Saturday, January 10, 2009

Thank you 2008. Hello 2009!

This entry should have been written at the first sunrise (matalinghaga!) of 2009 – just minutes when I arrived at the dormitory after the countdown concert at Ayala Avenue. However, due to automatic password update, I was denied access in my laptop when I entered the wrong password. Haha! What a way to start 2009! ^-^

As what I did during the previous years, I made a year end review for 2008. Year-end review is the time when I reminisce every situation that challenged my character and maturity during 2008.



JANUARY – new beginning
This was the beginning of my third month of review for the board exam. It was a great month to start my year because I established new friendships with people from other parts of the country: Eastern Visayas, other parts of Negros, Roxas City, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Davao. =) The results of my pre-board examinations were also inspiring. Being part of the top 10 encouraged me to do great in my review studies.

FEBRUARY – my heart sang
The valentine’s message sent by Pitz, whom I also met during review, inspired me during the heart’s day; and I found myself singing “I finally found someone” throughout February 14, 2008. Haha! At that time, Pitz and I were still establishing our friendship.

MARCH – inspired
“If a problem bothers you, think well if you can do something about it. If none, then let those who got the solution take care of the problem.” - a notable statement mentioned by our reviewer, Sir Art. Problems and worries bothered me this month, but my family and friends continued to pour me with encouragement and inspiration. (And I’m very much grateful for it!) Pitz and I had also been spending much time together: he taught me how to play the guitar; we studied together, dined out together, attended the mass together and discovered new places outside the dormitory.

APRIL – afraid
“Fear of what will be is useless.” - With only a month before the board exam, my heart was consumed with fear for what the future holds. It even got worse when Pitz decided to move to a new place near the examination center. My heart sank, which led me to a sudden decision to go back home to recharge my batteries. The possibility of a relationship excited me, yet pulled me back due to a lot of reasons (our focus for the board exam, what is next after the board exam, how we will deal with distance, etc.).

MAY – joy and sadness
I am now a Certified Public Accountant. I was grateful! Yet, not seeing the name of Pitz among the list of passers made the happiness less a 100%. Pitz also visited Bacolod, met my family and spent a week with my TCF Family during the summer camp at Victorias City.

JUNE – confusions and decisions
I testify right in front of my colleagues during the CPA testimonial dinner at Iloilo City. A lot of decisions were made during this month. Pitz and I decided that it was impossible to keep a relationship with the distance separating us and confusions on what to do next after the result of the board exam. The HR Manager of my current employer also e-mailed me that I have to go to Manila ASAP for exam and interview. My original plan was to go to Manila by July. I suddenly found myself in Manila by the second week of June. On the third week, I was hired by the auditing firm that provides service to the top corporations of the country!

I also had my CPA oathtaking at PICC.

JULY – out of my comfort zone
Right after my training, I was sent to my first audit client. My ideals and theoretical concepts were tested. The lessons I had learned inside the four walls of my classroom were not enough to arm me in dealing with reality. Stress made me sick for two weeks; and I got no choice but to take care of myself. Boiling for a hot water for myself became significant that made me wished to have someone to do it for me, but I found nobody. It was the saddest part of being out of my comfort zone. Giving up became my next option.

AUGUST – moving forward
I was given a second audit client and was exposed to other areas of audit, such as inventory counts. Each day, I found myself enjoying my metro life! I became at ease with my colleagues and was equipped with the proper approach in conducting audits. The next thing I knew, I had my third client, fourth, next and next… It was enjoyable! I still undergo pressure and stress, but once I pass through it, I am proud that I made the decision to continue moving on. I also moved to my dormitory (my home now) which is safe and very much accessible. I can even walk going to the office.

SEPTEMBER – mountains and oceans
I was assigned for a week at Batangas for the inventory count. While traveling and seeing the mountains, I was in awe! Staying amidst the tall buildings here in Makati for almost 4 months deprived me of seeing nature. I was so manol when the audit staff of our client brought us on top of the mountain of Monte Maria, overseeing the towering mountains of Mindoro and the blue waters (of I don’t know what place). It was just so amazing to see God’s wonderful creation!

OCTOBER – an answered prayer
Pitz informed me that he would take the October 2008 CPA Exam. I was surprised! And at the same time, my heart was in rat-race. It was just barely two weeks for the exam! Was he prepared? Was he ready? I prayed every single day that the Great Guy above will grant Pitz the necessary guidance while taking the board exam. And He answered it! Pitz is now a licensed accountant.

NOVEMBER – all professionals in our family
The Great Father granted another prayer. My younger brother passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers. The three of us are now professionals: an engineer, accountant and teacher in the family. Wow! Thanks, dear Lord!

DECEMBER – home for Christmas
What’s the best gift for Christmas than to see the daughter and sister you haven’t seen for 6 months? I surprised my family, except for my elder brother who knew that I was coming home, on Christmas Day. My mom was surprised when she saw me and greeted me with a bear hug that I could hardly breathe! Hehe! But it felt great to be wrapped in the loving arms of my family, again. It was indeed a merry Christmas. The New Year was spent (with Joms and Aris) rocking here with the local bands during the 2009 countdown concert at Ayala Avenue, Makati City.

Year 2008 has truly been a blessing! There were a number of ups and downs. Each change taught me to be appreciative of what I have, to let go of situations that are beyond my control, to cry when I have to, to laugh my heart out, and most of all, to entrust every single thing to the Great Father above. Because as the Lord declared,
“For I know well the plans I made for you…”
- Jeremiah 29:11



rOce...
January 10, 2009 12:12AM

2 comments:

  1. nice lyn :) i enjoyed reading ur post for the new yr... wish i could be like you, but im still struggling with being organized and still trying soooo hard to fight procrastination... wish you could visit me here :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. hi ji! :) being organized starts from the will to begin. *hehe* this entry was 10 days late naman gni. (",) Kanami lng gd to look back and reflect on the prior year pra mabal-an ta kung diin ta patungo. hehe... :)

    Yes, i will. Soon, makadto na ko dra sa Southern part. And makadto gd ko cmu. (",)

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