Some Goals/Aspirations

The New Year’s Resolution has gone the way of the buffalo.  What I’ve substituted instead is something more personal.  It’s different when it’s tied to a significant day that is significant to yourself.  Thus, with my birthday being one day away, I’ve decided to lay out a few things I want to aspire to over the next year:

1) Drink less ____, drink more ____.

Fill ins for this would be “beer”, and “wine” ; “coffee”, and “fruit juice”.  I want to get rid of some of my vices, like beer or coffee, and replace them with something a little more mature/better.  I’ve always wanted to delve in the wine world, and be a dude in the know.  So what better time to start than now.

2) Read a book for enjoyment, one hour each night.

Something that is a television substitute … except on nights when How I Met Your Mother, Criminal Minds, or Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives are on.

3) Read/consume educational material – blogs, books, podcasts- and apply.

I want to be more familiar with financial and economic issues, and learn more skills to round out what I can offer, be it career or personal.

4) Eat better by cooking new dishes.

My normal cuisine consists of chicken, broccoli, and whatever sauce I have around.  I’ve taken some of Uncle Steve’s advice, and will diversify my spices, and refridgerator items.  Time to start impressing people!

5) Be in a solid financial standing by April.

Meaning not be debt free, because my student loans will still be in effect.  I mean be better with my money, start saving for our next apartment, a car, and set up a … oh yeah, that’s the next thing …

6) Raise an emergency fund of $5,000 by this time next year.

Sure, it’s not an exorbinanate amount, but it’s something solid to work with incase something happens.

7) Experience some aspect of a different culture.

Be it going to see a Russian ballet, or an Indian restaurant.  There are too many unique experiences outside the culture that I know that shouldn’t go untried.

Go on a vacation with Sam.

We’ve gone on mini-road trips before, but a serious, plane ride vacation is something I want to do before this year is over.

9) Get into shape.

No gym necessary.  I will accomplish this by walking to places I need to go, playing soccer, and eating well.

10) Maintain a positive attitude towards things.

My normal “keepin’ it real” mentality sometimes comes off cynical.  And rather than be miserable, I think it’s time to smile more, and just live life the way it was meant to: care free.