09

I've always loved the tradition of making my New Years Resolution list. Who cares if I actually follow through on any or all of the resolutions. Just the mere process of compiling a list of things I'd like to improve upon makes my outlook on life improve for a short window of time. One major distraction in my life, The Facebook, has already been eradicated, and thus eliminated from my list of resolutions. Let me tell you, life outside The Book is a crazy, wild ride.

Below, I will unfold my rather hefty list of resolutions. This list is by no means for you, the reader. Its purpose is...well, it really has no purpose other than to give me a little peace of mind.

1) I will start taking vitamins daily.
2) I will eat healthier foods.
3) I will begin an exercise routine.
4) I will move home and save money.
5) I will do what it takes to get to China.
6) I will drink only once a week.
7) I will be more positive and agreeable at work.
8) I will be more considerate.
9) I will value my family and friends more.
10) I will drive to Pittsburgh more often to visit Angela.
11) I will read more. This goes hand in hand with giving up Facebook.
12) I will spend more time by myself.

I have a really great feeling about 2009. It's a chance for me to start fresh and accomplish all the things I've been meaning to accomplish in 2008. In 2009, I hope to find out who I really am. I want teach in China because it's something that will finally rip me out of my comfort zone here in Morganhole. It's something that will show me what I'm really made of. Black Bear is fine. The Gap is fine. But, none of these things are making me grow as a person. I'm in the post-college wasteland, and recently I've done quite a good job of putting the 'waste' in wasteland.

Another thing about getting out of Morgantown: I can finally put my past behind me. I suppose when I refer to my 'past', I'm referring to one specific person. I need some major distance between us in order to move on.

Good Morning, 2009. You're lookin' mighty fine.

oh, you know.

So here I am, in the midst of my delightful year off, thinking: "Hey, being in the midst of my delightful year off isn't really so delightful." I need to do something. Anything, really. I feel as though I'm becoming a brain dead being taking up space. But then again, there's a lot of those running rampant around Morgantown, so I sort of fit in.

A plan for my future needs to be formulated...and fast. I mean, I have my options narrowed down to: a) graduate school b) real job c) traveling. Choice C being the most ideal, but also the most problem-oriented when it comes to expenses.

Nothing of excitement has happened to me lately. Just parties. And more parties. And being destructive. And loitering. And going to work hungover. And making 100 poor life choices per day. It's getting rather mundane. My aunt offered to let me come stay in D.C. with her for a little while. I might actually take her up on the offer. It would be nice to get out of Morgantown and explore a new place, if only for a week. Plus, it would give me a chance to clear my head without friends influencing my every move.

Maturity=Kristin!!!

Yesterday, I did my usual night run over to the playground. It had been raining, though, so when I got on the swing, my pants got soaked all the way through to my skin. When I started swinging, huge droplets of water fell from the top bar onto my face, to further complete my wet state of being. This isn't another blog about playgrounds and running. It's a blog about a really sweet thing that happened on my way home from the playground...running. I walked the last block back to my apartment and saw two old people slow dancing on their wrap-around porch. It was really dark out and they were standing underneath the light, so they couldn't see me. I stopped and watched them for awhile...just swaying back and forth looking all old and adorable. It made me feel really happy inside.

Yesterday was wonderful. I skipped work for bigger and better things. Art and food, to be exact.

I feel more grown up now. Like, I flipped the maturity switch or something. I'm taking care of things and I feel good about it. Classes will be fine. I'll just continue feeling apathetic towards them, which has proven to deliver a more pleasing outcome anyway. Gabe's will be there...but not for long (fingers crossed). Cleet has promised to help me out with my finances and also with finding a more fulfilling source of income (of which I will invest!!!!). Investing=maturity!!! Maturity=kristin!!!

Classes start Monday. I can't believe it.

New Ear's Resolutions

Kristin says, “Dad, what are your New Year’s resolutions this year?”
Dad says, “I have decided not to make New Year’s resolutions. Instead, I’m making LIFE resolutions.”
Kristin says, “Oh. Okay.”
Dad says, “Yep.”
*Kristin exits the room*

Despite my family’s new age idea of ‘life resolutions’, I sort of like the old fashioned idea of making New Year’s resolutions. Yes, I never end up following through (who really does?), but for those first few weeks…the imminent hope of weaknesses and bad habits being overcome and defeated by ‘THE LIST’ is ever present.

2008: ‘THE LIST’
1) I will exercise regularly and eat healthy meals involving vegetables.
2) I will drink more water.
3) I will recycle.
4) I will spend less time on Facebook. (teehee)
5) I will focus my time and energy on finding a life plan.
6) I will take my GRE. I will do well.
7) I will compile a grad school folder and get in contact with Career Services.
8) I will attend job fairs.
9) I will balance my checkbook.
10) I will not settle for second best.
11) I will put my friends and family first.
12) I will finish what I start.
13) I will cook more at home, and spend less while out.
14) I will continue being addicted to caffeine and will refuse to do anything about it.
15) I will not complain about my busy schedule next semester. But seriously, it’s going to suck. 16) Now that I think about it, I’m probably going to complain a lot about my busy schedule next semester.
17) I will make an effort to mind my own business (see also: #4).
18) #17 Edit: I will make an effort to not be a creepy stalker.

There you have it. My hope for the next few weeks all compiled into one lovely list that can be easily accessed or easily ignored.