And Another Year Approaches.

All the customary self-analysis, all the introspection, and all the 2010-stock-taking is going to remain private, this year. No tag on Facebook, no blogpost detailing what I achieved, what I didn't, what one thing would have made my year immeasurably more satisfying, et al. It's been a tumultous year, a year of ups and downs, and, if anything, it's been a year that's taught me that  maintaining privacy is absolutely necessary, so that's all I shall say. In my own mind, I've thought it all out, I know which people counted, which didn't, who made a difference, and I know the high-points and low-points of this past year, and I think that is good enough.

Wish you a wonderful 2011, cheers to the coming year, let's make it count. I know I shall. 

2010.

The year is finally over. In many ways, it hasn't been quite the best. Work-wise, it's been reasonably decent, but then I think I could have done lots more. Study-wise, the less said the better. Emotion-wise, very topsy-turvy, though I think the last few months have made me stronger and more tough.
But leaving all that aside, 2010 saw my brother getting married, Ma doing really well business-wise, and me making a lot of decisions that I plan to stick to.
Just a few hours to go for it to be officially the New Year, and while I'm not big on resolutions, I plan to make this year count. 2009 has drifted by rather vaguely, I don't have much to show for it (not as much as I'd like to, anyway) - and all that is going to change come 2010.
But let's ALL make 2010 count.
Let's save the environment. Avoid plastic like the plague. Don't litter, don't waste water or electricity. Try to go vegetarian at least 2-3 days out of the week.
Read. Books, magazines, blogs - whatever. One drop of ink can make a million think. There's nothing quite like the written word to open up your eyes.
Bring about change. If you see an animal or a child (or anyone, for that matter) being mistreated, stand up for it/him/her. Try to feed the animals in your locality, and sterilise them if possible. If you have clothes/stationery you don't need, give it away - to orphanages, to the children of your domestic help. Visit old age homes, spend some time with the past generation who have nothing to look forward to - brighten up their day. Aim to make this a better world.
It's easy to be a cynic, or an armchair revolutionary, or to be dismissive and say, "Nothing to be done!" It's more difficult to actually go out there and make a difference - and that's what 2010 should be about. Making a difference.
Here's to a happy, healthy, prosperous and productive 2010. Happy New Year to all of you.
Cheers!

Goodbye, 2008.

Just a few more hours. Then it'll have whizzed by too, like all the other years before it. I'm marvelling at how quickly time can fly by. Tempus fugit, indeed.
It's been a year of ups and downs, for everyone. A year of changes, of regrets, of accomplishments, and of joyful moments.
A lot of things didn't quite work out for in 2008. I made mistakes, I lost a few loved ones, and I went down a path I thought I'd never have to. But 2008 gave me a lot too. It gave me some wonderful friends, it showed me what I'm truly capable of, and it made me more mature.
Do I have any regrets? Probably not. Whatever's happened has happened for the best - even the clouds had their silver linings. I learnt a little something from everything.
I'm going to take charge of some things in 2009. I'm going to sit up, and make some changes, in my life. Much needed ones.
I'm going to make sure 2009 is a good year for me.
Having said that, Happy New Year! Hope you have a beautiful 2009.

Lookit!

What did you do in 2007 that you'd never done before?
Attended University, started working.

Did you keep your New Years resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't make resolutions- 1st January is way overrated. If I make up my mind to do something, I do it, and it doesn't need to be a promise made for the New Year, it can be anytime.

Did anyone close to you give birth?
Does my cat count?

Did anyone close to you die?
No. Thankfully.

What places did you visit?
New Delhi, Agra, Kathmandu.

What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
A lot more knowledge and maturity, and some more wisdom. Maybe a computer that works decently, too. :P

What date from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Quite a few of them.

What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting 97 in Elective English, making my foray into journalism, and getting into JUDE!

What was your biggest failure?
Flunking ED Drama, the results are yet to de declared, though I still know I've failed. :P

Did you suffer illness or injury?
Had viral fever.

What was the best thing you bought?
I didn't buy much for myself, though I did buy a rather nice stone bracelet. But I got some awesome presents. I gave my mom this very nice calendar though, and my brother a great T-shirt.

Whose behaviour merited celebration?
My brother's!

Whose behaviour made you appalled and/or depressed?
Nobody's, really.

Where did most of your money go?
Transport, CDs, shopping.

What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The first day of University!

What song will always remind you of 2007?
Shiny Toy Guns- Le Disko, Era - Enae Volare, Daft Punk- Digital Love, and a few others.

Compared to this time last year, are you happier or sadder?
I'm always pretty happy!

Thinner or fatter?
I'd say the same, but everyone else says I've lost weight.

What do you wish you'd done more of?
Reading.

What do you wish you'd done less of?
Wasting time. :P

How will you be spending Christmas?
With family.

Did you fall in love in 2007?
Everytime I hear his voice, I fall in love again.

How many one night stands?
None. I don't believe in them.

What was your favourite TV programme?
Desperate Housewives and Friends!

Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
'Hate' is too strong a word. 'Dislike' is more appropriate.

What was the best book you read?
Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein', definitely!

What was your greatest musical discovery?
Rolling Stones, Meatloaf, and a few individual tracks.

What did you want and get?
Good Board results, acceptance into JUDE, digital camera, new phone, trip to Delhi-Agra, loads of other things.. (It's been a good year for me!)

What did you want and not get?
A new computer (so far), and to keep Kombol.

What was your favourite film of this year?
Ratatouille, definitely!

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Turned 19, went to college, took friends out for lunch at Tollygunge Club, met boyfriend and friend in the evening. A lovely birthday!

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Nothing. I wouldn't want to change anything about it.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
Smart, like always. :)

What kept you sane?
Having my family and friends with me- but when I'm in the mood, nothing can keep me sane.

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
None really, they're all too self-obsessed for my taste.

What political issue stirred you the most?
Stirred as in irritated? Mamata Banerjee- that woman is a political issue all by herself. And stirred as in moved? The complete breakdown of law and order in the State, and the constant supply of Bandhs!

Who did you miss?
Guppy, Tanima, and Height (as usual).

Who was the best new person you met?
A, S, P.

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007.
Everything you give comes back to you. Good or bad.

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"So what's it gonna take? Silver shadow believer.... Spock rocker with your dirty eyes. It’s a chance, gonna move, gonna fuck up your ego... Silly boy gonna make you cry!" :)