The End ? ? ?

So 2012 was suppose to be the end of the world.. It was suppose to bring a world of change to a lot of things.. Of course that didn't happen.. or else how would I be writing this on the last day of 2012... There were so many things that happened over the year that made this year significant.. I decided to venture out of my comfort and test out a new place & culture.. Even though I haven't physically taken that step yet.. I sense I have already mentally "checked out" of Calgary... There isn't much left for me to worry about here.. I do wish the time will pass by faster.. so I can take that 1 last step.. Maybe it is the wrong move.. both life and career wise.. but I believe this is a step I must take to further myself as a person.. I also passed the 1 of the most difficult exams for any professional designation.. I look forward to finishing up the CFA program and go 3 for 3.. Even though I won't have the experience to get the designation.. finishing the exams is a good 1st step... 2012 was definitely a roller-coaster ride for me... I was on top of the world in the summer.. and then I fell rock bottom by July... The mistake I made was something that shouldn't have happened.. but I guess as a learning lesson.. it was probably the best case scenario... I do look forward to 2013 & all the investing possibilities.. One can make $$ either way... It just depends on how smart you are to pick up on it.. I guess the last thing 2012 brought was the sense of perspective on things... I guess it comes back to me "checking out" of Calgary already.. Things that used to be really important aren't even things on my mind anymore.. People that were once great friends are now just friends.. I do believe a few years away will erode friendships to acquaintances.. I was just too slow to realize the simple steps of life.. Or I was naive to think things would be different.. Either way.. doesn't matter much anymore.. 2012 is past & 2013 is present.. Not so naive to say by the strike of 12.. I'll be a changed person.. but 2013 will bring forth changes.. I look forward to it..

End of Another Chapter ? ? ?

Well today is another chapter of my life completed... Final day at work after 16 months on the job... doing something I am interested in.. & something that is quite challenging... but I guess Calgary itself just isn't the place for me.. I've kinda already conceded another chapter of my life will end once i pack up my bags & fly to Hong Kong.. I hope that it'll happen sometime between January of 2013 to June 2013... Still kinda undecided on the time frame right now.. but I guess there are many moving parts.. Most notably.. will my parents downsize & I'll be looking to buy in Hong Kong rather than rent.. The uncertainty will once again begin as I do not have anything lined up & will be going into a situation completely in the dark!! I got friends and relatives over there.. but what good will that do if I can't even "Stand up alone" over there.. I maybe over-thinking this.. but I m pretty sure the uncertainty will eat me up as time goes by... On another note.. I realized I've slowly changed over the past year without actually realizing it.. I am now definitely a lot more alert to things that puts me in a bad position or people are simply trying to use you (Not in any significant way, but just small things in life).. I guess that also comes back to why Calgary probably is no longer in my future plans... Friends I've known for a while have this pre-conceived notion that I can be easily taken advantage of.. Things that offer the "greater good" for the group.. I'll do without asking cause I've tried to please everyone.. Well.. I have really changed I believe.. I don't care about the "greater good" anymore... Who cares if some person can't go to a gathering.. It's not like the gathering can't go on smoothly without them.. I've cared for too long for these things & I probably simply got tired.. There is no need for me to "ask" people more than once if they wanna go.. There should be no convincing on my part.. Is a simple "yes" or "no".. Other peoples decisions won't be influenced by what I say.. & I never thought I had that much pull with people anyways.. I've also started to question what the true definition of a "friend" truly is.. As more of my "friends" get married or have serious commitments.. they seem to become more and more distant.. Priorities are important I guess.. but when communication is 1-sided.. The person always making the effort will get tired.. I am at that point now!! Tired of always being the person saying hi to people to see how they are.. I used to care alot.. Now I simply do not care.. I guess that leads me back to point 1 about slight change.. I could now see who are the people I can depend on simply by the fact they have made an effort to keep contact with me.. Whether its a simple text or call.. At least the communication is 2-sided.. When I do leave for good.. I know I'll keep in touch with these people regardless of time difference or tiredness.. a Simple Whatsapp message goes a long way to show I am still the same old Ken they used to know.. =)