2009 - The year of change?

Well, here we are in 2009, but what does that actually mean for all of us? For the US, it means a new president and much needed positive change (fingers crossed). For me, it means a year of triumph long overdue. At least that's how I'm hoping it'll go.

I've compiled a small list of things that I think I can either resolve, continue working on, or continue to pursue. Resolutions, if you will.

-Continue to play music: I started out as a clarinet player in 10th grade, and have gone on to learn various other instruments, but have left a few of those in the dust. I'm going to attempt to start practicing music for a good chunk of time on a weekly basis if all goes according to plan. Drum Corps should help that along :)

-Finish old video games: I recently realized that I tend to drop games right before finishing them. I think I stop at the same point every time knowing that once I've gone through the entire game, I won't be excited about it any more, and that makes me sad. Anywho, I've already finished two RPGs this year, and hope to continue this trend. On my list of games are Final Fantasy 6, Final Fantasy 10, and Okami, with plenty more to come.

-Get into shape: While I've maintained a pretty skinny figure for as long as I can remember, I used to me much more active in my marching band days, where my calves and abs were ridiculously toned. I had a six-pack at one point ... and I aim to get it back. I also miss being as limber as I was when I took a year of gymnastics. Now that I have gym access, I can't really avoid it.

-Keep in touch with my friends: I know it goes without saying that with some people, it doesn't matter how long you go without communication because as soon as you see each other, everything clicks back to normal, but I miss talking to some of my good friends who aren't within a few minutes walk or drive. Therefore, I'm going to make a conscious effort to call or e-mail or something at least once a month so I know that they're alive and well. A blog might also help others keep up to date with what I'm up to :)

-Stand firmly: I know this sounds somewhat vague, but there are a lot of controversial issues out there which come up every now and then, and though I have my own opinions, I tend to agree with people just for the sake of avoiding a conversation. It's a defensive strategy so that I walk away unscathed, but in the end, I get upset for not having mentioned something. This also goes for times when I notice or know something, yet refuse to mention it out of shyness and realize down the road that a problem could have been avoided. Thus, I'm going to try to stick with my gut feelings and say what's on my mind when I deem it appropriate.

-Go to med school! - I've already got 2 interviews lined up, 1 rejection, and 14 more schools to hear from. This is the year ... I can feel it :D

-Science it up: I realize that pending med school's start, I have but a mere few months left at my current job, which means I have little time to complete or make enough headway into my research projects. And to make things even more interesting, there's a group in Australia who's trying to do the same research I am. Therefore ... full steam ahead! Maybe I'll even get a few papers out before I finish up my work on the hill :)

-Be creative more often: I sometimes forget how much I love being artistic and creative, that when I get the chance to do so, I can become somewhat obsessive. My latest venture/brain-wracking creation has been to design a small game to lead my friends through, using an online forum - similar to an Internet version of Dungeons and Dragons. However nerdy that may be, I've found myself ridiculously entertained by creating little puzzles and designing a story and world for characters to roam about. Therefore, I will attempt to break out the sketch pad every now and then, maybe write a few poems, a story, perhaps, or even make some sort of musical composition ... who knows, but I'll make an effort to do this more often.

-Thinking critically: Again, vague, but I love having to think and work through problems. This could also go under being creative and being a science nerd, but I gave it its own place. I don't want to let my brain turn to mush any time soon, and crosswords are too much fun.

And with that, bring it on 2009!