Haanism

Today is 20 Sept 2008, my birthday... again.

This year, I've the mood of doing a summary of my year 25. I didn't want to do this last year, coz I felt I didn't accomplish much, but made a huge mistake.

This morning, when I woke up with sore eyes, I was busy replying to SMS greetings... it's unusual... and I'd say, this is the only day I will receive SMS from such a big number of people :)

The only e-card received this year. Shouldn't the top-left part be my name?

I hereby thank all of you who have sent me birthday greeting via SMS, MSN or Facebook - my family members, my friends, my ex-colleagues and one current colleague.

Last year, I made a wish for getting a new job ASAP, during the birthday celebration at the old office. One day later, my wish came true. This year, I feel lucky that I no longer have to wish the same.

What have I done over the past year?

I left the old company and joined the current company, starting a different work-style and scope. At least last night, both my mum and a current colleague (SK) commented the same - "you seem to get yourself a right job."

The first project I handle since RFI, RFQ to project award and implementation - no longer old projects taken over from previous seniors.

My learning curve was steep. This might not be the main objective for others, but mine is definitely so, apart from greater exposure to the real competitive yet ugly world. Learned a lot from the new job via experienced colleagues who are willing to teach.

Got the chance to travel to more places, due to work reason. Backpacked to Northern Thailand by myself in January. Traveled to Jakarta (Indonesia) 4 times (1st, 2nd, 3rd) between March and July. Got a chance to step on Bandung very quickly during the 4th visit. In August, I went to Islamabad (Pakistan).

Not a nice one, but I could hardly get photographed ^^ when I did not travel with crazy camera mates.

However, the September personal trip to Krabi was canceled, and the business trip to Cambodia has been postponed.

Other achievements:

Got myself a domain for this blog - http://www.haanism.com.

More travel articles were published - on Sisters, Travel3Sixty by AirAsia, and the prize-winning essay on Travel Preview. However, I should have written more but my laziness stopped the inflow of cash.

Had my 2nd wedding photography practice at Andrew and Ivy's wedding in Sungai Siput (Ipoh).

I also took videos using an unfamiliar video camera.

Re-visited Sungai Lembing and conquered both Rainbow Waterfall and Panorama Hill (the 2nd time).


Bought myself a not expensive but new mobile phone.

Became a certified Open Water Diver, and I did my underwater photography for the first time!!!


I couchsurfed twice at Bandung and Islamabad. New experiences for me!

I originally planned to reward myself with a not-so-cheap present for this year's birthday (buying a new lens for my DSLR). Nonetheless, after consulting my technical advisor, Alex, I decided to postpone the plan.

Furthermore, the shop which I went together with Andrew to get his D80, also sells lens much more expensive. I should always spend my money wisely ^^

Overall, I give myself 80% for my 25-year-old. The only one statement to summarize it is "more accomplishments and less tears". Moving forward, I hope my 26 will be a better one!

Thanks everyone who has been with me through thick and thin!

All in all, I just want to be a happy character.

P/S: By the way, just to share some upcoming plans - I'm going to Brunei next Monday (23/9/2008), and I've also bought the one-way ticket to Hanoi at the end of the year. Plan to go around Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia in one shot. Hope this comes true (my boss is yet to approve my leaves application).