Keep Calm.

It is not even yet Christmas and but can't help to wait for the next year. Kind of preoccupied lately in recalling my 2013 and I have been sharing my insights to some of my close friends. I have never felt this way before. The kind of intensity to look back what transpired this year. Definitely, every year should have made an impact on your life. But this one has probably one of the more meaningful and decisive years. I have never been grateful in the first place but I cannot call for celebration. I always tell myself the year has been lukewarm for me. It is the kind of year that you breeze through and nothing much happened. But still a lot happened: 

1. My Academic debut. I know it is going to be a long way winding road but I love sociology and all the more I love the discipline that it fosters. I have made close acquaintance with a group that shares our love for sociology. I am grateful for our mentors who believe in us in more ways. We participated in an annual conference and we joined in the Pride March. Along the way, we introduce ourselves as a group, committed to bringing sociology at a higher level, and even though there is no formality, we are making inroads. Everybody contributes and shares. It is but normal that there are bumps along the road. I am thankful that we have overcome it before this year ends; 

2. I committed to Write Again. But this one has a rough start. Some opportunities were missed. Persistence follows. I have no excuse for 2014. Writing in most ways. Writing that should be publishable with my name on it. It's every writer's fancy dream and I still feel it. One side is telling, you can always self-publish. But it pays to be published anchored on some standards. But all the more I am committed. No commitment in 2014 but an action plan; 

3. Our first official family annual summer getaway. I usually play the Grinch in this kind of gathering but I was converted. Caramoan was bliss. This year and for more years to follow, I will play as the 'event organizer' and I am somehow excited in reprising this role;

4. Spent best bonding moments with friends. I love it when best of friends 'sustain' their friendship like trying to find ways to meet at least a month then really just enjoying life's full blessings. I have never been more grateful. Fortunately, my friends are my saving grace from all life's inconsistencies.  And a bonus, one of my lost long best friend, Ge, suddenly appeared! I know he has always been accessible but this year, we felt we needed to see each other. often. There are just some friendships written in the stars (char).  I am glad that we are catching up. 

I thank 2013. Heartfelt. And Yes, Full of Promise. But Relatively Calm. Was it the Calm before a Storm? A Perfect Storm (in a positive note) for a Perfect Year, Next Year.  I hope so.