2011 Resolutions Review (Xian Hao)

Hi all,
As 2011 is coming to a close, I think it is time for me to do some reflections and see whether i hit the target i set for myself at the beginning of the year.

So here goes my 2011 resolutions review.

1) Improve CAP score to at least 3.7.

I did it!!! Very happy. Must continue to fight in the new year. Last sem alr.

2) Maintain close relationship with God!!!!

I think i did have a closer relationship with God this year as compared to last year. But of cos it can be improved.

3) Maintain close relationships with my wonderful cliques of friends (Zhui Xing, Uni, Ter lil chris, 5sis3)

Ups and Downs as usual. Conflicts and drifting apart issues do occur. But im glad that they are all resolved. Fantastic Trip to Bali with ZX too.

4) Build up more self confidence in myself!!!!! I seriously lacking in this area sometimes and hate myself for that. This year must improve.

Regarding this, i think still abit fail. Will doubt myself and my abilities at times. Haiz. Need to have more self confidence. Definitely lotsa room for improvements for this one.

5) Finish reading the book that i got for my Birthday last year and another book of my interest (be it finance, sociology or economics).

Yup. I did that. :) Read 2 books. A Gift to my Children by Jim Rogers and The Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. Currently in the midst of reading Superfreakonomics by Steven D. Levitt & Stephen J. Dubner.

6) Hopefully have a chance to know more friends and join new clique. :)

I wouldn't say i had joined a new clique but im grateful that i had a chance to meet new people and we became close friends. :)

7) Get an Internship during the summer vacation.

Thank God for the opportunity to work in Coca Cola during the summer. :)

8) Shed 2 to 3 kg and flatten tummy. (Vigorous exercise coming up liao. Haha.)

I did exercise more this year. I might have lost some weight but the tummy is going no where. Lol.

9) Maintain passion in studies and whatever i do. Passion brings people further and stretches our potential. Very important.
Rather than having more passion in studies. I regret to say that my passion is slowly dying. Haiz. Not sure if it is a symptom that all final year students will face. 

10) Bank Balance is drying up. Must bring up the numbers!!!!!

Thanks to internship pay and government progress package, i managed to maintain the numbers. Didn't bring up though.

11) Similar to last year, i will have a secret wish to myself.
Its the same wish as last year cos last year didn't come true so making the same wish again.
Hopefully can finally come true!!!
I wouldn't say the secret wish had came true but things are looking good. I hope. Haha.

Reflections:
All in all, I would say that i had accomplished much of what i had set out to do.
Very thankful and grateful to God for all the opportunities that I have been given.
I received a lot of help from a lot of 贵人 as well. Thanks to them, the task to complete these resolutions becomes a little bit easier.
Lastly, I think i would need to work more on self improvement next year. I noticed that the resolutions not accomplished this year are all very personalized. Self confidence and passion, two things that i feel are very important in order to succeed and are qualities that i am lacking now. Yup.

Hope you guys had a really great year too.
And may 2012 be all the more awesome. Yay!!!!

Xian Hao

It's the 7th day of the year and since God created the world in 7 days, I shall review my resolution now.

Ok 1st I admit I made the resolutions but seldom looked at them. Last time in Pri Sch I was those who would draw timetable nicely, i.e. what time wake up, what time do homework etc.. but never follow type of person. 说好听是随性，不好听是 jialat, inconsistent.

But I'm glad I've survived 2010 even though with some blemishes I guess. Let me take a look.. *shiver..

2010's resolution

1) Work hard for thesis. Work as if there's no tomorrow. Don't nap so much and procrastinate. Stay motivated. Try to reach 2nd upper class.

I guess I worked hard for thesis. For a period of 4 months, I worked like there's no tomorrow. I knew I would slack at home so I did my work in libraries- AMK lib, NTU lib, esplanade lib, cafes- starbucks and Bishan CC. Of course at home too when I didn't feel like sharing table with others and wanting a personal space to think. I think I did procrastinate at times but not too serious. Napping was habitual so I couldn't kick that habit off but did reduce the napping hours. There were few instances when my temper become bad cos too stress and got into conflicts, but I'm very thankful I have really patient frenz who 不离不弃 despite 我有多可恶。haha. I didn't fulfil my target but it's ok after some time of 释怀。

2) Change hairstyle and find a nice pair of heels for graduation ceremony.

I did change my fringe but unfortunately I change it back cos I tried to look mature in my workplace now. haha. I dunno why I put the heels thing. Crazy. But I wore a plain black heels for graduation which was ok.

3) Continue to keep the Zhui Xing close bond. I'll also maintain my relationship with other friends too. Hopefully no more disagreements or conflicts.

I think ZX bond is still as strong as before. In fact it's becoming stronger. (Am I right?) I've maintained my other friendships but sadly to say because of work, I didn't have time to meet up with some frenz. This year I got to know more people in terms of colleagues who are quite funny, entertaining as well.

I have to work hard on my anger management cos Jupiter said 2010 was a year when it was very easy to step on my 地雷。I thought I'm quite amiable! haha. Ok enough to make u puke. So I shall strive hard this year. I don't wish to be involved in conflicts. 退出江湖！

4) May all my loved ones (Family, Relatives, Friends) be blessed with good health and happiness. Less family conflicts. I can get along harmoniously with my parents. Be more patient with them.

My mum is still as strict as ever but I'm happy that she allowed me to go JB and Taiwan without her presence. I think tension between both of us reduced towards the end of the year. Perhaps she knows that I'm working so never bother me. haha. I'm really glad to see an improved relationship.

Unfortunately there were some unhappy incidents in the family. Relative was ill. Glad that her condition is improving.

Now that I remembered. I was on drip in the hospital because of hyperventilation. I have to keep myself healthy and prevent such scary stuff from happening in future.

5) Find a job that I like and pay back tuition loan.

Ok this failed. I haven't start paying back my loan. Aiyo. But I intend to start doing so when I get my pay next month.

Really tried quite a few temp jobs. Relief teaching (around 2 months), YOG (but I was paid. It was fun because I got to know a few NTU people and nice colleagues), D company which sells cheap Japanese goods (ya I will never forget how I was exploited and ordered to carry heavy glass panels, doing manual jobs, cleaning, mopping and how the group of grads/undergrads all decided to quit after realising the mistake to join), IT show promoter (I was really poor that period of time and decided to work for Toshiba IT show. Met nice people.. all youngsters. But the environment was so stressful. I remembered my fren and I 狼狈地蹲在一旁吃便当。当时我的心真的有些难过。But my hardwork paid off and I managed to earn some commission.
Also went to tuition centre to relief lessons for frenz for earn pocket $.
Not to 4get, 2 months plus of experience at 2 different CCs, working as constituency support officer. I prefer my 2nd CC though there are politics there but I make frenz with everyone and re-establish the friendship with my sec school friend.

至今还在摸索着，因为不确定自己是否有能力吃这行饭。It's something I like but no doubt stressful cos everything is thrown to me all at once. But I guess no pain no gain so I'll accept it.

6) Go travelling!

I did! Taipei! I hope to go South Korea in 2011.

7) Save!! Hopefully $5 per month.

I saved! I think this is attained especially after I worked and earned salary. But it went down fast as well. oops.

8) Manage my time better, i.e. not spend too much time online and on phone unless I'm having holidays.

I have to improve on my time management cos I tend to work well better at night then I squeeze things all during that time. I'll try not to nap so much (not possible now anyway). I did control my online timings, watched lesser dramas online but my phone usage is still quite high. I'm a chatty person! But I think recently I've reduced my call timings. U are lucky to receive my call! haha.

9) Exercise for good health.

Oops! I only ran whenever I felt guilty for eating too much. Not consistent!! fail!!

10) Don’t be easily affected by people’s emo and stay optimistic!

This is on and off. Generally I'm ok and quite positive. I think.. but I'm expressive person. I like to grumble and say out unhappy things. If I don't say I'll probably die. haha. So perhaps that's why I've created a negative image of myself along the way. But I'm ok really! haha.

11) Be punctual for outings!

Hmm.. still got late. haiz. Being extorted Koi already. haha.

12) Read more books to gain wisdom.

Generally notes and textbooks. Not discipline enough to finish reading novels. I read 《茶馆》towards the end of the year. Bought many books but haven't read. 李敖、林夕、三毛 etc rotting on my shelves.

13) After exam, take on an active role in planning birthdays for zhui xing pals.

aiyo.. got this?! Birthdays should be a success right? omg it's going to start again this year.

14) Watch arts performances or good exhibitions if there's any.

Success! In fact I'm saving up for more performances. so wanna watch 华艺节 plays! Anyone interested?
Going for JJ concert in march. So looking 4ward.
If only I'm not so poor now.. then I can watch more plays. ($ all spent on travelling)

2011 Resolutions~

1) Endure, work hard and persevere for contract teaching. Try my very best to help the young minds. If after trying they find I'm not suitable for NIE then no regrets.

2) Continue to keep the Zhui Xing close bond. I'll also maintain my relationship with other friends too. Hopefully no more disagreements or conflicts.

3) May all my loved ones (Family, Relatives, Friends) be blessed with good health and happiness. Less family conflicts. I can get along harmoniously with my parents. Be more patient with them.

4) Work and pay back loan slowly.

5) Go travelling!

下一站：韩国吃泡菜！也很想去欧洲/加拿大 （找大哥，看枫叶）。

6) Save!! At least $100/month

7) Manage my time better- balance work and fun!

8) Exercise for good health. Run at least once every 2 weeks.

9) Stay optimistic!

10) Be punctual for work and outings!

11) Read more books to gain wisdom.

12) Watch arts performances or good exhibitions if there's any.

13) 自修 Korean (most prob no time for course)

14) 大扫除 （房间 especially shelves)

Hwaiting!

Mango~

Resolved Resolutions

It’s the new year once again, let’s see what I’ve achieved for the past year.


1) Continue to get good results and maintain CAP.

Not only I could maintain my CAP, I was able to raise it a little. I’ve been worried about my CAP dropping for the past 4 semesters, but it looks like I’m able to hold it up despite the high standard set beginning from the first semester. Then again I should not be too complacent, nothing is definite yet.

2) Continue to improve on my Japanese. (Hope to pass JLPT 1 - test taken alr, now waiting for results)

Passed JLPT 1, with better than expected results. Glad my half-tikam half-deduction skills worked well for such MCQ-format test. Took the revamped N1 this year, which was more difficult than before. Hopefully the moderation will play in my favour.

3) Continue to cultivate closer friendship.

After a certain phase of life, friendship seems to become stagnant. Close friendships remain close while not-so-close friendships don’t get any closer. I guess it’s due to the cumulative nature of friendship and all of us having a certain ‘friendship capacity’. It’s like filling up a container of water which is already at its brim. The water at the top will be displaced and flow out easily whereas the water at the bottom always remains at the bottom. How much water actually diffuses from the transient top region to the stable bottom region? And vice versa?

4) Continue to control my spendings.

I’ve no income currently but I think my rate of spending is reasonable, though it peaked greatly in December. I’ve no qualms in spending money on overseas travel however.

5) Continue to exercise regularly. (Pass IPPT too of course）

Passed IPPT twice this year and received more than $400 from the government. I can afford not to take any IPPT for this entire year haha. Sidetrack a little: Despite jogging at the nearby Kent Ridge Park frequently, I’ve never caught the filming of Breakout. I noticed a lot of scenes were shot there.

6) Continue to stay happy.

When am I ever emo? Lol.

7) Hope to travel overseas at least once.

Not only once but twice =). Almost got the chance to tour Europe and Tokyo with my bro, if not for my summer internship. I wonder if I’ll end up the same fate as him – touring Europe alone after graduation.

8) Create my own conducive room for work and play (play = computer lor haha). Goodbye to my old cramped dusty hideout. =p

I think my room is quite cosy. The bed is nice to nap on, although my old bed was still more sleep-inducing. Table is wide enough to do my work. Computer is still serving me well. There’s even a TV in my room (though I rarely use it). What more can I ask for? The only complain is the room receives little sunlight and no wind. The price of living in private housing.

9) Get to know my new neighbourhood better, and utilise the nearby facilities and shops.

Been to the nearby zi-char stall, hawker centre and Thai restaurant. Once or twice only, for each place. The nearby mini-mall with a supermarket has been closed down for development. The facility I visit the most often is the 7-11 store at the petrol kiosk just a minute-walk away. By the way when is that Circle Line going to be complete uh? As for my neighbours, I’ve almost never interacted with them haha.


So what should I hope for the year ahead? Yea, continuation of my previous resolutions. It will not be very meaningful if our achievement is only one-time occurrence.

1) Maintain CAP.
2) Sustain friendships.
3) Control spending.
4) Exercise regularly.
5) Improve Japanese.
6) Stay happy.

These are not really resolutions, but my general lifestyle habits and guiding principles. These same 6 points will probably appear every year for the rest of my life. (CAP will get replaced by work)

Here comes a real resolution (or rather, a wish):

7) Travel overseas at least twice.

That’s one up from last year! Now it gets really challenging. Yea it’s ok to fail a resolution or two. So boring for everything to come true haha.

XianHao's 2011 Resolutions

Hey finally have time to sit down and think of my resolutions.
So here goes......

1) Improve CAP score to at least 3.7.

2) Maintain close relationship with God!!!!

3) Maintain close relationships with my wonderful cliques of friends (Zhui Xing, Uni, Ter lil chris, 5sis3)

4) Build up more self confidence in myself!!!!! I seriously lacking in this area sometimes and hate myself for that. This year must improve.

5) Finish reading the book that i got for my Birthday last year and another book of my interest (be it finance, sociology or economics).

6) Hopefully have a chance to know more friends and join new clique. :)

7) Get an Internship during the summer vacation.

8) Shed 2 to 3 kg and flatten tummy. (Vigorous exercise coming up liao. Haha.)

9) Maintain passion in studies and whatever i do. Passion brings people further and stretches our potential. Very important.

10) Bank Balance is drying up. Must bring up the numbers!!!!!

11) Similar to last year, i will have a secret wish to myself.
Its the same wish as last year cos last year didn't come true so making the same wish again.
Hopefully can finally come true!!!

And with that i wish all readers especially my beloved Zhui Xing a very Happy 2011.
May we have an awesome year together.

Happiness is a very simple word but yet sometimes hard to achieve thing.
Let's work towards it ba.
Jiayou!!!

Xian Hao

Wenya's 2011 New Year Resolutions

1. To pass my practicum and become a qualified professional Teacher!

2. To motivate and see improvement in at least one child!

3. To build up and organize my own teaching resources!

4. To read at least 5篇of 《论语》and 《庄子》. Checking out the dictionary for unknown words, and to use the method that 劳老师 taught.

5. To read 《中国文学史》 and 《中国通史》until at least end of Song Dynasty。

6. To write summary of at least 12 chapters of 《红楼梦》.

7. To do at least 2 good deeds per week.

8. To learn metta meditation!

9. To continue learning Yoga and improve in headstand attempts.

10. To save up and go back to Hainan again!!

11. To visit Kyoto!

12. To be calm in all situations!

This year's resolution is very challenging, as it tests my ability to organize time, and my will-power, despite being physically tired. Hope I can attain them and be very happy at the end of the year. hehe.. (:

P.S. I labelled it as 2011 Resolutions. Your can save your resolutions here too.

Love,
Wenya