This has been the longest I’ve gone on a blogging sabbatical. Well, with the proliferation of Twitter (my newest vice) I’ve been allowed an outlet to air all my random and unimportant whims as they strike me. And unabashedly too. Also when you’ve been busy trying to juggle deadlines and whip up 10 pages of content at one go, the last thing you want to do is to encapsulate your day and write about everything that’s transpired.

I also have a tendency to incessantly trumpet my achievements, and that I’ve learnt, infuriates many people. People don’t like to be happy for other people even though they say that they do. Myself included, unless that person is someone I really like. Like p!nk.

My life has been awesome these few months. Surreal would best describe it. Circa July, I quitted my job and only had one ghostwriting project on my hands. It was one tough decision for I was offered the position of Content Writer/ Runner and I traded job security for the illusion of a free life. It was a decision I struggled with for about a couple of days – that’s saying a lot for I’m someone who’s usually very impulsive and stubborn.

But you know what they say – When you have to go, you have to go.

And I’m glad I did. Boy, these few months have been a whirlwind, and I’ve become very obnoxious. It’s hard not to be when you have American clients who praise your work and shower you with compliments like “You’re one of the most talented ghostwriters I’ve worked with.” Now, who says Asians are inferior?

In retrospect, I cannot believe the opportunities I’ve been bestowed. Though there are days I feel that I’ve exhausted my good luck, but hey at least I’ve achieved what I’ve always wanted: carve a niche in the Western world. I earned my own merits, from winning over the client and producing quality work – it’s all me.

I know, I know. I cannot help but extol myself, but to quote myself, “I know I self praise a lot, but hey, at least I don’t put other people down.” I worked my derrière off to get to where I am today. I do believe my obnoxiousness emanates from my alter ego; the inherent writer. I mean, whenever my friends probe about my earnings, I always downplay the number. If that’s not humility, I don’t know what is.

Of course, year 2009 hasn’t always been about moments of personal triumphs. There is a plethora of moments when I felt like an incompetent idiot, and there are moments when I second guessed myself. All of which I won’t be documenting. Yes, yes, I know, successful moguls (not by any chance referring to myself) make blunders too. Although, I should say most lauded personalities only come forth and talk about their past mistakes AFTER they become successful. You know, when the mistakes are only a morsel bit compared to the magnitude of their success.

Alright, so in true XY fashion, let me do a year in review and celebrate all my joyous moments.

Meeting p!nk in person. All travel expenses and (both) concert tickets paid for by me, by the way. Sadly, everything that transpired both nights is kind of a blur now. That means I’ll have to create new memories. Did I mention that she grabbed my right thumb and thanked me? The said thumb is now enshrined and ensconced in a sanctuary.

Winning over my first American client, and my second, then my third and ... Then my first UK client. Then my first Aussie client. These are not expatriates in my home country by the way; they are CEOs, public speakers in their respective countries. It is truly a feat that makes all the repressed years of being passed over, being vetoed okay. Many people have previously asked me to snap out of my grandiose dreams. Thankfully, I didn’t.

I’m currently sidelining as a personal tutor, and I revel in my new found responsibility of grooming the next generation of writers –at a fee of course. I delight in moments when my students and I would engage in conversations centering on their hopes and aspirations. To be able to deal out advice to youngsters is gratifying, albeit it makes me feel old. I prefer the word “wise”.

My Korean student, who is continuing his education at a local school, asked me the other day: “My (also Korean) friend said that my classmates would taunt me because I can’t speak English well.” I told him to use that as motivation to do better. Hey, I didn’t and don’t lead a charmed life. Most people don’t naturally hold me in high regards. Sure I was a popular kid, but I wasn’t without my share of detractors. I always believe one thing: If not for all the criticisms I received, I wouldn’t have accomplished half the milestones in my life.

Wow, my student’s parents are lucky to have found me. On top of my tutor's responsibilities, I double up as an uncertified counselor. They’re getting their money’s worth.

Jumping off a 50m high platform was a real thrill. As I stood on the brink of death, my entire life flashed before me. Okay, I exaggerate. Dangling upside down in midair and having no control over your body – it’s an out of this world feeling. I also thought the reason why I did it was kind of poetic. Life is all about taking risks and 2009 for me was all about that. And it was the first thing I did on the day I turned 23 – I didn’t even have breakfast. Sweet.

If you don’t already know, I’m currently penning the firsts in the series of books that I plan to release in 2010. Under my own name. In 2009, I did my part to rev the economy; I paid a team of designers to help bring my eBook covers to life. They were not cheap, and money came out of my own funds. I wish I could stretch out my palms and ask for money, but where’s the fun in that, right? And then I realized there’s more to just book designs that I have to concern myself with. I have to set up a website, and I need to pay designers and programmers for that. My books had better sell.

So 2009 marked the year I crossed over to the evil side: becoming a client with unreasonable demands. I hope my good karma doesn’t dwindle because of this transition. It is fun though, being on the other side of the fence. People are constantly fawning over you, trying to win your affection. Money does make the world go round.

So these are the moments that I would like to remember of 2009. Of course there are more, but you know, the writer in me should exercise humility more often. I feel that I have been riding a professional high and I’ve sort of sequestered myself in my own room in order to fulfill my job obligations. My life became vapid as a result and my popularity had ebbed. I used to have hordes of well wishers who send me greetings on my birthday and festive occasions. Now I can do a head count with just one hand. So I’ve decided 2010 will be a year of personal development and improvements. There are so many things that I want to learn, so many new territories to tread and so many awesome people I want to meet.

But this year I’m going to defy traditions – instead of coming up with a wish list, I will come up with a “To-do” list. I have so many things on my list that it seems implausible to accomplish, but if anyone can do it, it’s me. Doing new things also means the need for money, so thankfully I’ve bagged 3 ghostwriting projects for January and am currently in talks for a fourth one.

Alright, I will make one wish, because it won't soon be a reality. I wish to land one project and have the client agree to pay me US$5000 willingly. I will be a very happy boy then.

I also aim to make $300,000 this year. By the looks of it ... it's a long road ahead. But never doubt XY; incidentally, that's my new slogan.

Alright, I’ve maundered enough. Hope you have an awesome 2010 too. Remember: You make your choices and you seal your own destiny.

nothing can touch me

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