So I've managed to neglect my Xanga for the longest time, and what better way to return than to write in celebration of the New Year?

I've dug up a list of resolutions from back in May of 2008 -

• Become closer to my brother, set a good example for him, steer him into the right direction
• Get a new car!
• Be completely debt free (With ample money for school tuition and emergencies)
• To have visited my family in Beijing/Shanghai
• To have transferred or is in the process of transferring to a 4-year college
• Consistently exceed my sales quota at work
• Go out at most once a week on Friday/Saturday nights
• Be smoke-free and be healthy

So since then, let's see...I've definitely gotten closer to my brother. I did not get a new car - but I did spend an ample amount to keep my car running. It's probably not the brightest idea but aside from me not being able to shift into 3rd gear, I really like my car actually. And I figure, why go spend hella money when you have a working car already, right? It's not like I have money to waste and my car does exactly what cars are meant to do - get you from point A to point B. Although a sexier car will definitely not get in the way of picking up some girlies.

As far as debt free, I am definitely not debt free, but I can for sure say that I'm as close as ever to getting rid of my debt. And I did manage to increase my income to more than double of last year. As far as China goes, I almost went but then some issues came up with obtaining a Visa. I will definitely try to make it this summer.

I was preliminarily accepted to UC Davis for Economics but I think I will attend CSU East Bay for Business Admin with a focus on accounting. Sure, I had to compromise and settle for less because I was always brought up thinking I should go to UC Berekeley. But...it is what it is and I've definitely learned that it's okay if I don't get into an Ivy League and that going to a state school will not hinder my chances whatsoever of becoming rich and successful. My parents, especially my mom, still has a hard time accepting this but like all things...in due time.

2008 was not exactly a good year in the economy but I still managed to exceed my quota at a low-traffic store at least 3 or 4 times. Now that I'm at a busier location, I will extend this resolution to the 2009 year.

As far as going out, I definitely don't go out as much anymore. In fact, I was quite surprised at myself for staying in on a few popular weekends (e.g. Halloween weekend) to do more responsible things such as homework. However, this is not to say that is easy to resist going out Friday and Saturday when my schedule allows it. And even sometimes when my schedule doesn't.

I'll be brief on the smoking - I am 9-10 months smoke free but in lieu of that, I've most definitely gained some unhealthy weight. Will work out soon.

All in all, yes, I had to stretch a few of these things to say that I've met my resolutions, but I am proud of the things I've accomplished. I am definitely grown now, but far from perfect. There are definitely more challenges to face 2009 but I am definitely taking a step in the right direction.

I will make a list of resolutions in 2009 in due time as I think of them.

A long time ago, a friend told me to make a to-do list of things I should do. I made one, but I never really followed through. Now it's time to get my grown man on, gone are the days of ephemeral revelations of self discovery, epiphanies, and other millions-of-things-I'd-like-to-do-list lost to procrastination and hopeless causes. A few things I'm striving to accomplish by the time I'm 25:

• Become closer to my brother, set a good example for him, steer him into the right direction
• Get a new car!
• Be completely debt free (With ample money for school tuition and emergencies)
• To have visited my family in Beijing/Shanghai
• To have transferred or is in the process of transferring to a 4-year college
• Consistently exceed my sales quota at work
• Go out at most once a week on Friday/Saturday nights
• Be smoke-free and be healthy

I honestly believe once I achieve my set goals, everything else in life would just naturally fall in place.

Feeling like I'm on top of the world..

Lilly comes when you stop to call her
Lilly runs when you look away
Lilly leaves kisses on your collar
Lilly, Lilly, Lilly, Lilly, stay!

Lilly comes when you stop to call her
Lilly runs when you look away
Lilly leaves kisses on your collar
Lilly, Lilly, Lilly, Lilly, stay!

One day she passed him by
A twinkle in her eye
He said " she was meant for me!"
But when he turned around
He lost what he had found
Oh where can his Lilly be?

Lilly comes when you stop to call her
Lilly runs when you look away
Lilly leaves kisses on your collar
Lilly, Lilly, Lilly, Lilly, stay!

He searched the city streets
He tempted her with treats
But nobody stopped to taste them
Some are in his pocket
Some are in a locket
He couldn't bring himself to waste them

Ever since she's gone
Some days he can't go on
She runined for another
Pressed up against the glass
He prays that she will pass
Now he's living with his mother

Lilly comes when you stop to call her
Lilly runs when you look away
Lilly leaves kisses on your collar
Lilly, Lilly, Lilly, Lilly, stay!

Lilly comes when you stop to call her
Lilly runs when you look away
Lilly leaves kisses on your collar
Lilly, Lilly, Lilly, Lilly, stay!

Stay, stay, stay, stay