chance to start anew

***to keep up with the trend of looking back on the past year...

But first, a moment to reflect on those who have suffered this year, from calamity and from the hands of others. May they feel peace.

2004 in a nutshell:

* Survived a bad case of senioritis and managed to pass my final classes.
* Was able to be active in the newly-created Filipino club and met some awesome Fil-Ams.
* Was able to attend one friend's wedding, and attended another's reception.
* Learned that love grows with time, but it takes sacrifice.
* Visited Nashville for a week.
* Lost my grandfather to cancer; I found out the first day of final's week.
* My parent's weren't able to come to my graduation; my grandpa's wake (in the Philippines) was at the same time as the ceremony.
* I'll always remember my grandpa during his great days. In a way I'm glad I wasn't there to see him in his suffering, so I'll always remember him with a smile on his face.
* Stepped foot in Japan (if only for a few hours).
* Saw my high school buddies: Mayee, Me-Anne, Mina and Sheryn.
* Got out of my comfort zone and met up with other people in my high school graduating class (Let's just say I was a wallflower then).
* Reunited with relatives, some of which I haven't seen in as long as 7 years.
* Met some relatives for the first time.
* Pigged out on taho everyday for 25 days.
* Was randomly videotaped on a show that's broadcasted internationally (No, it's not Girls Gone Wild). (and yes, the camera does add 10 lbs).
* Left the only city I've really lived in since I moved to the US.
* Opened my life to the world through this blog.
* Job-hunted for a month.
* Was hired three hours after my interview (and luckily, I Love my JOB!)
* Bought a hamster for the first time.
* Managed to keep my hamster alive.
* Experienced Mardi Gras - Reno style.
* Gained weight, lotsa weight. Why? Read next.
* Scouted for the best eats in town (read next paragraph for list)
* Got carded for the first time.
* Experienced Monday Night Football at a rock and roll club.
* Accepted that my baby sister is growing up and she needs to stand on her own.
* Fallen in love all over again. :)

It was definitely an awesome/eventful year.
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OK. Now to share some of my picks in Reno's restaurants. Please note, I haven't tried every type of cuisine yet, so this is an incomplete list and could change any time.

Chinese: Palais de Jade, P.F Chang's
Mexican: On the Border, Beto's
Buffet: Atlantis' Toucan Charlie's, El Dorado's Chef's Buffet
Pizza: JJ's Pizza Co
Burgers: Little Nugget Diner, famous for its Awful Awful