Resolute Resolutions

I never really believed in new year resolutions. Kinda phony, I thought. If you're going to change anything, you'd feel it, and you'd change it. I guess this is part philosophy and part character flaw. Maybe that's why I never made many changes throughout the years that I can count. This year, however, I feel is a very monumental year. During the second half of 2006, my life has drastically changed. I never lived for myself, as I have always wanted to help, to save, to give. But this year, I realized that not only will I truly never live for myself, I will also never live alone. So in welcoming this change, let me boldly and resolutely say ...

I have decided that I should make the following adjustments in 2007:

1. When I say "I have decided", go through with it;

2. Kick ass in school (enough said, coz I know exactly what that means);

3. Believe in Brian, and believe in myself. Believe in a bright future, and believe in "us". Hold on to them and do not let go;

4. Before I start stressing out and getting scared, give myself a couple more minutes to evaluate whether it's worth it or not. Seriously, is someone going to die? Is the world going to end? No? Well, then it'll be ok -- DON'T PANIC;

5. Before I start to procrastinate ("Oh, I can do this later."), start doing it -- one step at a time. Seems like I am more likely to procrastinate because I get overwhelmed by the task;

6. Build a better relationship with my parents and continue the special ties I have with my cousins;

7. Just do it, and don't think too much about it while I'm doing it ... have a positive attitude, and it'll all work out;

8. Trust that I can do more than I think;

9. Find more perspective to understand, but always first understand firmly my perspective;

10. Be a better friend and check in with my friends more often;

11. Drive, and carefully so;

12. Think of more creative ways to write;

13. Cook more and use my cookbooks;

14. Practice being an "Untouchable";

15. Be healthy and start climbing again;

16. Spend less time waiting around and stalking on MySpace. Instead, devote that time to reading, gaining knowledge and expanding creativity;

17. Volunteer in my spare time;

18. Enjoy exploring myself and additional hobbies in my spare time (don't be shy; you will fall embarrassingly more than you want).