Reflections & Checklist for 2008

It is again the time of the year to reflect on my year-long doings and whether my resolutions have been fulfilled. Going through my checklist, it seems I haven't really done much and thus, will need to carry forward these resolutions and add new ones at the same time. Sadly, this year seem to pass really fast and not because I'm doing lots of happy things (ok, there's some), but mainly, have been busy with work & studies. It's been a tiring journey and I foresee more to come. Maybe that's why my resolutions have not been fulfilled! Will elaborate later as I go through my checklist...

Talk about sabbath! Unfortunately, although the year began with me really setting aside time each month to get away from work & stuff to seek GOD, this resolution seemed to dissolve slowly as the year moved on. I guessed I still took half-days (on days I had Songcraft) but I would say it wasn't that productive in the spiritual sense on these breaks. I didn't cover much on my own, but I must say the sermons at Sunday service were pretty impactful, especially the 1st half of the year where we covered Psalms & John. It is amazing what the Bible reveals. Unfortunately, I didn't become as disciplined as I hoped to be in reading the Word.
But I guess I did indeed take a rest in doing nothing in particular...ok, did some shopping & movie-going, but I seem to have run out on things to do. Previously, I would go somewhere to snap photos, but have been lazy. However, I did manage to visit the Biennale. And I did finally go for a holiday just recently. But considering that I still have so much leave that I actually fretted on whether I could clear my leave (some friends say it's disgusting...I'm carrying 1 whole year's leave forward to next year!), I'm not taking enough breaks.
So, I would only say, my sabbatical is half-fulfilled, and spiritually, also half.

Music-wise, I think I would say I've been quite productive this year. I've written not one, but two Chinese worship songs! Other than that, I've written 2 English secular songs, 1 more or less complete duet (need to ask a friend to help), completed 1 really old song and half a English worship song. That's quite a lot for a year! Although I have not presented all of them, but I would say this resolution is more or less fulfilled. Not that I would stop writing. What's more, I finally got down to taking a refresher course for my keyboard skills by signing up for Believer Music courses. The modules are focused on worship and I had a good time. Took the beginner's module and will be continuing to the next level in the new year.

Job. Now that I'm on a professional development programme (PDP), which officially started this year, I've gone through 1 NUS module, attended 1 music libraries conference and 1 arts symposium. Got to know more about Asian music and found a mentor who impressed me during the symposium. Of course, as this specialising move is meant to be over & above my regular work, it's been a bit taxing as I tried to juggle studies (which fortunately was completed in the earlier part of the year) and meet deadlines. Also, my workload seem to be increasing; as I complete 1 item, a few more items gets assigned to me and sometimes I wonder why I'm doing all this work. Can I actually relegate it to others? Actually, I don't know. I don't want to say I'm all that important, or maybe I'm too controlling. Actually, if I can find someone who can take over some of my work areas, I'm fine as I'm not possessive. Just worried the project, which is meaningful, will die off if I'm no longer taking care of it. But it's hard as everyone has their own areas too and those available, might not be able to cover.
Another reasion for more work is being the IT savvy person in my department as I'm now majorly involved in the development of a system (which has many phases) and also any system matters in my department will be referred to me to follow up, whether to raise the issue with the IT department or raise requests for improvements.
With the PDP, projects that have a relation to music would somehow involve me and it's becoming a burden. Ah well, I guessed I asked for it. But honestly, I find that the work I'm doing doesn't exactly help me understand the subject better as it's mainly administrative or technical work.
Another major impact to my working environment was that this year I got a new boss coz the previous one retired. I must have complained a bit before in here. Somehow there were some 磨擦 between us (yes, to the extent of raised voices...imagine the usually mellow me doing that!) and I find it hard to get through to her sometimes (or is it most of the time?). Nowadays, I try to restrain myself or maybe I'm a bit indifferent or resigned to it. Hopefully it will get better. She might also not be so supportive of my choice of specialisation. She really takes it that it is entirely over & above my work, but in fact, it is supposed to be incorporated in 1 way or another.
Maybe all these work may help my career progression but that is only if I can cope & deliver them. So afraid I can't as I get overwhelmed.

For sports, I think my footwork is quite steady now but my speed & accuracy is still lacking. However, I think I've improved a little and become slightly more aggressive while sparring. Also need to work my brain a little.

And my dream book! I haven't written down my dreams & aspirations yet after 1 whole year! This has to be carried forward.

Unfortunately, my character has not improved either...think it got worse. Am more disgruntled these days. Maybe the new boss came about to test my character and to mould it. Hopefully GOD will teach me how to handle such distress.

It seems that this year has not been a good year with the "weight" upon my shoulders. Had fallen sick consecutively each month for the last couple of months which is unusual as I used to hardly fall sick. Also, am not exactly inspired or as high-spirited as last year.

Will 2009 bring better days?