The date today is 20th December 2008.

5 more days to Christmas.
6 more days to Malacca weekend getaway.
6.5 more days of work in TP.
11 more days to the end of 2008.
12 more days to New Year 2009.
16 more days to something new.
35 more days to welcoming XQ back.

2008 has been full of ups and downs, but I turned out alright. 2008 has certainly been a year of struggling between feeling lost and discovering myself, my career, love and Life.

Looking back, I cannot even imagine how I managed to get this far to where I am today. For people that knows the link to my old blog, they would know that I was emotionally broken in the beginning of 2008, so much that I hated boys and relationships. On top of that, I was like a lost sheep that did not know what I wanted or needed to do. In the beginning, I blamed my parents for not supporting me in my studies, but now I thank them for teaching me how to be independent. There is so much more satisfaction in working hard to earn money and invest in upgrading yourself.

And today, I am in love with a wonderful guy. He has always been there for me, like sending me flowers and a birthday cake to bridge the distance even when he's in China. He has also never once given up on this relationship or on me, yet I cannot say the same for me. He has certainly been my anchor, something I thank God for everyday.

So just for fun's sake, I will evaluate a list of things I told myself to do in 2008, picked out from my old blog, here goes...

1) Sleep

Okay.. this really is a dumb resolution, but I guess me and 8 billion more people in the world fulfilled this. I must have been feeling like a zombie the time I wrote that.

Verdict: PASS

2) Eat my "fav dish" @ Cafe Cartel

If I am not wrong, it was the Chef Salad.. I did not get to eat it due to time constraints. Lol.. the only reason why I like it is because of the dressing.. I am still wondering what is the dressing they use.

Verdict: FAIL

3) Watch Bleach from where i last stopped (Episode 77)

Yups, I managed to catch Bleach from Episode 77 till the part they go to the Arrancar's place.. can't really remember where I stopped later on.. but I havent been following since then.

Verdict: PASS

4) Bake what i wanna bake (Brownies, Cakes, Cookies, Truffles)

Oooh.. in 2008, I baked chocolate brownies (which turned out okay by my standards), chocolate chip cookies (but i lost the recipe), 2 marble cakes (1 turned out horrible coz I forgot to add baking soda) and an Oreo Cheesecake (technically it isnt baked)

Verdict: PASS

5) Cook what i wanna cook (Mac & Cheese, Spaghetti w Meatballs)

I cooked Mac & Cheese, Baked Mac Pasta, Spaghetti, Shepherd's Pie!

Verdict: PASS

6) **** xx**

HAHA.. LOLS!

Verdict: FAIL

7) Watch anime and cartoons till i go crazy

I watched plenty of anime and cartoons (like the whole season of Avatar).. almost went crazy but didnt admit IMH.. soo...

Verdict: FASS/PAIL

8) Play games

I played a few Maplestory private servers for awhile, Sims2 for awhile and Maplesea for awhile.

Verdict: PASS

9) Think of more creative and useful tings to do

GAH O_o WHO WROTE THAT!

Verdict: EPIC FAIL

10) Find a job (must i? my conscience wrote that..)

*beams*

Verdict: PASSS

So now that's done, we're on to 2009. 2009 really marks a new beginning for me. I cannot stress on how important it is.. it might even be the turning point of my life. 2009 is also the year I reach adulthood (21 yrs old).. where I foresee I am going to make a lot more important decisions and take up more responsiblity. I was never a fan of making New Year's Resolution as you can see my 2008 "resolutions" were labelled list of things to do... haha.. but this year is different.. I got to step up my game.. so here it is..

2009 New Year's Resolutions

1) Get a permanent full-time job which I am passionate about
2) Be more punctual by sleeping early and waking up on time
3) Adapt to 2+ hours travelling time (to and fro; 1+ hour each)
4) Be a better girlfriend to XQ by making an effort to spend time together
5) Study a part-time degree
6) Save more money for my studies (at least 50% of my annual income after cpf)
7) Donate blood a few more times (at least twice)
8) Lose 11kg by exercising more regularly and watching my diet
9) Run 5km by gradually training and in a few years' time, be able to complete the 42.195km marathon
10) Be a more responsible girl, daughter, sister, friend, whatever I am to my loved ones.
11) Learn/do something new that I've always wanted

that's about all for now.
i wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year ahead!

Love
Alyssa