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December 28 End of the year... fin de anoBom dia! Hola! Bonjour!
2008 is coming to a close and I am happy to say that it hasn't been a bad year overall. In fact, I think I prefer to say that it's been an 'awesome' year full of thrills, chills, laughter and fun.
Professionally,
 I am thriving amidst all the things I get to do and the challenges we're facing. I still feel like there's so much to learn and look forward to continued life at Kia. The challenges of working for a Korean chaebol are numerous but I have to admit that they keep me on my toes. There are days when I hate it but those days are vastly outnumbered by the days that I don't. A PR counterpart in the US taught me a very valuable acrnym: YJCMTSU. There are funny things that happen that I just have to shake my head at and think of that... really... you just can't make it up! Truth is always stranger than fiction. But I continue on my merry way and try to not let it affect me! I am still volunteering with the Seoul Players and am enjoying it. Unfortunately it takes up much more time than I want it to but I do enjoy it. Perhaps taking a step back from everything will allow me to renew my sense of commitment to the group. But I do enjoy it. We just did a Christmas show and asked for donations for needy kids. The following day we went to the children's centre with Santa and his elves and distributed wrapped gifts that were received with open arms and smiles. It was great!
In the last few months, I've also begun writing for Eloquence Magazine here is Seoul. It's not a huge commitment because I can write about almost anything I want. It's very enjoyable and hope to continue doing that in 2009. It's also great to see my name printed in black and white in a real magazine. Hee hee!
Personally,
 things are great. I still don't have a regular love interest but there is plenty of time for that! I think 2009 is the year for love. Hmmm... who knows, right? I have started to get itchy feet and am thinking about making a change. What that change entails, I'm not yet sure. I think I'd like to move to another country and start things over. I've been thinking about Argentina for a long time now but I must admit the world's economy is making me re-think that idea. There is also the possibility of doing an MBA which would require me to be in-country for at least another two years. Then there's always the option of a new company. Who knows... all I can do is leave the door to opportunities and embrace them once they come.
Financially,
 I am in a great place -- although the exchange rates are killing me! I've happily and easily saved up some cash and am completely debt-free! That was a huge accomplishment this year which has really improved all aspects of my life. When the day comes where I choose to leave Korea, I can thankfully plunk down anywhere I need to be with a great feeling of having personal financial security. What more can you ask for, right?In 2008,
 I travelled to Vietnam and then the Philippines in July. I completely fell in love with the Philippines and it was like landing in South America but in Asia. The people were absolutely wonderful and I enjoyed my 10 days there very much. In 2009, my first trip will be to Edmonton where I will see my fast-growing niece, hermana and family.
 I am looking forward to the 3-week break to see friends that have been lost and found thanks to the glory of Facebook! My friend Annette also had a baby girl this year who I am looking forward to meeting while in Vancouver visitting Daniel, my little cousin, who recently started school there. Later this year, I am planning to visit my beautiful friend Clara for her wedding in the UK. It will be a short trip but a worthwhile one to share in her special day. I will also hopefully get to see some old friends from Toronto who will be visiting, too. Perhaps I can sneak away for a long weekend down to South Asia later on this year but we'll see how everything goes.
 My good friend Albert, who offered me my first introduction to Korea, visited this year with Will. The boys stayed at my tiny little apartment but I am happy to note that Albert will be returning to Korea in April and can crash at my much larger apartment now! He'll have a whole room to himself -- with a door and everything! I'm looking forward to that visit and showing him the 'real' Korea! No more tourist stops for us... it'll be some soju culture only! YAY!
Health wise I am doing very well... I've lost a few pounds and have had to change my entire wardrobe! I am looking forward to continued health and energy with my workout routine. Although I sometimes slack off -- the point is to just keep going!!
 My best girlfriend Anita continues to be a guiding light for me... it seems like we both go through some rights of passage and have each other to lean on. Despite the distance, our friendship has strenghtened. I look forward to seeing her while I'm in Edmonton.
That's about it for right now. I hope I've caught everyone up on some of the happenings in my life. I think we're all on this road together but it's nice to know that we're not alone.
I wish everyone a happy happy New Year and for wonderful new chapters in each of your life stories.
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