Tis' the season to be jolly [and spend money] fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la...Yet, without meaning to sound cliche, I say it is truly more blessed to give than to receive. In my case, I doubt any blessings would spring forth if I give everyone food poisoning from never-before-tried fruitcake. Other *ahem* things may spring forth though, which I shall now erase from my mind because the visuals are gross. I'm going to test run it on my guinea pigs aka brothers first, so for now, I'm equally blessed to just receive. Heehee. All material things aside, it really is astounding how quickly 2007 has passed, and 6 days' time heralds the arrival of 2008. I take this Christmas as a time of reflection on the year passed, and I thank God for the countless blessings He has showered upon me even when I don't see it. I believe all things happen for a reason and Jeremiah 29:11 says: "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." This year I've learnt many things, gained many new experiences, forged new friendships, and cemented old ones. I've been to London and back, and it was a new albeit scary [initially] experience, but I'm glad I'm fortunate enough to be able to do so. Then I went to Manila and there I learnt much and took back with me manifold blessings, and had the opportunity to fellowship with people I normally wouldn't get a chance to talk to unless I really had to. School was hectic as usual, and I'd admit it wasn't the best of semesters, but on hindsight, it was something that had to be done, and I'd like to think that I got through it alright [I hope]. The people I've met and subsequently gotten to know, I'm thankful for it. One can never have too many friends, and I like getting to know people from all over the world even if it's just to exchange a cursory greeting. Merry Christmas!!!As I sit and type, I can't help feeling the tremendous wave of gratitude that sweeps over me, and as much as I may have griped and grovelled over many things this year, I'm amazed at how everything somehow turned out alright in the end, and here I am, at the threshold of a new year filled with more exciting prospects as I finish up my last semester at school and finally step out into the working world, but not before embarking on a month-long backpacking trip around Europe, which I hope I'd still be able to fulfill before being tied down by the vagaries of adult life, and forced to finally grow up. It's a scary thought, and I honestly wished I didn't have to do it. I like being in my little PSP game-filled world, but I guess everyone has to grow up sometime, and I reckon my time's coming in a little over 6 months, which really flies by fast as judging from the way 2007 has passed so rapidly. As we all welcome in the new year, I want to clean up the slate, so to speak, and I hope I'd be able to settle anything that's left undone in 2007 and really just start off the new year renewed and refreshed, without excess baggage, and to face whatever's coming my way with my head held high. 2008, bring it on.