As I write down my yearly memoir, I’ve decided to retrace further back at the start of 2000. 2009 marks the end of the first decade of the new millennium, with the start of the second decade in merely less than 12 hours.

All I can say is the first decade has been a rollercoaster ride of life; ups, downs, loops, twists and sudden stops.

Despite the multitudes of events which happened on the first decade of 2000, I still look back during those days and say “Whoopee!” for the happy moments, “Well, shit happens!” for the sad moments and “Oh crap! What the hell?” for the rather confusing moments.

People come, people go, things happen for a reason and things are not the way they’re supposed to be; this is what life is all about. To expect the unexpected, and to live for the moment; it’s a beautiful synergy. To make choices and to take risks; the spices of life.

I know I’ll always make both the right and wrong decisions in life, we all will. But what matters is the conviction behind the decisions we’ll make. I have never lived a life of regret, nor have I let regret linger. It’s a festering wound which eats right through our soul, our being.

When 2010 comes in a few hours, it’s a start of a new chapter in our lives. The first chapter of the new millennium will slowly close it pages and find its way to our archives. When the clock strikes 12:00AM, we start with a fresh page, a fresh book and a brand new pen to write the coming changes in our lives.

What’s in store for all of us in the coming decades? What challenges await us? What surprises and misfortunes are lurking? The only answer is “BRING IT ON!”

Take challenges head on; never back down without a fight. Accept surprises, even the little ones and never wallow in misfortune for too long.

Let 2009 and the other years in your life serve as a reminder of what you did and who you are. We must take a step backward to take two steps forward.

To my loved ones, friends, workmates, and to every other person who’s affected my life one way or the other, I wish you all a prosperous New Year for 2010.