2007 in review

In my previous blog, I wrote the list below as the “things i’m looking forward to in 2007″. Here’s how I fared.

1) sketching and other artsy stuff
- I wasn’t able to sketch much. However, I did create my own webcomic HoyPinoy! – I’ll count that as an artsy stuff. hehe. Now if only can be inspired to draw again…

2) blogging/writing
- I’ve been a fervent blogger since 2003, but I barely wrote anything during 2006. In 2007, I got my mojo back – with a vengeance. Not only do I blog, but I have several of them (four at the moment). I even blog for work!

3) summer trip to pangasinan
- My summer was actually spent exploring Tagaytay, which was an adventure shared with Celine. We eventually went to Pangasinan last October. My first in four years. Dami na nagbago, at hindi na malubak ang daan!

4) team building with QAs at boracay
- this dream getaway with my officemates never materialized due to a big shake-up (Boss Lourds got promoted, Ralph took over, everyone hated him, etc, etc). but before everything went awry, we were able to go on a trip to Calapan, Mindoro. See pics of happier times here.

5) piano lessons
- This one I had to let go due to financial constraints. I don’t feel that disappointed, though. I doubt I would’ve had the time for piano lessons even if I bought a keyboard/organ. Too much already going on. One at a time: photography muna.

6) obsessive photography
- In Feb 2007 I bought a Canon Powershot S3. I am in love with it! (it just occured to me that I haven’t given it a name yet, hmmm) Wish I could have more time to practice. I want to be better at composition and the technical aspects.

7) new fridge that can actually freeze stuff
- Our ref started dying on us last year. My brother and I were supposed to share the expenses for a new one, but if I waited for him, I might as well wait for refs to be obsolete. Got one at Makro as a Christmas gift for my family. Lesson from my kuya: Don’t marry into an uber-rich family. You’ll break your back trying to keep up with their lifestyle.

8] our first anniversary
- Yay! First of many, many, many more.

9) more (mis)adventures in the kitchen
- Natututo na akong magluto. Sana lang tumaba na rin ako. I am currently at war with the bathroom scale.

10) website design/programming
- Much better at CSS and learning PHP. Now well acquainted with various CMS, and getting actual paying web design clients. Haha!

11) adding more weight (goal: 95 lbs)
- I’m not sure about this. Celine’s bathroom scale places me between 80-85 lbs, which is depressing, to say the least. But one time I tried Carlo’s scale, I was at least 8 lbs heavier. So I’ll be optimistic and trust the latter. If so, I probably tipped the 95 lbs-mark last Christmas.

12) mid-level proficiency in spanish
- One of my ningas-kugon endeavors. I wanted to do this because of a job that paid well if you speak spanish. I’m not interested in the job anymore, but I’d still love to learn the language (just for kicks).

13) moving up to Senior QA or badge site
- Obviously, this didn’t push through because I resigned (Aug 1, 2007). If I stayed, I would most probably be an SQA, or even a QA Supervisor like what Ric is now (I’m sort of Ric’s senior). That’s nice and flashy on paper, but I’m glad I left and didn’t climb up the corporate ladder. It can be vicious and toxic. Working as a freelancer/small business owner with my wife is much more rewarding.

14) saving more money
- Well, well. I wish I could say I nailed this down, but will all the changes last year I was not able to save much (by my standards). But I never needed to touch the money in my bank account after I resigned, so that’s great, in a way. If only I could get that blasted ID to withdraw it…

15) everyday with the wacky girl i love
- This has become quite literal. I don’t think we’ve been apart for even a day for the last few months. Paul and Linda McCartney were fantastically busy people and yet they managed to be together everyday, all throughout their married life. I guess we can, too. Di ba, mahal?