Farewell 2009, hello 2010!

As I spend my last hour at work (okay, maybe not really working, but I'm still in the office), I would like to express a few things to be thankful for before the year comes to a close.

I'm very thankful to God for the good life he's given me. I'm not a church go-er but I do believe very strongly that there is higher being up there, taking care of all of us.

I started my new job as a CFO of St. Bartholomew's House, a homeless shelter, just before year 2008 came to an end. The experience has been interesting, where numbers and financials can only mean so much. And in the end of the day, we try to our best to serve the community. The staff and team of St. Bart's is a crazy bunch but a caring family, which I truly enjoy working with.

My loving family at home (well, plus one in New Zealand), it is with their upbringing that made me what I am today. Their dedication and support for my dreams and passion (obsession?), their guidance and teachings that bring me through the challenges in life.

My darling Li-Ann, it's been 3.5 years since we've been together! Thank you so much for being there for me, in everything that I do. It's not easy being an Ironman triathlete's girlfriend, and if anyone should win a prize for best supporting girlfriend, she should be you! We just moved in together recently, and though it will an interesting experience learning to cope with each other's daily habits and sharing out house chores, I'm sure we'll pull through fine! Love you lots!

My SLB friends here in Perth, for making life in this quiet place (I wouldn't call it boring, just quiet hehheh) a lot more liveable. And thank you so much for being so understanding, when many times, I leave early or come late to our gatherings due to my training commitments. Yes, I do realize that I would never give up you guys for race PBs.

THG and fellow triathlon crazy friends back home, and some whom I've acquainted via cyberspace by blogsurfing, you are the ones who kept me going in this insanely masochistic sport. And no doubt some healthy competition sure goes a long way. Keep on training hard and more importantly, enjoying what you do.

And of course, not forgetting old friends whom I've known since teens and even childhood. We don't meet as often since I've been to Perth. And I don't keep myself updated as much on Facebook - yes I'm guilty of checking out on triathlete friends more regularly (keeping an eye on competition hehheh). Having said that, I still cherish our friendship and always looking forward to catching up.

And last but not least, for this poor body of mine (speaking as though it is separate from myself) for enduring the hardship and going through the pain of my training regime. If bodies could speak, mine would have asked to be exchanged with another with a much less demanding hobby! 2009 had been a great year - I did my first Ironman triathlon by smashing my 12 hour target by 45 minutes, eclipsed the 5 hour barrier in my 2nd half Ironman and breaking my marathon personal best by almost 10 minutes. I don't usually make new year resolutions, but if I were to make one, it would be to take good care of my body, for longevity of the sport and for the sake of my loved ones.

Happy new year everyone! 2010, see you soon.