As we approach the end of 2009, I think it's befitting to jog the memories on the events of this past year. Towards the end of 2008, there was much uncertainty with the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) at our doorstep. Lehman brothers had collapsed, a big bank splurged with a Christmas bash only to lay off their staff the following day. Taxi drivers were picking up people made redundant and the outlook for 2009 looked quite bleak as we didn't know how bad the financial crisis was.
We now realise that it was the "North America Tsunami" vs the GFC and Australia was not too badly hit, thank goodness. Nevertheless, 2009 started with a lot of retrenchments in various sectors and the RBA (Reserve Bank Australia) had to reduce the interest rates. By the end of 2009, the RBA had raised rates three consecutive times now, with more to come. The AUD went to as high as 0.94c but ended around the 0.88c.
Some notable highlights for me in 2009 are:
- celebrated Chinese New Year in Penang, Malaysia. Great fun collecting angpows and catching up with family and friends. Hmm.. wonder whether wearing some of the "right" colours and avoiding the usual "red" colour helped...?
- enrolled in a photography course through the Art Gallery NSW - what great fun it was and this started a new hobby!
- was bridesmaid at Angela and Andrew's wedding in May. Short and simple wedding.
- sold my Honda Jazz and bought my Mazda 3 ("Zac") - thanks Chris for coming with me and Ash helped check out the car especially the boot.
- bought a new house in Eastwood and proceeded to sell my house in Baulkham Hills - phew... what stress but wish that dad was around ...
- visited a few new suburbs eg Petersham (through Gourmet Safari) and Haberfield (through KY tours)
- Sydney was engulfed in the red dust storm
- had a girly weekend in Mudgee. Loved the wines and the atmosphere. Thanks for the company girls!
- attended Mao's Last Dancer movie premier - what a night!
- checked out a few new restaurants such as Glass Brasserie, Guillame and Aria
- found David Campbell to be extremely HOT, HOT, HOT - great performance
- celebrated a milestone with friends and thereafter with family in KL. Is it downhill from here on in...?
- had some cooking and baking sessions at the Wan kitchen - what a satisfying time it was! Some of the sessions included learning how to make bak chang, fried radish cake, pineapple tarts, muruku and string hoppers. It's no wonder they say the kitchen is the heart of the home...
- bid farewell to a great lady, Mrs Khoo
- good bye to Rob and Doris who left our shores for Auckland
- Patrick Swaysze and Michael Jackson left this world...
- not to mention, the numerous shopping frenzy with my "twin"... shoes, handbags... etc...I bestow on her "Mrs Handbag" - for the most handbags "accumulated" in 2009!
2009 is going to end with a big hole in my pocket... having bought some new furniture (thankfully, there is the 48 months interest free period to take advantage of...), spending time with family and friends is bliss... but thank God for his providence this past year... thank God for friends who are there by our side and to be a sounding board, thank God for families who keep us sane.
So... goodbye 2009, hello 2010! May good health be with you and your families and may we have peace, love and joy... May we make this world a better place for you and for me ...
Welcome 2010!
