Setting the bar

So now that things are a little different for me now in terms of lifestyle, free time, etc., I thought I should set myself some new goals. These are ongoing, and I don't want to set a deadline for any of them, but I need some new stuff to look forward to and work towards these days.

1. Work on time management. Don't try to cram too much stuff in one day.

2. Specifically make some time for the gym. And if possible, reading.

3. To compensate lack of gym time -> eat healthier.

4. Getting a decent night of sleep each day is a must.

5. Get a new damn phone!

6. Apply for a credit card/build credit (I know, I'm late on that)

7. Save, save, save $$$. Avoid splurging. Forreal.

8. When the time is right (?), move out of the house

...

573. Buy myself a Marc Jacobs bag :/

Hello '09

What is there to say about 2008? I don't really want to go into too much detail in this post about the ups and downs of the year for me, but what I can definitely say about '08 is that this year was an eye-opener. I think I've learned the most this year, academically, about others, and about myself. But for kicks, the stuff I can think off the top of my head (in no particular order):

The Good
I voted! Obama! Olympics opening ceremony and Michael Phelps. Everyone else turning 21 and doing 21+ grown-up thangs. Good grades. Las Vegas x2. Being more independent. Falling deeper in love. Reconnecting with old friends. Seeing Q-Tip, The Cool Kids, Pacific Division, Usher. 198 & co. adventures. Amazing year for movies in general. Turning 22. Asserting my convictions.

The Bad
Economy. Tons of notable & celebrity deaths. Prop 8. Losing my religion (ironically I'm still thinking this could be a blessing in disguise). Political/election drama. Working everyday of summer. And still ending up semi-broke by winter. Mediocre year for music, in my opinion.

2008 looked liked a great year for me by just comparing the highs and the lows, but I like to think that I had a bigger role than mere chance in the outcome. Besides, it takes the same amount energy to smile and count your blessings as it does to frown and dwell on your misfortunes, so why not just look on the bright side?

I'm not going to make any New Year's resolutions except for taking better care of myself. As long as it nourishes my body, mind, or heart, anything goes. On paper, it sounds rather narcissistic but I feel like by working on myself first, everything else should fall into place - I can take better care of others if I take better care of myself.

Work out. Don't eat too much junk. Read more. Keep an open mind. Forgive and accept more easily. Nurture the relationships you have. Learn to love more.

As for not having other real resolutions, I've noticed that probably only 1/10 of your initial resolutions still have importance by the end of the year. As I get older, I realize more and more what things are most important, and which others can play second fiddle to the real priorities. Although I don't know what 2009 has in store for me, I'm willing to put all my faith in God and the little idea I've been clinging to this year called balance - neither has failed me yet.

About time

First day of school today! Now I might actually have stuff to talk about on here. I'm really looking forward to my last year at UCI; I'm more determined to really push myself academic-wise since it's now or never, right? Even though I've decided I'm going to pursue a Masters after this year, but that's another story.

The breakdown for this quarter and end of the year:

Schedule/classes:
+Cell Biology
+Human Physiology
+Developmental & Cell Biology Lab
+Work 4 days a week

Stuff to look forward to:
+Dressing up for Halloween (I'm making sure of it since last year was a bust)
+Shocktoberfest? If the line-up gets better, not so sure about Three Six Mafia
+Watching my brother's last band tournaments, especially MC/Arcadia
+Another L.A. trip hopefully
+Work out at least 3 times a week. I'm making it happen.
+Make more decisions regarding grad school
+Thanksgiving Break
+22nd Birthday, yikes
+Save up more money
+6 Year Anniversary

More later, off to class. Bring on the stress! Ha.