and first year being a fulltime artist. I've been blessed with good friends and collegues in the industry that have kept me in work almost continuously through the year. I can only hope to be able to return the favour as and when I can. I'm very lucky to be working in a job that I am passionate about and that I love and enjoy doing. After having completed a year of fulltime work, however, I've come to realise that it is work! No matter how much I love what I'm doing and how many people may say 'Oh but you're doing something you like.' At the end of the day, passion doesn't stop one from getting tired sometimes, although, admittedly, at less frequent intervals than others. Also, as with all jobs, this job does come with its ups and downs. Having roles taken away from you and having to come back and push yourself to do an equally good, if not better, job in the same company, as well as the awful realisation that people are bitching and spreading untrue rumours about you behind your back despite your best efforts were difficult experiences, but the old cliches that we live and we learn and we grow from our experiences and what doesn't kill us makes us stronger hold true. Thats not to say that it was all doom and gloom. There were high points during the year as well. Travelling is always fun and I certainly did more than my fair share of travelling this year. The US was fun but Malaysia will always remain a high point if only because of great company that more than made up for a horrendous cock-ups and gross displays of stupidity on the part of the organisers. It never fails to amaze me how such a disparate group of people can manage to work together so well and have so much fun while at it.
On the friendship front, what can I say, friends will come and friends will go but I am grateful for the ones who have stayed. Its funny how, with some groups of friends, I don't meet them for several months at a go, but when we do meet, its almost as if we never parted. Some people say friendships are like wine: they only get better with age. In that case, I guess I've got some damn good vintages around. I've also made some new friends through the year and its been a blast getting to know them. Then there are the friends that are abroad. Its not the same without you. Come back soon! I have never been fond of naming names on the Internet, it being a public domain and such, but for those who do read this post, thank you for being a friend. Thank you for sharing, thank you for caring and thank you for being there for me. I am blessed to have friends like you.
Of course, there is also the personal front. 4 1/2 years, baby, its passed so fast. You've seen the good, the bad and the really really ugly and you're still here. There's really nothing I can say or do to express how much I appreciate all the love, support and encouragement you've given me. No one knows me like you do. Thank you. I love you.
Have a very merry Christmas and New Years, everyone, and a great year ahead. :)