2008 In Retrospect

It is time to go in retrospect for the year 2008. On the whole it has been a memorable and eventful year. I would remember this year throughout my life as I got married this year. In every person's life, there are some significant milestones and turning points where life can take a different turn. Marriage is one such significant milestone. It was so memorable occasion where all of my family and friends were there to bless us.

Continuing on the personal front, my brother also started his first job and he is doing well. My wife started her masters studies. Work wise it has been quite satisfying. I got a chance to work on some important modules of my project. This year we took trips to Myrtle Beach, New York City, Atlantic City and Philadelphia.

Now on the general front, there has been a lot of bad news. This entire year we were in recession. During the summer, gas prices were going sky high with the speculations that it would go up to $8 per gallon. There was serious worry as to how to deal with this situation. During those days, I had a dream in which there was no gas left in the whole world and we were walking to get to everywhere. When I woke up from that dream, I felt very happy that it was just a dream. I hope we don't get to see that day.

The real estate bubble burst and the home prices fell sharply. Stocks crumbled. Lot of big companies bit the dust. I always thought that Finance was the safest sector. But I was proved wrong. I was surprised to see that one wrong decision in one sector (real estate) has caused recession throughout the world. It is so amazing how all are interconnected.

This year America elected an African American as their president. November 4th was a historic day. Wars continued in Iraq and Afghanistan. Israel and Palestine engaged in a war. And this year will be remembered for the most brazen terrorist activity in Mumbai. Nobody can imagine that something like this can happen. It was horrific.

Some good movies released this year. My favorites were "A Wednesday", "Aamir", "Fashion", "Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na", "Rock On". Among the english movies, I liked "Vantage Point" and "21".

As we enter the year 2009, let us pray and hope that there is peace in the world and people unite than divide and let there be prosperity. Happy new year.