2008

2008.


Another year ends.
Another begins.

As I reflect this past year I think of the highlights. Kind of like life's ESPN on Marlon. Where was my Kobe dunk, y Magic Johnson pass, my Kareem sky hook, my Pistol Pete amazing flair, my Jerry West aka Mr. Clutch moment, my Jordan greatness of the year 2008? Behind the highlights, where were the lows and disappointment of the year?
The moments we wish to forget but cannot?

I think back and the year started hard. 3 people died in my high school and one or two alumnis as well within the first 6 weeks or so. Then in February my aunt died in Rhode Island. In April my cousin in Guatemala died, mid 20's with a son. Yesterday my uncle died in Chicago.

The economy is bad and started slowly but surely. The current has economy has hit my family hard. I have felt it as well and feel my parents and extended families woes.

This year I personally left my church in need of a personal spiritual revival and in anger. I did get that revival that I sought while now view as that anger senseless.

I got a speeding ticket and had to go to court to lower the amount I had to pay.

Lakers lost in the finals.
Dodgers lost in the NLCS.
UCLA lost again in the Final Four.
Galaxy sucked.


This year I graduated High School and now attend UCSB. First family on my dad's side to go to college. First in my family in L.A.

This year I had steady jobs.

This year I turned 19 and celebrated my 20th Christmas.

This year I still have my immediate family.

This year I still have great friends.

This year I learned much more on what I want to be.

The U.S. elected a colored President.

Micheal Phelps took 8 gold medals and the Redeem Team won the gold as well.

It seems like altogether, 2008 was a bad year. I would say that. I also would not say it was one of the best years. I would say in the midst of the abyss, God was still there. He allowed my to experience everything, keep my most intimate relationships intact, to meet new people, to adapt into a new environment, keep me in health. In other words God has not left me although at times I have. When I make mistakes, He forgives me. When I fall, he gives me a hand to get back up.

I have learned there are many who has the same God as me. The only God. I also have matured to love everyone. Regardless of disagreements in creed, political views, and even sexual orientations. As a Christian I do not look down or condemn those with the views. I just do not agree with the views/opinions. Others views/opinions/thoughts still does not stop me from loving them as people, a human being, a creation of God. If you do not agree with me, I still love you. Cannot stop me from that. I learned that there are those you live lives distinct from mine. They are poor, exploited, and almost without hope. I have learned to love those more than others. I want to help them and I hope in 2009 and beyond I can.

This was my 2008.