Out with the old, in with the new!

 What I did in 2009:

1. I survived the worst year of my Pharmacy education...not with flying colors, but survived nonetheless (not that I aimed to excel with flying colors)

2. I didn't go anywhere in the summer. For the past 6 summers, I had always ended up in USA if not Pakistan.

3. I did end up going to USA towards the end of the year, so I still  haven't broken my "I go to the US once a year" thing..yay!

4. In accordance with 3, awesome family trip to Las Vegas! I always wanted to do Vegas for my 21st Birthday...didn't happen but at least I got to go while I was 21. (I have no idea why I was more excited turning 21 than 18, the legal Canadian age...probably because I know I won't do anything in Canada but might end up taking advantage of my American legal-ness with cousins etc) Also, first family trip in ages where we weren't going to visit other family. So weird not having someone picking us up from the airport.

5. I stuck to a job for a year and a half. Longest job ever! In the past, I've always been very non-chalant about work...probably because it's been stupid high-school type positions, working  as a cashier for a summer, for example. This time it was my first Pharmacy job and lo and behold, I didn't get bored of it! Even towards the end, I only switched jobs because I wanted a different experience (while it's still safe to job-hop...can't be doing this post-graduation)

6. I learnt a HELL OF A LOT about myself and my satisfaction with solitude. I can survive on my own. I don't need anyone. It is totally possible. I love knowing that but I'd still like to surround myself with people, in minimal numbers.

7. I've given up on this whole "shaadi" business. I refuse to do it now. It will happen, if it's meant to, when the time is right and with a person that will fall into my lap. I refuse to search anymore.

8. I gave up on something happening next year that I had been excited about for the past couple of years. To the point, that I don't even want to go anymore. Time changes everything. And everyone. I am dreading having to go.

9. I got closer to a dream using methods I never thought I would and than it was snatched away from me. But a damned hope still lingers.  I am sick of this dream now but I still can't let it go. Not until it's completely out of my hands.

10. Another route life could have taken re-surfaced unexpectedly. I still wonder if life will ever steer itself back onto that path, I don't think it will and I don't think it'd be best for me either. But I forever wonder.

11. I discovered the world of blogging and started blogging myself. I never thought that'd happen. I always considered blogging to be for writers and people bored out of their minds or celebrities. But I find it therapeutic. Even if no one is reading. I blog for me. But I do hope that someone out there will read this, relate to it and be assured that there are others going through similar experiences. Ultimately, that is what the blogging world did for me, and this is my way of giving back.

12. I had the most confusing first half of the year emotionally. It was something I've never experienced before. But I've been through it and am hopefully stronger cause of it. I definitely learned a lot from it.

13. I started working out. This was amazing. I never knew I had it in me. I surpassed my weight loss goal *A* and even got a bit toned but haven't worked out in over a month. I need to get back on the treadmill. Not only is it physically rewarding but also keeps one sane. I also ran at speeds I never thought I could run at for time frames I thought were unachievable. I learned that I can win at a battle against myself. It's truly liberating. I can't thank the heavens enough for introducing me to this phenomenon. As a result, I've also started paying more attention to what and how much I eat. And I drink more water. All in all, one of the biggest achievements/discoveries of 2009 for me. But now, my biggest fear is gaining back the weight. *Need to get back on the treadmill, or at least, the elliptical*

14.I lived on my own for about 8-10 days in total. In a very small town. For a rotation. It would have been better if I was able to learn more during the rotation. I always wanted to work in a hospital but I learnt little about it.  I did gain an awesome reference though.

15. This was the year I was supposed to graduate in but didn't. Very sad! Especially when people I went to Junior High and High School with were graduating all around me. I hate being in a longer program! This year will be worse since people a year younger will all be graduating too *sigh*

 What I hope from 2010: 

1. Surviving this final "educational" portion of my degree. It will be an AWFUL semester. April can't come soon enough. Next (academic) year, it's rotations, stupid courses and graduation! iA

2. Going on a school trip, an overnight school trip. 5 days in Toronto and Montreal. I am SOOOOOO excited!! My parents aren't happy but sometimes you just gotta do stuff for yourself. I have been wanting to see Niagara Falls since the day I landed in Canada.

3. I'm hoping my super short trip to Pakistan will surprise me. I have little hope for this trip. I will iA make a second, slightly longer trip to Pakistan in December, just for the grandparents.

4. I crave stability in the love life department. I hope to achieve a semblance of it this year. I know it can't be forced but if it even starts heading in the right direction, I'd be content.

5. Starting a new job at an organization that may prove to be where I'll end up working post-graduation. I hope they love me and I love them iA (they do pay better than my previous jobs!)

6. April 2010 will mark the completion of our 10th year in Canada. It has been an eventful decade.

Looking forward to all that life has to offer...iA the next decade is just as interesting as the previous one!

Happy New Year Everyone! Hope everyone's year turns out to be all they hope for and more!