Genesis

Warning: Dates in calendar are closer than they appear

I consider today, Monday, 5th of January, as the official start of the new year. For the past 2 weeks, work has been an easy ride. This is because the company that I support, Agilent, went on a shutdown during the Christmas and New Year period. Like a 2 week holiday. January 2nd was greeted by my boss with an email with the heading that read 'Happy New Year 2009!'. The message inside informed us that we would not get much increment, and there would be no bonus. Eventhough I am aware of the financial turmoil that this planet is experiencing, I was shocked, because my company does not pay that highly, does not give out big increments every year from what I heard, and does not hand out AWS. So my initial thoughts was that since the company is already saving during normal times, that it would not lower the already low yearly increment. I did think that they might lower the amount paid in bonuses, but did not expect them to scrap it altogether. The email did mention an increment in our shift allowance, but it was an increment that I felt should have been in effect from day 1, as our allowance is not that high as well. So on the 5th of January, the shutdown would be over, and all Agilent employees will be back to work creating work for us to do by asking for 'this and thats'. Life it seems, is returning to normal, after all the festivities.
2008 was all round good. Made good friends, and most of it was spent just being carefree, enjoying the company of the people around me, and trying to be more passionate about life. Went on trips here and there. Did quite a bit of rock climbing which I thouroughly enjoyed, for the challenge it presented. And for the 1st time, ran and completed a distance of 10km, which to some, might not be that big a deal, but for someone who hates running, this was like conquering a mountain.
Now I begin 2009 anew. Unsure what the year has instore for me. I must say, I wish I did more. Wish that I did something that involves physically giving my time and effort into helping people, for whatever reason. That is the only thing that I feel empty about. That would be a far greater learning experience. Much more interesting. And there is that small challenge and great responsibility that I am looking for in my life. But I do not know where to start. I might not find it in 2009, but I hope that one day, that will be something I will be passionately involved in.
I have a new poll out. A wise person by the name of F.M. Knowles once said- 'He who breaks a resolution is a weakling; He who makes one is a fool'. Which prompted the poll I put out. This time the period of voting is a good 30 days. Will see if that helps with increasing the number of votes.
Speaking of wise people, Ynnib Nai is back again to end this post and provide us with a quote to think about for 2009-
'People are so worried about what they eat between Christmas and the New Year, but they really should be worried about what they eat between the New Year and Christmas.'