First and foremost, I have learnt to live a happier life. For this, I am grateful to my family who gives me comfort and showed me that ultimately it is family who is the most important in life. This is especially apt for my brother, who gives me his encouraging hugs when I was depressed studying for my CFA and of course I have to thank him for his endless wit and well-meant criticisms of my bad study schedule. I have learnt a big lesson in living happily from Chris as well; who always listens to my woes and grumbles, who is patient with my quirky behaviour and sometimes blonde moments and showed me that faith and perserverance does overcome obstacles. I am also grateful to fantastic friends who stick by me through the bad times and care about me deeply. The windy and bumpy road of 2007 has not been easy but it made me realise alot about friendship and support.

I am happy that I have my health. I may not be the healthiest person alive with my wonky left shoulder but I am happy that I have a body who does my bidding well. I promise to take better care of it in 2008 by exercising regularly and having a balanced lifestyle with lots of therapeutic yoga. I know that health should not be taken lightly and proper insurance coverage is very important from a real-life experience from work. Especially for cancer treatments and operation costs. What does not kill you may actually do you in financially if you do not have proper insurance in place.

N.B. Not that I have not appreciated insurance in the past, but I think the impact of insurance is finally leaving a deep imprint in my brain. It may be a probability game but when you do strike the jackpot by getting really ill, the payoff will be worth the small premium paid.

I am really glad that I have my job. The learning experience has been fantastic doing non-operational work and I am gaining a deeper appreciation and understanding of the banking and finance industry. I am grateful for open doors when I needed one and supportive, non-political back-stabbing colleagues. On a pragmatic note, I am also pleased with my bank balance every 26th of the month.

Finally, I am glad I believe in a higher power and have absolute faith that someone up there will take care of me and guide me along the right way. It is important to me understanding our purpose in life and this has become even more acute with the many deaths this year. Spiritual enlightenment and spiritual happiness is something I will work towards every day next year.