Happy New Year everyone! I can't believe a whole year has passed. As always, I make it a point to reflect on what I have accomplished (or not) and make some form of goals for myself for the next year. It's a little late cos it has been a week since the new year has started but I have been busy with school and am really sick.

2009 has been great for me. What made it so great?

1. My babies. I got back into teaching after 2 years of hiatus. So I was really nervous about starting to teach again. And being assigned a really difficult class did not help my paranoia as well. But it has been fabulous. My attachment to my kids are amazing and the amount of love they shower me is just astounding. And 2009 has been a meaningful year as I have impacted them so greatly, and in return, they have made me so amazing, and remind me of how much I love teaching. To round up a great year with them, they have made me proud by giving me 94% passes and 27% distinctions for my subject, which is crazy amazing. :) Love, love, love, love them.

2. My family. Being away for a whole year in 2008 made me appreciate my family a lot more. We do more things together as a family now. Countless of hotel buffets, countless of shopping trips with my sisters, just hanging out with my niece and nephew. These are things which I used to take for granted and I appreciate it so much more now.

3. Crazy travelling. This year has been insane. I think I went travelling more than 5 times just this year alone. I went to Perth twice, Melbourne thrice, Bali, and Greece. I love the freedom and independence I get when I travel. I love the fact that I have the ability to pack and go as and when I want to. I love going up on a plane on my own, and knowing that Im going to a new place and meeting my friends and new people. I love seeing new places, and familiar places. It's such a high for me. And I have been lucky to have been able to do that this year. :)

4. Greece. I finally managed to go to Greece. I have always wanted to go to Greece. Was saving it for my honeymoon, but I decided to go anyway cos you do not know what the future holds for you. And Greece did not disappoint. The islands were just stunning, the archaelogical sites were mind blowing, the people were so friendly. It is probably the most beatiful place I have ever been to. Love it there.

5. Recognition for my hard work. 2009 saw me working really hard. I gave my heart and soul to my kids, my department, my committees, my CCA. And all that hard work saw me working 12-14 hour days, especially closer to the national exams. And not only did the results prove for itself, I was also recognised by getting the Outsanding Contribution Award (Individual) as well as the Outstanding Contribution Award (Team). These awards were really meaningful cos it was voted in by fellow colleagues and it's heartening to know that your conterparts recognise the efforts you have put in. :) A source of motivation for me.

What are my dreams for 2010? Resolutions, as people would call it. 5 things for me this year.

1. To learn a new skill. I hate being stagnant. And I promised myself that this year, I want to learn something new. Doesnt have to be anything academic. Just something new. And I have decided on taking up pole dancing. Great workout regime, dancing involved (my most favourite thing to do), and Im learning a new skill. You never know when you will have to pole dance! LOL!

2. To be healthy through keeping fit and eating properly. 2009 has been shit in terms of fitness. Cos I have been so busy in 2009, my workout regime was very erratic. So in 2010, I aim to exercise more regularly. At least twice a week. And not just crazy running. I wanna incorporate kickboxing, step class, dance class, body balance into my current yoga and running regime. In terms of my diet, I have also been bery inconsistent in 2009. So this year, I am going to start eating properly. I'm starting to drink green tea with honey every morning, having my cereals with blueberries every morning, eating wholemeal bread instead of white bread, snacking on cashews, almonds, dried cranberies and blueberries instead of my usual Marks and Spencers biscuits, having more fish soup and fruits. Im going to try very very hard to maintain this. Less rubbish and more good things.

3. To save money. As mentioned earlier, I have travelled like crazy in 2009. Which equates to spending a whole load of money. So this year, I aim to spend less and save more. You never know what's in store for me next year. :)

4. To continue travelling. I hope to go to Melbourne (see my friends), New York, Montreal and Jamaica (to shop, go to new places and see Fatima) and New Zealand (to travel with my family). We'll see how this one works out. :)

5. To work as hard as last year and accomplish great things with my kids, and bring myself to a whole new level professionally.

Have a good 2010 everyone!

Oh, below are the pictures of New Years when Fatima was in town with me. :)

Berjaya Hotel, a boutique hotel in Chinatown. Quaint place. We loved it there!

Celebrating New Years at Clarke Quay. Mark and Angela joined us. I forgot how crowded it would get! It was crazy! But a lot of fun though. :)

Fatima's 2nd night in Singapore.We did so many things in her 3 days here. Mani, pedi, clubbed, coffee, high tea, massage, facials, shopping, yakking, and other 101 things!

Sending her off at the airport.

I've been really sick actually this whole week. Started on the first day of school but I trudged on in school anyway, until Thursday, when I completely lost my voice and I caved in and went to the doctors who proceeded to give me 2 days medical leave. I've got a terrible bacterial throat infection. Been eating the medication which makes me half dead so have been doing so much sleeping. I actually feel weak from all the medication Im taking.

Alrighty, will update again when Im less busy!