A year-end contemplation...

December and the pre-holiday rituals of Christmas party madness rolled out so fast that in the blink of an eye, two-third of the month had already passed. It didn't help either that December was one of the busiest times of the year at work, as people pushed to wrap up unfinished business before their year-end vacations. In the midst of those social and professional maelstroms, a sudden snow storm temporarily brought me to a halt and contemplate the year that is about to end.

2009 was marked by 3 major achievements: my master's degree termination, my professional embarkation, and my social reconnection. In May, I graduated from one of the top school in International Affairs, and joined the most prestigious development institution as a consultant. There's still a lot of room to develop within this institution or within the sector, but given the economy's slow recovery, it was a privilege and comfort to be there. On the social front, I managed to spend a lot more time with friends, old and new, including a special trip to Vietnam for my best friend's wedding. It was a special moment, and topped with a much desired qualification for Star Alliance Gold status, which I got for the first time after 8 years flying with the Alliance. Given these achievements, 2010 looked even more exciting!

As I sat contemplating what I have achieved and looked to the future, I remembered what my friend Selina told me, "You should save something for the future, so that you have something to look forward to." Well, I believed as we achieved something, we would create new goals to reach, and that was how we should live our lives. Per suggestion of Will, I listed 5 things I would like to achieve, as of this moment.

1. Learn to ballroom dance - a passion and a dream that had been burning inside me, but due to time and financial constraints I had not got to do. I would like to learn all, and master at least the Viennese Waltz and the Argentine Tango.

2. Travel to Russia - a very special place, not only because of our Communist/Socialist connections, but also for the kind-hearted Russian men, the Red Square, the willow tree, and the burgeoning design paradise.

3. Renovate my parents' apartment in Hanoi - this 13-year-old 2-floor penthouse would be converted into a beautiful 2 bedroom apartment according to my masterplan, which should start within the next 2 - 3 years or so.

4. Take my sister on a trip to Europe - showing her the Europe that I loved, and bonding in a cafe somewhere on Champs Elysees.

5. Train to swim better - but I would be the one who set the standard to measure what "better" meant, right?

Some short-term, some medium-term, but I thought it was a good idea to at least put them down in writing and keep them on the back burner for now... So swim lesson first?

Merry Christmas and Happy 2010 everyone!

Photo Credit: Snow in DC - by Natalia Esina