Thankfully, I managed to find my new year resolution via my journaling app, OneDay app. Although I haven't written anything in my blog, I'm rather active in my personal journaling app because most of the things that I tend to write about is my complaints and gratitudes - something that I don't think it's appropriate to be shared *grin*. OK, let's just move on to the achievements for 2014!
I only managed to achieve 30% of my goals. Well, I have to admit that my new year's resolution is too optimistic. But, hey, you should always aim as high as the moon ;).
WATCH NYE FIREWORKS IN THE CITY
We braved the crowd and waited for almost 12 hours to watch the fireworks in the city! I'm already trained to doing some crazy queues and waiting, so I was mentally prepared. We secured a spot in Bradley's Park (Milson's Point station). It was definitely worth the wait. But if someone asks me if I would do it again, perhaps not in the next 5 years.
FINISHED HALF JUZ A DAY
This year I participated in the Half-Juz-a-Day movement. Initially it was a part of my preparation towards Ramadan so I can finish the whole Quran in a month during the holy month. Alhamdulillah I did manage to finish half juz a day for about 1-2 months.
I think the movement is really good to encourage people to read Quran more frequently. However, the way they run the program just doesn't completely fit me. I constantly had timing issues because I usually start reading after work or just before bed, and that would already be too late for them to close off the whole round of khatam for the day. Also, the ways they deal with the shift if someone was on period is just not how I believe it should be. Thus, I decided not proceed further with the movement.
HAJJ AND UMRAH
Alhamdulillah alhamdulillah alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar! We are very fortunate to be able to go for hajj this year. It was a miraculous journey, and I can't thank Allah enough for the invitation. It was a journey of a lifetime and we really hope to be able to return there very soon.
GOT A PERMANENT FULL TIME JOB
Because my employment status before I went for hajj was still a contract, I tried to look for a permanent job around my office before I go for long leave (if I didn't have to resign).
I was rejected for two permanent position because I was going for a long leave for hajj and they needed someone quick to fill in the vacant positions. I was half doubting, "how will I be able to find a permanent position within 1 month?"; and half pushing myself to keep the faith in Him. Somewhere in my heart, I was trying to tell myself, "Allah knows that you're doing this for Him. He won't let you down."
Then, when I was doing one of the interview I referred my colleague within my team, whose position was about to be made redundant, to the interviewer. Long story short - eventually, my colleague got the job. And because her position then became available within my team, I was promoted to full time employee! Alhamdulillah! Indeed, Allah didn't let me down. He, again, showed me how anything is possible for him, as easy as flipping the palm of your hand.
WATCHED WICKED THE MUSICAL
The only musical I would ever be excited about! And we got the chance to watch it at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney, not only once, but twice (due to a stupid mistake that I did).
At the first show, where I bought the tickets on pre-sale, we were lucky to have all main casts there. Lucy Durack and Jemma Rix singing were flawless! Worth every penny that I spent!
MY FIRST EXPENSIVE BAG
Yep, I've always wanted at least one :P. It's not a Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, or Chanel. It's a humble Tory Burch mini double zip bag. I got it on 30% off from mywardrobe.com (unfortunately they have closed down since). But guess what, until now, I still haven't worn it anywhere.
NEW CAMERA MACHINE & LENSES
I didn't realise that this was even on my list! Since we already own a DSLR, although it's old it's still working wonderfully, we settled on a new mirrorless camera. And I also got an additional portrait lens.
