New Year's Resolutions?

Naaaaaaaah.

While we each bring something new to the table each new year with our resolutions and desires, I think sometimes we spend a great deal trying so hard, trying to make this year different. We strive so hard to accomplish something, and halfway through we get demotivated and fail to achieve what we set out to do.

But may I suggest that in order to grow - to narrow that gap between who we once were and are to who we need to become, we must hold on to what is unchanged. We need to grasp that which is greater than we can imagine, steadfast in its nature. What is eternal, and not bound to the confines of this temporal dimension in which we live in.

What is, or who is, is GOD.

If anything, drawing near to God and abiding in His love will suffice for this year, and the years that come after that. It will lead us to respect those whom we serve with and to esteem them highly in their love for their work. It will give us peace among ourselves. It will bring realization to the idle, encourage the fainthearted, assist the weak and allow us to be patient with everyone. It will help us forgive and thus deplete the fuel of vengeance, but look forward to do good to each other and to everyone.

If anything should be constant, let it be this - that we always rejoice, that we pray without ceasing, that we give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. If ever in doubt, don't give up on the Spirit that is in you. Don't just write off prophecies, but test everything and hold fast to what is good. But whatever you do, stay away from every form of evil.

This year, I ask that God, the only provider of peace himself sanctify you completely. I pray your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at God's coming, His entry into this broken world, to us. I'm confident that He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

Sounded familiar? 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24. These may be Paul's words, but I mean them all the same. Let's set our eyes on the ONLY constant worth holding onto, and let Him guide us from glory to glory. Be not concerned about finishing the race stronger by what we can do, but let Him be the light that shines through our broken vessels :)

2015 whaddup

So it's finally midnight here in NYC.

Looking back at 2014, I still don't think I could have made it through such a challenging year on my own. God has been faithful throughout 2014. I commenced sophomore year in ADP with flying colors. I applied and got into a Christian uni with a sizeable amount of scholarship. I finished my second term in CF and made lifelong friends. I found the courage to share Jesus with a close friend. Oh and I got a job at a hipster cafe when I thought I wasn't cool enough lol. On a heavier note, I took on psychotherapy to deal with my anxiety and anger. I had to learn to put myself on the line and love others in spite of my fears of having them unrequited.

But more importantly, I learned to make God my refuge and strength regardless of my circumstances. I've learned so much of His Word this year, and its been a light unto my feet. I may not have had many close friends, I appreciate the few but faithful angels I have by my side who I've encountered this year. I found my voice and stood for what I believed in despite what the conforming thought was.

2014 has been a year of many firsts. God placed me on the training ground of life, prepping me for something bigger. This year, I'm up for the test. This is the real thing.

Thank you loves (you all know who you are) for such an amazing year. Goodbye 2014. Welcome 2015. Happy New Year! :)

Throwback

In retrospect, 2013 has been a fruitful and eventful year altogether.

In summary, last year I got to:

1. Interview Dia Frampton in person

2. Step into university life

MATH171. I still loathe calculus!

COMM101

ENGL101 field trip

The Uninvited bunch after Meei Jin's theater performance

The CHEM101 bunch

Obligatory post-IPC final poster group photo

3. Confirm the attainment of my scholarship with pretty kick ass SPM results (and later work to kill these dreadful working hours)

4. Join CF

5. Pass my driving test at the third attempt without bribery

6. Drive my own car

7. Visit Singapore again after 4 years and restore connections with relatives there

8. Attend prom yet again

Nick's a real stud heh

9. Take on a post as secretary in CF

CF Committee '13/14

10. Meet Jason Chen and Clara C

11. Turn eighteen with a shower of love

La familia @ Uth

 And The Uninvited (BO JIO) bunch!

12. Obtain an official PAYING part time job as a copywriter

13. Meet Darren Ashley

14. Reestablish my presence in cell and in Alpha (albeit briefly)

15. Finally study the subject of psychology

16. Join 2 sports houses, and take part in a student organized Amazing Race

MASH

Kryptoknights!

17. Say goodbye to whom farewells are due

Kah Haw's

Shad's

3M - Miao Zii, Meei Jin and Mickey's

18. Get into an accident (obviously unintended)

19. Pay Sunway Lagoon a visit again after 12 years

Free tickets thanks to our dear mei mei!

20. Attend my first ever caroling session

21. Attend the inaugural Leader's Retreat

22. End 2013 at a watch night service with my leadership familia (it will be my last before I leave to the States)

... and etcetera.

Throughout the whole of last year, I've seen God bless me with the ability to retain a rather excellent CGPA, find favor with most of my lecturers and find great friends in a setting that was truly novel to me. On a less positive note, I made a rash decision to enter into a relationship at the beginning of the year as a result of the whimsicality of all these novel notions, but upon God's call for me to return to Him, I abruptly then called an end to the relationship on the basis of obedience. I also found conflict with some of my peers and doubted the friendships I was forming with them because they didn't seem to be my "type", but soon found that "types" were a manifestation of a narrow minded mindset and began to open up to people of different interests and of different preferred language in speech. God also reminded me that when it comes to people who delve in an ocean of sins, I must learn to love the sinner and hate the sin. I've come to understand that love does institute change in people, for in 1 Peter 4:8 it says, "Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins."

Almost unknown to me, this year I was also able to honor God in various areas of my life - most of which I was unaware of due to my constant focus on the negative that I had engaged in rather than the positive. For one, I was able to make a conscious decision to honor my father and mother in multiple occasions. I heeded their call to return home early when I had to leave at night, and to call if I could not make it back in time. I had to forgo a couple of events I really wanted to attend out of my obedience to my parents, and had a number of rows with them on the account of their limitation of my freedom. However, during the retreat a couple of days ago, God spoke through my elder leaders that He acknowledged my effort, that He never once forgot the good I did in spite of the numerous horrible decisions I've made over the course of this year. And truly, it is encouraging to hear it from the Lord Himself and I will strive to honor my parents more and more each day.

With relation to honoring my parents, I've found that God has restored my relationship with both my parents, especially my father. Since my uncle's death, he's come to realize that the pursuit of fortune is a superficial and meaningless one, for even my uncle who worked so hard to sustain his family of one, ended up passing on before his time came. I truly thank God that he's finally come around to become a real dad, and I'm doing my very best to be a great daughter as well. I can earnestly witness what God has for my family - the things that have appeared to be a nuisance in the beginning have come to manifest itself as a blessing in disguise, all according to God's perfect plan. It really is AMAZING. Other than that, God has also shown me that the trials I have undertaken have had a great purpose. Being able to share my testimonies after overcoming the obstacles I have had in my life with other who are in the same rut and knowing that they've been encouraged by the words I've said certainly brings me great joy.

In summary, all that, was 2013. But I think the question on all our minds right now is, what's to come in 2014?

I hope this answers your question. My first ever vlog, but there will definitely be more to come.

To my dear readers who've stuck with me from the beginning until today, I thank you. Thank you for taking part in this journey with me. Whoever you may be, always know that you have my love and my endless gratitude.

Here's to a double blessed 2014!

Intro

I hate writing introductions. You might assume that someone like me, who's been rather acquainted with the art of writing or at least the interest of it would find it a ravishing prospect to be able to begin an essay or any piece of written work without hassle at all. Well, allow me to refute this statement, for I absolutely detest having to pioneer an interesting opening to a written piece.

Whenever it comes down to an essay or even the basic review articles I write for work, I'd always begin by jotting down and elaborating my points. Once that's done, I'd somewhat have the ability to draw up a marvellous conclusion, before painstakingly adjourning back to the introduction of my work upon realization that it is yet to be completed. At this point, it is as if a dam spontaneously decides to build itself upon my stream of thoughts, and inevitably the passage of these thoughts are halted from flowing into paper (or in this case, the screen). As a result, I'd always have a somewhat mediocre (if not horrible) opening passage to every piece of written work and there's been some serious repercussions I've had to face as a result of this disability.

For one, it partly cost me my grades this semester. Due to my incompetent introduction crafting skills, I received a 1 out of 5 for the introduction criteria of an essay I wrote for my interpersonal communication class. A one out of five, dear friends. I'd say "Never in my life have I ever been humiliated as such", but we all know that is one heck of a narcissistic comment and so, I shall refrain. Nevertheless, it was disappointing to see that good use of language could not compensate for a lack of creativity in writing an introduction. I suppose I have only myself to blame for my own incompetence for I see no substantial circumstances that may have dictated my inability to produce an avant garde (if not just interesting) introduction, but frankly it was quite a blow to my self-esteem (see what I did there, heh).

While I haven't quite found the solution to this perplexing matter, I do say it has inspired within me a new revelation of my own personality. Like my inability to produce a sensational, let alone interesting introduction, I am myself incapable of arousing the interest of others through my initial self introductions. I often stumble upon my very first words to a stranger, and I find it even more difficult to find the words when encountering an acquaintance on an impromptu basis. I've somewhat progressed from the awkward smile to the simple "Hello" or "How are you, bro?" stance, but I do feel it is rather insufficient in building relationships with people. Instead, I find my own insecurities quickly get in the way of my making of meaningful acquaintances and friendships. I admit this is a weakness of mine and we have been allowed as humans to have flaws, this is one I'd like to be rid of entirely. I simply cannot see myself as a psychologist if I am unable to discard my inhibitions, for how can one preach if one does not practice?

On another note, numerous people have told me that I do make quite a first impression with the absence of a smile and a stern, grounded facial expression. I am then automatically assumed to be reserved and intimidating, unwilling to be in the company of others. Yet, this is very much untrue for I do enjoy getting to know people and making friends, as frightened and insecure as I am. As a matter of fact, it is I who is easily intimidated by others, especially those who I deem more esteemed and physically attractive than myself. I guess this is another case of a self-fulfilling prophecy, which I do not care to define as you may easily look it up on Google. But I do believe you get my point.

Nevertheless, I'm seeking to change this in accordance with the new year. I've lived far too long in fear, shame and inhibition, and it's time to break free. I must strive to better myself spiritually and adopt an optimistic view of life in my mental realm. If I am to take on the States in the following year, I'd better be up to this challenge which I know I will find very taxing initially, but rewarding eventually. I've had a lot of half-hearted encounters and incomplete endeavors, and so this cycle must be broken if I am to move forward.

4 more days to the New Year. I couldn't be more excited.

New Year Resolutions : 2013

I know I've jumped on the bandwagon a little later than most people, but hey, I got it done anyway. So here it is.

TO STOP PROCRASTINATING.
To spend more time with God and in building my spiritual life
To pen down more scriptures, prayers, little nuggets of spiritual insight and testimonies throughout the year
To seize all negative notions and thoughts and discard them immediately
To treat everyone equally with kindness and compassion
To give every single person, regardless who and what they've done (including my parents) the benefit of the doubt
To be more outspoken, and be unafraid to make mistakes
To be more courageous, in the midst of affliction and to not to give in to fear
To actually study and achieve a good CGPA in my pre-university course (For now... I'll ace the Dean's List and graduate with First Class Honors eventually :P)
To master Photoshop and increase my knowledge on technology and gadgetry
To start taking up photography again
To write more, for pleasure or for work and for better, or for worse (Okay, this is getting a little pulpit declamatory. Heh.)
To read more and learn from the works I delve into, both fact and fiction, for the better.
To frequent the use of euphemism in order to stop mouthing profanities
To become more thrifty in my finances

These are the few things I want to achieve this year. I haven't been very specific, I do realise, but I'm sure the Holy Spirit will guide me as I go along. I certainly hope that when the end of the year does come by, I will be able to reflect on this list of resolutions and take pride in successfully achieving most of them, if not all.

I'm pretty sure the first thing on the list has to be checked first before I will be able to attempt the following items on the list. And therefore, I shall.

Here's to 2013. Cheers.

Rewired

I honestly don't know how to begin. At this moment, I have absolutely no idea how to say the things I've been wanting to say, how to pen down my deepest of thoughts or even how to express what I've been feeling over the weekend. It seems to me as if my ability to write has somewhat vanished overnight. Sure, I may be constructing sentences right now, but I'm merely producing this post out of intellectual obligation. I'm not crafting my blog post, as I usually do. Anyhow, I will still continue to write and hope that my muse will somehow return as I go along.

So, rewired? Honestly, it's not a word I think anyone extremely eloquent would title their blog posts, but as I am currently lost for words, I consider it a succinct word to describe my recent undertakings. I would earnestly choose to leave this page and resume whatever I was doing prior to this, but I felt that these happenings were somewhat too spiritually historical to leave behind. Therefore, regardless of what it will take, I must give an account of my day yesterday and perhaps even of today, be it as brief or as lengthy as possible.

Yesterday was the first Uth Leaders meeting of the year. While I arrived late (it wasn't my fault this time, my mum was running late!) and felt incredibly awkward sitting in a circle with the rest of the leaders especially since I haven't been present for most meetings last year, I must say that the outcome of yesterday's meet will result in a major paradigm shift for the youth group. Even the first youth service of the year today was such an eye-opener for me. Instead of being typically briefed on the vision of the church and the general responsibilities being a leader, we were given insight on what it meant to take up leadership and serve in the ministry real time.

I cannot deny that it was probably the best leaders meeting I have ever attended in the entire course of being part of the youth leadership. Unlike 2012 where every leader performed general tasks in the ministry, the focus for 2013 was really to assign everyone to their specific roles as well as educate them on their respective authority and function as the older leaders are beginning to assume their roles in another ministry. There's definitely more attention to detail than there was last year and it's great to know that God is pioneering change in our youth group.

As of now, I'm officially the new head of multimedia in the creative works department. Honestly, I was initially a little skeptical towards this sudden revelation. I didn't think I was up to it since I don't even know how to use Photoshop and while learning to deal with equipment and all that amazing technology in church may not be astrophysics, it will take time to adjust to my new responsibilities since I'm not particularly fond of whatever it is I'm supposed to do.

But then I realised how relevant this new undertaking is to this year's theme - Realigning for reassigning. God's thinking about aligning me in order to assign me into wherever it is I'm supposed to be. His plan and His purpose is slowly coming into the light, and that's really amazing. Now not only do I have an idea of what my calling is career-wise, I actually have a glimpse of what God is using me for in the ministry! I am really psyched for all that is to come this year and I know that while media is not one of my strongest points, in my weakness - GOD IS STRONG. And that's all I will have to dwell upon in order for motivation.

I'm totally aware that things aren't going to be easy this year. In fact, I think it may turn out to be more difficult than last year. But this is a step I have to take, if I want to become a better person. If I want to have a close relationship with God. If I want to fulfill God's destiny for me. I need to let God call the shots when it comes to molding me into becoming who God has intended for me to be. I've tried time and time again with my own strength to convince myself that all I need is self-confidence and hard work, but now I see that it is by God's grace that I receive all that I have. I just have to do what I have to do, and let God do what God needs to do. I refuse to play God anymore. It's His job, so I'll let Him do what He does best!

It's amazing how my relationship with God has been reinstated after almost a year of spiritual neglect. I find truth in the most unexpected of places and it has been really enlightening.

So yeah, I've been rewired. Not to the things of this world, but to God. It's an amazing feeling. I'm really looking forward to the rest of the year, especially the start of college. Most of my peers are actually having their orientation tomorrow and it somewhat bugs me that I'm still at home, rotting inevitably. Furthermore, the rest of my peers will be starting college on the 14th and 15th next week, which leaves me another week to rot in utter solitude. I just hope cell and the meetings that are yet to be called to organize the multimedia department will somewhat render me ensconced in something productive.

About time I hit the sack. It has been a pleasure. Goodnight.

Ode to 2012

As Facebook posts have been getting a little mainstream lately, I decided to do a blog post instead on my verdict of 2012. Unlike the previous years where I simply give an account of the year in a nutshell, this year, I've decided to summarize my experience in high school as well since I've officially graduated and will be adjourning into college next year.

In comparison with 2011, one that I had supposedly deemed productive, 2012 was far more challenging, I'd have to say. While SPM may have been an undeniable prerequisite towards this, I cannot rule out the other occurrences and events in the year when it comes to giving an account of such an adverse year.

I've seen more than ever, the likes of the different people in my life, the challenges imposed by my peers as I strive to achieve a better standing in school and most importantly, the ugly truth behind life and the world itself. I've had my heart broken more than once, I've allowed pessimism to consume me thoroughly too many times that I am unable to recount and I've been suicidal so frequently, even at the zenith of my high school life. I have wronged my peers ever so often by refusing to give them the benefit of the doubt, I have allowed my emotions to overwhelm me and dictate my actions and I even gave others the liberty to determine my worth, which has proven detrimental in the aftermath of many ill events.

There has been so many tears shed, so many words said and many oaths made.

However, in spite of the darker happenings of the year, there has been great joy as well. I don't remember a time I have ever been so expressive in my life. The experiences I have encountered have made me more capable of expressing my views fearlessly (while retaining tact, of course) and I've learned to view matters not merely from my own perspective but from the perception of others as well. I also took a big step in my spiritual life as well by joining a cell group this year, and I can say that I've developed certain skills in prayer, in sharing, in worship and in fellowship as well. This has indirectly paved a path for me in finding comfort through speech and song.

I have become more confident in my writing and have begun to love what I do, which is undoubtedly the key to writing with excellence. I've learned to embrace literature as a whole, including poetry which I had once regarded undecipherable and incomprehensible prior to taking up English Lit. This experience has definitely granted me further eloquence and fluency in the language and has inspired me to continue pursuing literature in my pre-university programme as well.

Moreover, I've discovered the art of dealing with people although I have yet to apply such skills in my daily life.  I certainly look forward to doing so fervently in 2013 and I hope I will be able to improve my interpersonal communication skills as I continue striving to achieve excellence in my um, social life. Heh. And for this, I must give full credit to my mum for being ever so patient with a stubborn and persistent individual like me. Mum, your advice is inconceivably invaluable and I solemnly promise to do you proud by practicing whatever you have taught me. I will attempt to soften this thick skull of mine in order to tolerate stupidity and ignorance whenever and wherever necessary, despite having no convictions to do so.

Furthermore, I am also grateful for the existence of the individuals who have shaped my life, whom I call my friends. I honestly couldn't have asked for better companions in accompaniment to my school days, because I personally believe that I will never be able to find a bunch of individuals who display immense levels of intellect and who have high sustainability in retaining composure, oh and not to mention, extreme proportions of humour.

I don't know who else I can trust to belt out the occasional lame Chemistry joke anymore, because there's no one who can do that better than Sher Ling. Only God knows how I will manage without her genuine and hearty laughter in the days to come.

As for you, Ka Yan, I appreciate your ability to tolerate my emotional weaknesses and I thank you for being there for me when I need someone to confide in, when regarding school matters. I've never trusted anyone else when it comes to this, and I don't think I ever will. Our conversations have brought upon great enlightenment and I am a lot wiser because of you. For that, my comrade, you have my irrevocable gratitude.

To Natalie, I appreciate the times we've had and the times that have yet to come because I certainly believe that we will still remain friends, seeing that we've known each other since our primary school days. Thank you for being there for me in real life, on Facebook chat and on Whatsapp. I will, however, lament on the absence of your random pangs of laughter and the loss of a partner in crime.

To Kah Yan, as I have always been envious of petites, I will always admire your intelligence and sense of fashion. Also, I will remain at awe as to how you are able to achieve balance between every aspect of your life so impeccably and yet retain such composure. However, I do hope that your absent-mindedness will be remain in subtlety, sufficient in retaining your cuteness as a whole but not overwhelming to strip you off your senses. Our Kah Yan must always be Kah Yan :P

As for Nicole, I must say, that you are the kindergarten playmate I never had. Before anyone takes offense at this statement, let me clarify that I am not implying that Nicole is by any means at all, infantile. I say this merely because I admire your carefree demeanour and your innocuous (and sometimes, subliminally devilish) opinions. I can be prevailed upon to rely on your company to evoke a sense of childhood wonder and awe. You really put the word "fun" in it's context, Nicole and as mature as I am, I will always appreciate your girly Valentine's Day notes and your implementation of the title "BFF" on me. You have paid the price for those dreadful years in kindergarten. And I love you too, BFF :)

Other than my school friends, I must express my gratitude to my siblings in Christ as well.

To June Chong, I thank you so much for being such an amazing sister in Christ. Your prayers, your advice and the hours spent on the phone when you were my call buddy have not gone unnoticed. I don't think I have really garnered any trust in anyone in church until you came along and made me realise that not all human beings in general are absolutely nonchalant towards a cry for help. I aspire to be as spiritually gifted as you are, for you are one of the most devoted Christians I know and most faithful servants in God's kingdom. 

Only picture I have of June and I. And this is from camp. How sad.

From left : Natalie, me, Evan, June and Danielle

To the other leaders such as Danielle, Evan and uh, Jon Roberts, I thank you guys for not judging me in spite of the stupid things I say sometimes and for actually spending time getting to know me as well as dishing out good advice. I will always take heed of your advice, since you guys are the seniors after all and I appreciate your extending a hand of friendship.

There are just so many people I owe it to extend my gratitude towards that if I were to list every single one of them down here, I could go on for days on end. Therefore, to those whom I have not mentioned here, just know that I am grateful for your existence in my life and for your efforts in whichever department you have approached me in. Do enlighten me if I have forgotten, for I do not wish to miss anyone out, especially since I will most likely not meet with most of you next year.

Now, for my summary of my five headstrong years of secondary school. Fret not, I shall attempt to make this as brief as possible. The length of this post is starting to feel atrocious.

I'm not sure about the lot of you, but high school for me was a tough experience altogether. I did not enter my secondary school in the best of terms, since I was from a national school and could not speak Mandarin to save my life. I was also quite plump in appearance and naive mentally, so it probably wasn't a surprise that I got picked on verbally in Form 1. The following two years in lower secondary saw me improving, but only slightly, as I still got picked on by the opposite gender. Fortunately, however, I had been able to pick up the pace academically as I remember fondly of how I managed to attain first in the whole form for the mid year examinations in Form 3. And the rest is history (I then became a straight A student in PMR and naturally earned a place in the best class in upper secondary, in case you were unaware of that lol).

Then upper secondary ensued. Form 4 was pretty much the zenith of my secondary school life as I participated in the Young Enterprise programme which made up about 90% of my social life. You may decide for yourself if that is a daunting or fulfilling prospect, but I did gain plenty from the experience. I've never quite had the upper hand in anything I've done prior to YE, so when I managed to secure a place as the club's photographer and as a project manager, I would say that I felt rather victorious. Moreover, winning second place for Best Product Report during the YE Awards was the icing on the cake since I was partly responsible for most of the pages in the report booklet. There was also a series of social occurrences apart from the YE experience that occurred, but since the accounts of the event are far too long-winded to specify here, you may read it on my other blog HERE.

As for Form 5, which all occurred this year, I will not bother with the details here. You may read an account of my year in my previous blog posts, which I must first warn you, may contain rather personal and pivotal accounts of my thoughts and my life. I've screened most of my posts as of late to ensure that none of these post will prove inane to my future readers. However, due to the nature of SPM, I regret to inform you that most of the accounts of my daily undertakings will consist of rants, dating back to the days where I have had my all-time lows. So please by all means, feast at your own risk.

All in all, my experience in high school was not one of the most remarkable endeavours I have undertaken in life. However, it isn't to say that I would change any of the events that have occurred, if I were given an opportunity to do so. These occurrences, as dreadful as they may be, have helped shape who I am today. What didn't kill me, simply made me stronger. I once used to dread being different. I once used to hate who I was. I once thought I would never amount up to anything. I once had a terrible inferiority complex that soured all my conversations with my potential accomplices and nullified all my chances of finding faith and hope in mankind.

But now that I'm here in the present reminiscing the past five years as I craft this post, I wouldn't have had it any other way. The pain and the sadness that once seemed so tangible are but a tale of the past. These experiences are the stories that I will tell, to encourage those who will encounter the same situations I did. This account of my life will somehow benefit someone in the future. And this is why I must make the most out of the lessons I have learned in life - in order to become a better person as a whole, and to let someone know that no one is suffering alone. We all encounter a myriad of experiences in life, but they all evoke the same emotions - joy, sadness, anger and disappointment.

But someday, when there is a soul out there who decides that he or she lives as an unperturbed entity, oblivious to the rest of the world - these stories will suffice in aiding them, in ensuring them that they'll pull through. It will serve as proof that in spite of all the adversities in life, there is hope. God above does see. It is not by my own strength that I was able to pull through, but by the grace of God. And God often shows himself in the kindness of man.

Honestly, I have God to thank for everything. All of this was part of God's master plan in my life. It took me a while to see the way He worked, but I'm glad things happened as they had because God's glory was and will continue to be apparent in my life. And I will never stop glorifying Him for all that I have and all that I've come to learn :)

So there, my verdict on 2012. It's been a lengthy one, I won't deny. In fact, this may probably be the longest post I have ever written in my blog history. If you have made it until the last sentence, bravo. I salute you.

Let us all bid farewell to 2012 and usher in 2013 with greater expectations!