2008 in the Horizon

I will go on record here. 2008 will be my year. I will make it my year.

Naks. Such big words. Such high hopes. I do anticipate a lot of major events. And maybe a couple of changes. Hehe. I'm looking forward to all of them! I'm 28 and 2 months old. I'm not too excited about turning 29 though. The big 3-0 scares me a little. That's about two years away, so I won't think about it much for now.

Anyway! So far... here's what's happening in 2008...

Weddings!

Fabulous girls are getting hitched this year!

This March, Lea will become Mrs. Jesse Lucas! D Gang will be flying to Davao to attend the momentous event! We booked our tickets and we're expected to be in Davao City Friday evening (March 7) and we return to Manila on the 9th. Whopeee! D Gang hasn't gone on an out of town trip in a while, and I think it'll be fun! Although my travel companions are mostly pairs. Boom and Marian. Jan and Tom. (Maybe) Mike Pangs and Pia. Baka pedeng humabol pa sa pairing. Hehe.

Then this September, Jan Sy will become Jan Sy-Sing. The wedding date's the lucky date on the Chinese Lunar Calendar (08-08-08). We're all pretty excited to see Jan walk down the aisle (and to check out Mrs. Sy's reaction of course!).

This November, it's the Tan-Locnen wedding. Yasmin and her baboyfriend Al (I think it is out of sheer love for Yas that Al lets her call him this). I've been giving Yas free wedding advice. Syempre, she has her usual, "Ang mahal!" side comments. Today, she shared what she and Cel talked about, delegating the wedding coordinator tasks to her friends. Pesem will catch the doves, Mike will check for any bombs and counterfeit money. She dreams of a simple yet organized wedding. I just want to see Yas get all sappy and emotional! Haha!

Course, there's the Dela Rama-Villanueva wedding (no definite date as of yet). They found the perfect church and i'm just itching to start the more in depth wedding planning. Haha. Hey guys! You know where to find me. Just holler!

Vacay!

This vacay is looong overdue. Two years to be exact. My brothers and I are planning a trip this April, to celebrate their graduation. Tonton from college and Rommel from law school. I'm currently up to my elbows with all the VISA requirements, and let me tell you. It ain't hassle-free! As I am employed, I need to present payslips, my ITR, bank statements, vacation leave forms, certificate of employment... Argh. I'm actually apprehensive about the VISA. I'm crossing my fingers that it'll be a breeze. I'm pretty excited about the trip though! I started shopping for boots. There's this super nice jacket I saw in Zara.

I'm also excited about being away from the office for almost a month! Mwahahaha!

Wild Cards

(As I am typing, Coldplay's "Warning Sign" is playing in the background. Is this a sign?!)

Irene and I exchanged the most interesting and brutally honest emails. 2007 left me with so many things still hanging in the air. Whichever way I go, I think 2008 will be a year of major changes. I pray for being smitten, certain, committed, and uncompromising.

Oooh. And one last thing. Maroon 5 concert this March! That should be good. I've waited 3 years for those blokes to go to Manila.

*****

Here's how us born in the Year of the Sheep (1979) will do in the year of the Rat (2008)...

From the Chinese Astrology website

Sheep Ratings
42% (5 favorable and 7 unfavorable months)

After what was probably a very favorable, Pig, year this year might seem like a disaster. It is important, however, for you to understand that you are still looking at five, favorable months. There will thus be plenty of opportunities if you do not get down and let negative emotions get the best of you. Your natural inclination is most likely to follow your heart, but you will do much better this year if you can let your head dictate your actions.

Sheep Career
Your management may be pressuring you this year to work even more. You can find spots for advancement and make progress on your work if you stay diligent with the tasks at hand. The biggest drawback to your year is the pressure on you, and your inclination to say yes and take on more work than you can handle. Be rational about your workload and don't be scared to say no if the load is too much to bear.

Sheep Relationships
For the single Sheep, the Year of the Earth Rat could lead to the blossoming of true love. You may find that temptation to date more than one person falls on you in more than one instance. However, existing relationships could be problematic. Be careful not to be overly trusting or you'll wind up hurt later. At the same time, be wary of rumors and gossip, as they will lead to unnecessary arguments.

Sheep Health
Work could be the drain on you, and the more you are inclined to overwork yourself, the more likely you will be to experience increased stress levels and exposure to illness. While this advice is always good, it is even more so this year under the influence of the Earth element. Do your best to not get down on yourself when things don't go your way. Overall, the year should be one of good health if you take the typical steps towards proper maintenance.

Sheep Wealth
Your finances should be looking up this year. Earth years are good years for saving and planning which bodes well for those that keep a conservative mindset. You may be due for a surprise during one of your down months that could turn out to be unpleasant. Make sure you've tucked away enough to cover the costs associated with an unexpected accident or maintenance