It is the thirtieth of December two thousand and nine which means it is pretty darn close to being the end of the year, let alone a decade. This calls for a good blog post, no?

2009 was not necessarily the best year I've ever had - what do we mean by best anyway? - for one event that came into mind was 22nd May 1pm when I arrived back home after being out only for 3 hours, only to find the house ransacked and burgled. I was alone and the streets seemed eerily quiet. What do you do in that kind of situation? There were also times throughout the year when I could have so easily gave up, because it just seemed like it was not worth it and I didn't want to keep doing it day after day. Yet I persisted. More doubt, perhaps, then any other year. Somehow I did get through it.

The year will probably be remembered for a few firsts. My first ever patient - Ms. E who underwent removal of a spinal cord tumour - whom I rehabbed at Royal Talbot so she could get back home. Started off in a wheelchair, ended up on her two feet. First ever full on clinical experience. First encounters with supervisors. First case presentations. First clinical exams. First time I really felt my best was not good enough. First full year of IELTS work. And of course, just lately, first time overseas minus parentals for a month. (Just realised, first ever blog too :P )Perhaps this year has also been the most I've ever learnt - about myself, about others, about life. If this year has taught me anything and in particular, the last 4 weeks or so, it's about taking your opportunities, experiencing different cultures, keeping positive during the difficult times, valuing life and living for the sake of others.

I am excited about 2010 and what it may or may not bring. It will be the year of potential graduation and the year of turning twenty-one (not that I have much planned?). Starting afresh always brings renewed hope and pleasant uncertainty. I say, bring it!