2010 spent with 1.5 million people

That's right, you heard me. 1.5 million people! The picture above isn't quite the amount, but from news reports, that was the estimation.

First off...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

to family, friends, the Isara community and miscellaneous readers. I hope you all began 2010 the right way whether it was spent with those you hold dear, smooching with a lover (or random person, if you like), toasting farewell to 2009 or jumping off the couch at your relative's house in hopes to gain growth in 2010.

Celebrating the new year is always an exciting occasion for me. During this time of year you witness some amazing things, like sparkling fireworks or finally seeing your friends dressed up for a night out in the city. This time of year also always beacons for change, taking form in abrupt withdrawals from bad habits or the blossoming of new ones. Something will always be stipulated for change.

I'm making it a habit to make a list of new year's resolutions in order to maintain or improve things in my life and check off those that have been achieved in the previous year. Majority of the items are perpetual things to uphold throughout my lifetime.

I'll take this time to list the items I've accomplished (I will have to refrain from posting some items for personal reasons)

1. Drink more water & moisturize
2. Work out at least 3x a week // this kinda fell off
3. Continue to grow and learn from others
4. Always be reading a book
5. More estrogen bonding
6. Leave the country
7. Save money, drink water
8. Be patient [insert oyster metaphor here]
9. Do not waste your time on people who verbally and emotionally oppress you
10. Find peace
11. Focus on creating what you desire
12. Live in the moment: take risks
13. Quit being a people pleaser: put yourself first
14. Listen to music that makes you feel good-- not like shit
15. Surround yourself with people who exude positive energy
16. Help others: volunteer, give advice, & hold up hair when yacking ensues
18. Write in your planner
19. Learn to do your taxes & handle finances accordingly
20. Give more compliments
21. Learn to live simply: donate & do not be extravagant
22. Positive mantra: remind yourself that you are beautiful
23. Lessen profanity
24. Do not waste your time on people who do not appreciate your efforts
26. Remind yourself to be thankful for your youth & all it's mischiefs
27. Write more: have passionate reflections
28. Be patient with your goals & celebrate small victories

This year, I've only added three items:

1. Eat meat once a week (I'm not ready to be a vegetarian yet... I don't know how you do it, Anna)

2. Write (poetry, blogging, personal journals, small notes)

3. Take care of your body especially feet, teeth and skin

4. Pay for school (or at east try to)

I'll still be thinking of new ones as the year progresses.

New Year's Eve recap:

This NYE, we opted from binding pre-sale tickets to local club events and decided to camp-out at Sydney Harbour to watch the fireworks. In some personal opinions, Sydney is one of the best places to watch fireworks and ring in the new year. After experiencing the event, I am a believer!

It was different this year. We were dressed up at 10 a.m. (rather than 10 p.m.), ready to go. At 11 a.m. we queued in line to enter the designated enclosed area that will soon house thousands of viewers. I was surprised to see so many people out this early-- I'm sure others were there even earlier, or the night before. It was a sight to see, thousands of families, friends and couples from all around the world concentrated in this area waiting to see the magnificence of Sydney's 12 minute firework show.

Here are some photos:

We changed because it was schedule to sprinkle a little bit.

And it did, so Brian decided to buy this $40 Sydney Opera house umbrella, haha.

Again, being lovers

Just rained for about 15 minutes, not too bad

Huge crowds of people populating the Sydney Harbour

How we killed time: reading, people watching, eating, drinking, and playing 13

The bats even came out

As the sun set, lights were beginning to illuminate the city

Stunning. Everyone is getting so excited!

There were two fireworks shows, one for families at 9 p.m. and the midnight showing.

Times like these, I wish I'd invested in a tripod to capture still night shots.

Getting closer to midnight

Before we started playing drinking games

Mixing of the drinks

Finally midnight came and we watched this amazing show: (video will be posted later)

Happy New Year!!!! As you can see, we have been celebrating!

After shouting aloud for a good 15 minutes, in came the new year.

Happy New Year's guys!

The mass exit!

In case of obvious cases of minor things

The aftermath

Walking back to our hotel

Horses!

New Year's in another country is really different. For obvious reasons, 1. I'm not with my group of friends/family and 2. I'm not struggling to recall the night before. I have to admit, very calm (in my peripheral vision) compared to the mean streets of SF. Less belligerence thanks to bingers for sure. But as always, the news will have a counter to that claim by airing all the ruckus caused on the streets of Sydney. It wasn't good, nor bad, but different.

2009 was a challenging year where I experienced all directions and new emotions. I can't help but feel utterly grateful for all the things I've managed to accomplish and the people who've helped me, new experiences, new friends and even regrets-- all of which have helped me grow tremendously throughout the year. It has definitely been a long ride.

Every day this year is going to be new and I can't wait for what is in store for me.

So, hello 2010.

Pleased to meet you.