Last day, last hour. 2009 would be over in about an hour’s time. Unlike last year, I don’t have the luxury of time to do a year in review for 2009 due to heavy workload. Can you imagine your professors sending last-minute emails to remind you of assignments due next week on New Year’s Eve? Yeah, I have to work through the countdown to 2010, but not before a short revisit to my first post of this year. Let’s see how I fared with New Year resolutions made on January 1st 2009.

1. Write more, type less. Spelling has become atrosious atrocious with the constant use of spell-check to correct errors. Pen and paper for the win.

Failed terribly. School made keyboard necessary. Spelling didn’t deteriorate as much though. (Okay, I admit I had a little difficulty spelling that word.)

2. Stave off junk food, fried food, fast food, and basically any kind of unhealthy food. However, once-in-a-while indulgence is forgivable.

Kinda failed in most areas too. Consumption of junk food was down but everything else remained as status quo. Circumstances not within my control called for it.

3. Avoid carbonated drinks and alcohols because they consist of empty calories. Living on a diet of tea and fruit juices since November 2008.

I wouldn’t lie to myself for that feel-good factor. I’ve broken this abstinence on one or two occasions, but mostly when possible, I have avoided consumption.

4. Go running at least thrice a week. Something that I have always wanted to do but didn’t find the motivation to go and do it.

A little ambitious but I did manage for a short period of time until school started. Still requires discipline in this area!

5. Stay single. Relationships require time, effort and money. I have none.

Within reasonable contemplation.

6. Cut back on gatherings/reunions/get-togethers. They become pointless when conducted too often and besides, I’m not a sociable person.

There weren’t too many during the year as everyone was busy with school or work. A handful in the last week but certainly mandatory, not excessive.

7. Curb spending on material wants. Family is not exactly rich or well-to-do. Should exercise caution when shopping to avoid impulse purchases,

Limited outflow. I believe I’ve only spent on necessities, excluding expenses on overseas trips.

8. Be less temperamental. Keep emotions in check. Maintain an indifference to how others view me. How I see myself is more important.

I don’t remember a time when I lost my temper this year, but there is a need to gain better control over emotions. Stopped being too self-conscious.

9. Contribute more to society. Get involved in volunteer work to help the needy and less fortunate. Give to charity. Karma works both ways.

Travelled to Vietnam to aid the community there. Signed up as a grassroots volunteer. Looking to doing more next year.

10. Show more empathy. Do not hesitate to lend a helping hand when others are in need because of social stigmatism. No matter how small.

Failed on some occasions due to image consciousness. A year-on-year decline as compared to 2008. Needs work.

Final Score: 6.5/10

Verdict: Good effort though a much higher level of mental discipline is required to achieve success in lacking areas. Better luck in 2010!