What I Have Accomplished In 2008

As the clock ticks down and 2008 prepares to exit stage left, I figured today was the perfect time to sit back, reflect, and pretend I had a master plan all along.

"It is time for us to stand and cheer for the doer, the achiever, the one who recognizes the challenge and does something about it." – Vince Lombardi

If I had wanted this article to be longer, I would have focused on all the ways I completely messed up in 2008. But let’s be honest—I don’t have the courage (or the emotional stamina) to put that in writing. Some things are better left undocumented.

Resolutions? More Like Revolutions

For those still enchanted by the magic of New Year’s resolutions, you’ve probably already scribbled down a long list for 2009. But let’s face it—very few people take the time to reflect on what they did (or didn’t do) in 2008. Maybe because looking back is a little less glamorous than looking forward. Or maybe because self-reflection requires facing the cold, hard truth… and truth isn’t always fun.

"It's how you deal with failure that determines how you achieve success." – David Feherty

So, how did I deal with 2008? Well, when I look back at my year, I see a series of scattered events—a telltale sign of a life without a clear plan or direction. Kind of like the Israelites wandering in the desert for 40 years. Unlike them, I didn’t have a pillar of fire to guide me—just a few questionable decisions and a lot of trial and error.

Now, if I had been more strategic, I’d have an impressive list of achievements to boast about. But since I didn’t set any grand goals, all I can do is list a few highlights. Accomplishments? Debatable. But significant moments? Definitely.

Things I Did in 2008 (That I Can Actually Share)

• Started this blog. I’ve launched blogs before, but they barely survived the first week. This one? A whole year and still kicking. A miracle, really.
• Worked solo for the first time. I used to be part of a team doing the same kind of work I do now, but thanks to cost-cutting measures, I found myself a one-person department.
• Took more plane rides than ever before. Frequent flyer miles? Still not enough for a free trip, but I tried.
• Endured ridiculously long bus rides. Davao to Tacloban (via Butuan, Surigao, Liloan, Tacloban) and Roxas City to Tacloban (via Iloilo, Bacolod, San Carlos, Toledo, Cebu, Ormoc, Tacloban). My back still hasn't forgiven me.
• Set foot in Jolo, Sulu, and Bongao, Tawi-Tawi. I’ve traveled all over mainland Mindanao, but I never imagined I’d end up in these places. A reminder that life is full of surprises.
• Bought a laptop. I’ve always been more of a desktop kind of guy, but work schedules and mobility forced me to evolve. Still not a laptop enthusiast, though.
• Reconnected with relatives I hadn’t seen in 19 years. Some reunions take a lifetime to happen. This one just took patience, effort, and a few awkward conversations.

Of course, there were other "significant" moments, but let’s just say some stories are best left untold (at least until I find the right amount of motivation—or a good excuse).

Wrapping Up 2008

I would have loved to end 2008 with a BANG!—fireworks, loud cheers, the whole dramatic farewell. But this is Davao City, and firecrackers are banned. So, I guess I’ll settle for a quiet reflection, a simple "goodbye and thanks for the memories," and the hope that 2009 brings a little more structure, a little less wandering, and maybe—just maybe—a few actual accomplishments.

Cheers to a new year ahead!