So, one of my dad’s favorite quotes comes from the movie,
“Office Space.” The quote takes place when the main character is describing how
he feels to some sort of psychiatric specialist. The main character explains
that “each day is worse than the one before, which means that each day is the
worst day of my life.” Every time this quote comes up, my dad cannot control
his laughter. And while I agree that this quote is funny, I also agree with the
logic. Except, I like to put a more positive spin on it. Rather than each day
being worse than the one before, I like to try and make each year a little
better than the one before. If I follow this line of logic, that would mean
that every single year is the best year of my life… Can you beat that? Really?
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| The logic is unbeatable... just like my new Panda hat |
So, in order to make each year a little better, I like to
make New Year’s Goals every January 1st. And, yes, I mean goals, not
resolutions. When I think “resolution,” I think of making drastic lifestyle
changes, and that can be intimidating. A goal, on the other hand, doesn't necessarily imply change, just something to work towards. Overall, I think a
“goal” just seems more feasible. I don’t know about you, but trying to reach a
goal just seems a lot more attainable than sticking to a resolution… but now
I’m ranting.
Back to my New Year’s Goals. I have been writing these
puppies down for eight years now – a personal tradition I’m proud of (and also
slightly surprised by). The first year I made them, I was a sophomore in high
school. I wrote each of my twelve goals on a post-it note and showed them to my
parents. And, yes, I was proud. Did I achieve all of my goals? Ha. I doubt it –
but I can’t be sure, because I don’t have them with me now. Either way, I’m
just excited to be here eight years later with a new set of goals to look
forward to. And because I’m nice, I've decided this year to share (some of)
them with you too:
- Find a New Job by October
- Yes, I’m mostly certain this is my last year teaching here in China, and so in July I’ll be packing up and moving home. And, while I would love to just mooch off my parents for the rest of my life, I know I shouldn't, so I’ll hopefully be employed again by October!
- Rescue Roxy
- Most of you know I have a cat – Roxy – who currently resides with my kind, loving and wonderful parents. However, those same parents have given Roxy an eviction notice for the end of the summer. And, so, I must return home so that I can provide her with my own care once again.
- 3 Go to Jiuzhaigou
- This is a national park in Sichuan province, China. I've seen pictures and it looks a-ma-zing! Google it and you’ll see why it’s on my list.
- Stay Healthy
- Up until these last two weeks of holiday chaos, I have actually done a pretty good job this year of eating well(ish) and exercising on a regular basis. I like the results, and so I hope to keep it up!
- Keep up with Blog
- Ha. I don’t actually have high hopes for this one, but what's a goal list without some challenges? Really though, I would like to become a more regular blogger – both for all of you, lovely readers, as well as for me. Fingers crossed for this one!
- Stay in touch with Rachel
- For those of you who don’t know, Rachel has become my most bestest friend here in China, but she’ll be returning to the motherland (America) for good this winter. But, I can’t bear to lose her friendship, so we’ll just have to stay in touch over the internets for now!
- See the Great Wall
- I know, I know. I've lived in China for a year and a half and I still haven’t seen the Great Wall. What have I been doing?!? Well, a lot actually, I just haven’t made it up there yet. But I won’t let myself leave this country without a Great Wall trip in my pocket, so no worries there.
- See my Best Friends
- I haven’t seen either of my best friends in over a year now – and it’s terrible! So I don’t care where, when, or how, but I will see you Ashley and Meghan! I miss you two too much!
- Finish my Finland Scrapbook
- I studied abroad in Finland in 2009. Yes, that was 4 years ago. No, I’m not finished with the scrapbook yet… It’s detailed and meticulous work, okay?
- Eat Dog
- I’m sorry if this offends anyone, but I've just got to do it. I think it’s another one of those “China” things that I just can’t leave this country without doing. And also, I've heard dog is delicious…
- Love your Family (and show it!)
- I think this one is self-explanatory. And I can start with it right now: I love you, family! <3
- Leave China with No Regrets
- This will be my last semester here, so I've got to make it an unforgettable one! Whatever I accomplish and whatever I don’t have time for, I want to be able to leave Hangzhou feeling satisfied and proud.
- Be the Best You!
- This one is a little cheesy, I suppose. And also vague. But I think it’s important because it will challenge me to be awesome. And isn't that what's most important in life?
So, those are my 13 goals for 2013! (I actually did not do
that on purpose, it just worked out that way. It’s a nice coincidence, though, isn't it?)
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| Here's to a rockin' 2013, errybody! |
So, whether you made New Year’s resolutions, goals, or nothing
at all, I hope that 2013 is everything you want it to be…
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