Jamie Hilao

How fast time flies. I know I say this every year, but each year’s end seems to creep up on me even quicker than the previous year’s.

I remember being fresh out of college at my first job and my co-worker’s wife told me, “You may be the youngest one here now, but you just wait. You’re going to blink, and then you’re 30.”

Well, here I am… and she was right. *Sigh*

Guess it’s that time of year to reflect on this year’s highlights and my goals for next year.

‘07 Highlights

• I’ve learned to love where I live. I have family nearby, and I finally fixed up my place enough to where it feels comfy, with a new entertainment center, pics of my loved ones on a console table, and a home office.
• I was able to expand my professional network as the Co-Chair of the Social Events Committee for the GE Asian Pacific American Forum. I even met “The Man” himself at this year’s National Meeting, Jeff Immelt, as well as the head of NBC Universal, Jeff Zucker.
• My level of involvement with A Window Between Worlds increased as I was appointed to the Board of Directors and the Chair of the Donor Development Committee. I was able to use my position in APAF to conduct a holiday drive, promote fundraising through the GE Matching Gifts program, and recruit volunteers for their fundraisers.
• It was a busy year full of new marriages and babies. Congrats to Alfred & Michelle, Eunnie & Terry, Krysti & Dave, Gen & Jeremy, and Jakub & Judilyn! Welcome Tristan, Ty, Sam & Luca!
• On the physical fitness front, I started going on hikes at Runyon Canyon, doing the Santa Monica Stairs and taking private yoga classes, but I still have a ways to go before I consider myself fit.
• I added a few more countries to my list of travel adventures: Australia & New Zealand. An amazing, beautiful trip!!
• After 1.75 years being a metal-mouth, I got my braces off. Goodbye, Ugly Betty!
• I continued to keep unnecessary expenses down, but with all of the weddings and my unplanned trip abroad, I wasn’t able to save as much money as I had hoped.
• I successfully revived the LA LA Land Book Club. We will be discussing Vonnegut’s A Breakfast of Champions for our first meeting of ‘08.
• After dreading the occasion for the entire year, I celebrated my 30th birthday. Despite my insistence upon having a “lowkey” celebration, my sister and brother decided to throw me the most wonderful surprise birthday party, complete with family and friends… and I couldn’t have asked for a better gift: their love. Thanks to all of my loved ones who helped make the day so special. I decided that being 30 isn’t so bad, especially when you’re blessed to have so much love in your life!



• After over four wonderful years, I left my position at NBC Universal for one with more responsibilities at Sony Pictures Entertainment, managing systems for the TV & Motion Pictures Production groups.



• There is always a part of me that misses Chitown and my family back home during the holiday season, but it was wonderful celebrating with the Hilao side, especially with all of the little kids!

‘08 Goals

• Continue to do things to make my loved ones know how important they are to me.
• Work on my bad temper: calm down and think before speaking.
• Establish reputation at Sony.
• Continue my involvement with AWBW, with new responsibilities as Donor Development Committee chair and member of the Board.
• Set up a college fund for my godson Miguel.
• Save more money, consolidate my retirement accounts, and set up a living trust.
• Take weekly yoga classes and take advantage of beautiful SoCal weather by going on regular hikes.
• “Love” my home even more: redo my kitchen countertops & cabinets.

That’s it for now. We’ll see what the new year brings: so far, I’ve got 5 weddings, a baby shower (congrats Irene & Scott!), and even a Bat Mitzvah to look forward to… Hopefully my first year as a brand new thirty-something will be my best yet!

Happy New Year’s, everyone!

This entry was posted on Monday, December 31st, 2007 at 3:07 pm and is filed under Jamie, Random Thoughts, Family, Friends, Events. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.