Despite the fact that most people have abandoned their xangas, I've decided to write in mine again - for the sake of collecting my thoughts, memories, joyful moments as well as struggles... all in one place.

2007's been a big and meaningful year.  Most of it was an uphill journey, but as always, there were some things I simply had to let go and leave behind.  More than anything else, I think I've learned to love myself this year.  Both by sparing myself some tears and letting my feet touch the ground, and at all times.  I am starting to hate the term "work-life balance", as too often it is misused to rationalize that sloppiness and mediocrity are acceptable AND ideal.  Working longer days (not blindly, but because ur serious about it) and continuously growing into a well-spoken, well-mannered, and well-disciplined individual is simply much more appealing to me than paying it a half-ass 9 to 5 and then screwing around all evening (and the rest of my life) thinking about where else (and on whom else) I can build my happiness next.  

In 2008 I'd like to remember that life is a game of dodgeball - you either go up there and catch the damn thing, or at some point u let it hit u hard in the face.  Afterall, you can only dodge so many times - the only thing stable & constant is stuff coming your way.  Meanwhile, remember to take breaks from time to time to catch ur breath.

Don't hold stuff in.  Tell others how you would like to be loved, and show them how you would not like treated.  Expectations aren't very healthy if they are not at least mentioned or communicated.  We just aren't all identical in how we deliver love.

On a lighter note :

*Go on another vacation where I can leave behind absolutely anything from home

*Dye my hair back to a darker reddish brown - hmm keep it straight or lightly perm the ends?

*Pack my schedule with hobbies I <3, and take the passion/dedication to a whole new level

*Plan a camping/hiking trip sometime soon

*用中文打xanga, 哈哈~

Something funny to share :

My co-worker happens to have the same name as his dad AND the last tenant who lived in his apartment.  He's already been accused of prank-calling once when he moved in and dialed PG&E to request tranferring service "from Ben A. Santos to Ben A. Santos."  Just a minute ago, I heard him calling his credit card company.  I suppose the representative asked him "what is the issue today, sir?" -- to which he answered "I finally got my credit card in the mail but it's got my Dad's picture on it".  LOL!!!  I seriously could NOT withhold my laugh.