Written by: Ridhuan Abubakar @ Diwant

2008 is gone, enter 2009. Since writing become one of my weapon, I felt this is a right time to shoot down some words on how 2008 went for me, and why 2009 should be better than last. Like everyone else, a year cannot be seen as going up or down all the way, at some point there is a time where the progress gone backwards against your will. But this is what it’s all about, LIFE.

There was nothing much to shout about in the first few months, until probably the biggest event of the year, the 12th General Election. After much talk of change and rigorous or best to say ‘dirtiest’ campaign, in the end the government remains the same, minus 5 including 4 of the wealthiest states in the country that falls down to the opposition. While federal powers and antics still in the hands of the Master-servant Alliance, the general political landscape did change quite dramatically last seen in 1969 they say.

One of my targets for 2008 was to finally start a business, whether on a full time or part time basis. Thanks to Radzi and his Pixelworks Photography & Design brand, my participation into the team can be said as a highlight of the year. Although it is only on a part time basis, I see that as a platform for better things to come, some sort of a breakthrough. This year also marks a new addition to my collection of equipment, a sexy 17-40 f4 L lens which was quite a big investment comparing to my financial status. But it was worth all the money that the capital was recovered within the same year, alhamdulillah.

I’ve been saying this all the time, that driving is a passion for me. While some argued that driving is just a journey from point A to point B, I say the most important thing is HOW you go from point A to point B. And plus my deep interest in motor racing since my childhood days, 2008 became a year where I made karting a monthly routine. It is an expensive hobby no doubt about it, but trading it with the safety on the normal road? I’ll do it anytime mate. Go-karting brings out the best of you.

No doubt about it in work terms, it was the busiest, hectic and stressed year in my life yet. 2 big, I mean BIG projects in just over a year with limited resources do take its toll on the quality of my life and I paid dearly for it. Plus minor projects and site supervision throughout the year, definitely at one point something slipped down my grasp. But instead something let me go. Well it’s always the best decision if you’re firm about it don’t you?

So because of that we made a decision to go for a vacation, a very good vacation. The usual suspects were me, Zaidi, Nizar, Jay & Manchi. Destination? The peaceful and beautiful island of Tioman. It was a refreshing trip to free your mind and reflect your life while snorkling, island hopping and playing cards. The ‘boat-hugging’ drama was definitely the highlight of the trip. Only those who witnessed it can tell what its like to hug a boat with your bare hands, hahaha. Thanks to those who made the trip, it was so enjoyable that 3 days felt like 8 hours (a cliché’ thing).

After our ‘master’ decided that RM2.70 p/liter is the best way to help the ’servant’ combating their (and mine) economic mess, I also decided to do something about it. So after about 3 years I decided to move out and find somewhere else for the better of my economy and time management. Thinking back, it was the right decision to make and everything just went from OK to good from there on.

Hari raya this year feels like any other years where nothing special or significant happened. Just a family trip up to Penang, visiting relatives and friends. One thing that slackens the whole thing was my little sister, being so little she made a stunt that nobody in their right frame of mind would like to see or do. She deserves the punishment though. This year’s Futsal Raya was a surprise success, last seen in 2004, where attendance was recorded at probably 26 in total.

October 2008 also marks the month where me, with, Nizar, Zaidi & Manchi went to MotoGP at Sepang for the first time.

After successfully navigating clear from a volatile year, why not celebrate it with something that gives me the support all the while, FRIENDS. So, I throw a BBQ party sort of thing to celebrate and a mark of thankfulness to those who has been with me and for me whenever possible. Without them I don’t know how my year was going to end up. Thanks to those who made it to my place that night and hopefully you guys enjoy the home made food thanks to youtube (especially the chicken marinade preparation). InsyaAllah this year we can do something better or bigger so more people can come and have a good time.

After almost 6 years in the working environment, I believe that 2008 was a breakthrough year for something big ahead. Few projects has been planned for next year and a few people who are involved in it would like to see 2009 where it finally kicks off. And as I’d experienced it, you can never get everything you wanted. There is always a trade-off, a compromise you had to make or face, and you cannot complain, because we are not perfect, we are just human and we have our limit. In some areas in my life, I believe I’d reached the limit.

As the stock market suggest, last year for me was full of sharp increase and shock downturn, as volatile as the green lines on the board. Never take things for granted and don’t ask too much if you NEVER want to commit to it. Moderation is the way of life as our religion would tell you. But alhamdulillah the year ends quite on a high. Does it mean ‘the storm before the calm’? I’m praying for it, I’m begging for it! Let us all turn a new leaf of life and work for the better. It’s 2009/1430 bai, let’s do it…