things that influenced my year

1. Blogista - Instead of just keeping a personal digital journal, a lot of people have turned to blogs to keep them sane. I started with my blogs in August. I was reading articles on the net about how eminent blogs are these days so I decided to give it a try. True enough, according to Merriam-Webster, blog was the word of the year for 2004.



2. Falling in love - Yes, I am a hopeless romantic. *Sheepish Smile*



3. Graduation - After four long years, I made it. It was probably the toughest thing I had to accomplish through my 21 years of existence and I made it. There is so much joy and pride in graduating from that damn university because I value the education and formation so much and putting it bluntly, it was so freakin hard! I'm a proud alumnus.



4. DDI - My first ever job was a treat. Before I get swallowed by the sharks of the business world, I was able to experience a relaxed environment, people I actually liked, and a lot of time to think about things I want to do with my life. I learned a lot and made good friends.



5. Badminton - It was only this year, when I started working, when I really started playing badminton. I've been playing at least thrice a month since, I've invested in equipment, and I've actually even joined a tournament. I'm taking the sport seriously now. I actually play more badminton than basketball. The game is so interesting partly because it's so challenging. Although playing doubles makes it a team sport, there is still a lot of individual focus so you have really have to perform. I love this game, too.



6. Diets & Running Shoes - I've gone through two diets the past year, both of which had significant results. I've also been more conscious about staying in shape and loosing the extra pounds. Although at year end, I'm pretty much back to where I started, I now have the drive to live a healthy lifestyle and I know that it can be done.



7. Metrosexual revolution - It was at the start of 2004 when I first looked up this whole metrosexual phenomenon (being the word for the year in 2003). I downloaded QE episodes and got the message they were sending out. I don't like the term and I don't like people who openly say that they are metrosexuals cause it's something you live and not something you talk about. Regardless, it opened a lot of new doors for me. It also unleashed the retail monster within me. Lol.



8. Introspection - There was a lot of time for introspection and reflection in 2004. The last year of college was heavy spiritually. I got drawn into the real realities of life. I got exposed to awful truths. I was moved. I've been more spiritual and conscientious this year.



9. Tungsten T2/3 - I finally got my dream gadget in 2004. I gave myself a Tungsten T2 as a graduation gift and just recently upgraded it to a T3. The writer, thinker, and dreamer in me has always wanted a digital repository of random ideas and musings. Unlike most people, I do need a PDA in my life. It does keep me organized and happy.



10. Grazie - I just realized that I can attribute my current unbelievable optimism to my Grazie blog. It totally transforms my way of thinking. My almost daily entries train me to look at the brighter side of life. So far, it's helped me get through difficult choices and situations. It's kept me sane, grateful, and indebted. It's kept me on the ground. And it's a great carry on to the new year.