The Obligatory New Year Post 2

In merely a couple of days or so, another year is going to end soon. This would be the second time I am spending my new year overseas; the first one being the first year I was in Singapore - 2008. Damn I still remember how it was... We were playing some group game in the hostel and the game ended with a countdown to 2009. That was friggin 7 years ago. Damn, how time flies! And now I am most probably going to spend it playing another group game or singing at a KTV with a bunch of people from that Buddhist society. In case you guys are wondering why I don't go to some other place to watch fireworks, because I heard there is no fireworks during new year in China. (Say whaat?)

I just realized (before writing this post) that this blog, despite already spending 2 new years, only contains one "obligatory new year post". I am not sure what happened to me during that year (or rather, this year!), but from reading the last post before the new year, apparently I was occupied with 2 projects and some reflective stuff after participating in a meditation camp. Now, on the other hand, I have finished my exams and I have quite a lot of time to spare, and thus the latest "obligatory new year post."

I just realized (like literally just before I wrote those words) that I have not updated my new year resolution on my phone since 1 January 2014... Which, I guess, can be explained by the lack of the obligatory new year post for 2015. So I'll just give you guys an update regarding those resolutions, as compared to my current status.

1. To go for most opportunities available

.... I totally forgot about it and stopped recording sometime in the middle of 2015. I think it was sometime during my internship. Understandable, since there were not many opportunities coming your way when you are working. But still, it means I have somewhat failed. However, I am quite confident that I did go for many opportunities available while I am here on exchange, so it's a grey area.

2. To improve communication skills especially in Chinese and with girls

I have definitely improved my Chinese while I am here. Even if I did not improve much vocabulary-wise, at least I am now much more confident (or rather, YOLO) when speaking Chinese. The part about girls is a bit hard to measure since I still don't talk to girls so much, but I think it's improving.... I think...

3. To be more religious

I am definitely much more religious while I am here in China. Not because China itself is supportive in me being religious (in fact, it was the total opposite. You can't hold religious services here) but it is the condition that enabled me to do so. As you might have read, I joined the Indonesian Buddhist society in Beijing in which my elder brother was a prominent figure; so I could easily blend in with them and be active myself.

4. To be more physically fit

In all honesty, I don't think there is a difference in my body physique-wise, but lately I have been doing pumps every 2 days with almost no cheat day (unless I was outside for the whole day that day) and I hope to see the result soon.

5. To spend my summer doing internship

I did! Hoorah! But let's just keep this in the next year's resolution, shall we?

6. To join a CCA

I did! Woohoo!

7. To be more YOLO

This is a little hard to measure. Does the fact I am going for an exchange count as me being more YOLO? Did Dhammadesana? Only mapped 2 courses back to NUS? Went for most opportunities available (probably?)? Perhaps I should change this to something more quantifiable hmm...

So yup, that's all there is to it. I think for the first time in years, I am actually doing quite great at fulfilling my resolutions. I was quite surprised myself. Now, for the next year's resolution, I guess?

1. To go for most opportunities available

2. To improve my communication skills

3. To be more physically fit

4. To spend my summer doing internship

5. To create something that I can actually be proud of

Now, looking at my next year's resolution, some of you might have questions in mind. Let me answer that FAQs one by one.

Why do I remove "to be more religious" from the resolution?

My elder brother added me into a WeChat group of the Indonesian Buddhist society from all over China. Inside, there is a venerable whom I accompany during his visit in Beijing. I was so awed by him that I decided to be Visuddhi'ed (like baptised in Buddhism) under him. With him in my phone, I am sure without putting it into my resolution, I would still become more religious overtime.

Why do I remove "joining a CCA"?

I don't think I can afford another CCA for the semester, as I am planning to take 6 modules and teach one or two other modules.

Why do I remove the "in Chinese and with girls" parts of resolution #2?

It sounds childish, and anyway, I would like to improve my communication skills in general and not just in those 2 aspects.

Why do I remove "YOLO"?

As I wrote earlier, it was not quantifiable so it is quite pointless to be there because I would not be able to evaluate it at the end of the year.

What's the deal with resolution #5?

I am already in NUS SoC for almost 3 years now, and I still do not have anything I can show off to my friends. I do have some finished projects, but they are not the kind that you can be proud of. It was my dream to use my computer skills to build something I can be proud of; it could be an app, a web app, or just a script. I believe it would help make myself feeling more secure about the degree I pursue, and to build up my confidence when talking with other people (aka support resolution #2).

So that is all for now. In case anyone is wondering why I am writing this on 30th December (not 31st  Dec or 1st Jan) it is because I am having something on both days so rather than procrastinate and delay it to 2nd Jan, which would become 3rd Jan and so on, might as well write it now.

Happy holidays to all! All the best in your future endeavours in 2016!! :D