Again the usual stuff at this time of the year:

1) Pretty stable working life in 2009. No salary increment this year but the recent hike in stock price definitely makes us happy. Not much to talk about, overall I think I still learnt quite a bit from what I worked on. Could have been more passionate at work but i am slowly sinking into this comfort zone.

2) Had lots of fun hiking in various national parks in the US: Lassen Volcanic, Yosemite, Bryce Canyon, Death Valley, Zion. Conquered Half-Dome peak in Yosemite which is definitely an once in a life time experience that I can brag about. Also ran the San Francisco half marathon. What about a full marathon in 2010?

3) International travel is pretty limited, both financially and by the number of vacation days i had. Back in March I went to Vietnam with my high-school buddy. It's indeed a very significant trip. If not because of the trip I would not have met my girlfriend:) And I will be off to Hong Kong tonight, and heading back to Malaysia on 1st Jan. It will surely be a memorable journey, i bet.

4) Became a home owner for the first time (and debtor too). Thanks to my parents for all their efforts and their generous amount of down payment. It's currently undergoing renovation. It will be a blissful house, a place that my beloved family members and I call home. I love you, mum and dad and sis!

5) Greencard holder.

6) and I found her. Life has never been better. ** humming two is better than one **

What more can I ask? It has been a wonderful year. I pray the same for 2010.

Technically i am spending this Christmas alone, so let the tradition carries on, hopefully it won't last long:)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone!