2010: My Take

Family and friends have mentioned how much they enjoyed my annual letters in the years past. (They could be just being nice, but I’m taking their comments at face value!) So, I thought I continue the tradition this year, especially for those of you who may have missed my Facebook status updates. So here it goes!

My Year In Review

I’m still happily married to Gabe. We’ve been together for 10+ years, but married for 4 (or 5?). We live in a cozy rambler with our black cat, Lady, in Mountlake Terrace, which is like 30 minutes north of downtown Seattle. Our big household project this year was painting the bathroom and replacing the furnishings. We created an area for garden beds, but the weeds have taken over since. Yard work is not our forte, but we try to maintain the lawn before it gets over 24 inches tall. (We got a warning from the City about our unkempt yard. If we didn’t mow it soon, we would get fined! Yes, our yard was that bad.) Next year we may attempt to paint the living room, as soon as we can agree on a color. (I want something more mellow and elegant, but Gabe wants bright and exciting.)

I’ve been working as project manager for the past seven years with agencies in the creative marketing field, but recently moved into creative communications. You’re like wondering, what’s the difference? Well, when working in a creative marketing agency, I was managing projects that would help sell products, services, and ideas directly to consumers. (“Go buy now!”) At Studio D, which is the digital communications department at Waggener Edstrom (WE), more or less a PR agency, is about selling products, services, ideas to people who can help influence consumers. (“Go tell people to buy, buy, buy!”) I’ve only been at WE for the past four months, but I’m loving it. The projects may not be as creatively challenging or diverse compared to my past agency life, but I can’t complain. Management believes that people come first, and it’s not lip service. So, it has been quite refreshing compared to my last agency that-shall-not-to-be-named.

Gabe is working fulltime as a freelance photographer. He shoots fashion, lifestyle, events and weddings. You name it, he can shoot it. If you know of anyone who needs a talented photographer, let me know. And I’m not being bias because I’m married to the guy. He’s good. Check out his work here: http://www.gobophotography.com/. He's also producing fashion events, including the big one-Seattle Fashion Week.

I’ve slowed down a lot in my community work. I found I was giving too much of myself and needed to find a better balance. I focus my time now on the foundation I founded in memory of my mom–Shirley Ng Memorial Fund. The funds raised goes back to supporting the non-profit organization she found. It’s my way to help continue her dream of making sure that kids have a place to preserve their Chinese culture and language in the English speaking nation. If you’re interested in making a donation (no donation too small!), please send them my way.

I’ve also been doing some travel this past year. I went to Warsaw, Poland for 10 days for work, but was able to squeeze in one day of fun when the admin made a mistake in booking my return flight. The Polish are friendly people, and the food was delicious. I stayed downtown the whole time, and was able to travel by foot to nearby attractions with no problems. I was surprised how young and how westernized the city was. Traveling to and from Warsaw was an adventure, but let’s say that I’m a huge proponent for direct flights!

I also traveled to the Bay Area with my family for my little brother’s wedding. Yes, Richard got married. He was able to trick find a lovely gal, Annie, to put up his mischief. Crazy, I know. They had a beautiful wedding at the beach and a huge Chinese reception at a restaurant afterward. Annie runs her own daycare and take care bunch of rug rats. (Don't know how she does it!) Richard, after taking a break from the dog-eat-dog world, is back in it doing some kind of technical support for an Australian company. He’s like a one-man office in North America, but works as a 10-people office. Maybe he’ll get a kangaroo as a company bonus this year?!?

My sister, Bonnie, has returned from teaching English in Japan and is now living the American dream. She’s a pharmacist with Kaiser Permanente, and recently bought a new home in Tigard. She still has the travel bug and is planning to see more of the world next year. I’m planning on joining the fun when she visits Hawaii (again) next year. Yes, it’s true. I’m finally coming to Hawaii! (If you’re in Honolulu in March, let me know!)

My dad is doing well, and still living in the same house in Portland, He's finding things to occupy his time like reading and watching Hong Kong serials and movies online. He even walks on a daily basis around the Woodstock neighborhood. I think he’s in better shape than I am!

So, when I’m not working, traveling, pimping supporting my husband, spending time with family and friends, I’m constantly posting on Facebook, obsessing over Glee, reading trashy romance novels, and talking myself into working out.

If I had to choose just one thing that I learned in 2010, it would be that it’s up to me to be happy. So, if you’re looking for a piece of golden nugget out of this long recap, that’s it. Life is not measured by how long or short, but by how fully you live it.

So I wish you and your love ones a very Merry Christmas and a full and happy 2011!

Love,
Virginia “V”

P.S. Go Ducks!!!