The new year is coming. this time it's the most serene (but not boring) new year's eve to me. i could go have a fabulous dinner, or enjoy the fireworks at Marina Bay. or even hit the club like last year. but here i am, cosily at home for the first moments of the new year.

it's been a good year. well yeah there ain't no annus mirabilis the like of 2006 but hey, there isn't much of a trace of an annus horibbilis (also the like of 2006) so yeah, it's a good year to me. if 2006 is bitter sweet gin tonic, 2007 should be of the honey long island recipe. and here's why:

1. i'm getting better at the SMU academics - working harder, being more consistent, and playing smart. the grades could've been much better though; so yeah, expect more of me the coming year.
2. for the first time in 21 years, i was onstage acting in an official production! it was a killing thing, the long months of practice. but the days leading up to the performance nights were amazing. sexy people, and lovely friends who braced the show.
3. i'm in a serious relationship, through all the thick and thin of it. and yeah, it makes me happy. well this might be surprising, and no offence to the ladies, this is the most functional relationship i'm ever in.
4. my finances are in better shape; not China-surplus kind, but far from the US-deficit state i once was in. this makes me feel like i'm growing up and becoming a more reliable adult. and that's good.

5. i had a good trip home. i realise i love my sister a lot, and that my mom loves me too. and it was all the exact opposite of what happened last year. and i almost had a huge dinner treat for the 21st birthday. damn the wisdom tooth!

and yeah, i very much do hope the friends who've always been with me will stay traditional and continue being with me. well yeah i'm not with you as often as i'd want to, but i'm not without you. i couldn't have gone on without the many of you. you may not read this, but you should know that.

and to all, a happy new year!

in Russia, Putin announced his backing for some president hopeful. rumour has it that he's going to return to the Kremlin after this guy completes his one office term so yeah, let's not expect too much change from Russia. anyway, it's good the way it is.

in Singapore, My Chemical Romance rocks on high at 8pm. well not that i'd catch them if i were not in Vietnam. but i do like their Welcome to the black parade and Teenagers. and they've got style too. things should be different if they need to succeed.

in Thailand, Vietnam's been doing pretty well in the SEA Games, reigning second only to the hosts. but the team didn't fare too well today. the soccer team lost the semi-final on penalty shoot-outs. and only 5 golds were added to the tally. hmm.

in Vietnam, there was a blackout in my neighbourhood. which lasted for a full hour. it was a hot sweaty affair. pure darkness. and oh, it's my birthday. not any birthday but the 21st birthday. well the most significant thing i did today was to get my tailored suit. that was all. really all.

7.

yeah thank you everyone, for your happy wishes :) a US friend didn't think the 21st birthday is important in Singapore. it kind of is to me. i can legally do a lot of things hehehe. well anyway, it's important not so much because i'd get to do grand things on this particular date. but because of your thoughts and words. especially my girlfriend. thank you!

P/S: the second and the seventh wishes are private so yeah :D