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Welcome 2009!

Jan 1, 09 Comments

A new year has begun and, as usual, it feels like a good time to make some changes in my life. A good time to think about the previous year and learn from my mistakes. It's also a good time to remember the good things I did and try to do the same or better this year.

I'll remember 2008 as my first full year in Japan. I've learned many valuable things from Japanese people (such as being respectful to others at all times and in many ways), but I've also learned to avoid other not-so-valuable things that I've detailed in another post.

2008 was a difficult year at the beginning since my wife didn't come to Japan until May, but, on the other hand, it was wonderful to explore Tokyo together once she got here.

Looking ahead, 2009 will be full of challenges, both personal and professional. But to me, the best way to overcome a challenge is to turn it into a goal. And so, I have very clear goals for this coming year, including to become a mentor at work (which means helping new teachers) and to get into the habit of saving (which Vivi knows is my greatest weakness).

Also, I'm excited about 2009 because of the following events:

2009 is the year of the Ox, which means "a sign of prosperity through fortitude and hard work." Let's all get to work!

January 20 - Inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States. Finally.

January 25 - The 57th NHL All-Star Game will be held in Montreal, Quebec. Luongo #1.

February 11 - Costa Rica opens its World Cup qualifier vs Honduras. There's hope.

February 15 - My 25th birthday, a quarter of a century. Life's getting serious.

February 22 - The 81st Academy Awards will be held. Hey, I've always liked the Oscars.

October 2 - The host city of 2016 Summer Olympics will be announced. Go Tokyo Go!

November 17 - Our 2nd wedding anniversary. It seems like a lot more.

Ok, so it's not a long list, but 2009 doesn't have as much to offer as other years (such as 2010). I just hope we can all make the best of what we get this year and be thankful for it. Let's make this 2009 a wonderful year and remember:

"To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe."

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