AC
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Thursday, January 14, 2010

2010 Is My Birthday Backwards

It's not that I've forgotten about this blog or didn't want write in it, but I couldn't find something substantial to write about. My daily life is full of ho-hums and the biggest dilemma I've had recently was whether or not the shirt I was wearing smelled (they did). So I realized that when I come back, I'll have to find something totally and superbly kick-butt and awesome to talk about.

2010 New Years Resolutions (or before I graduate)

ok not the most kick-butt topic, but I have to start somewhere.

1. Better Hygiene
I hate the smell and the taste of mouthwash. But since I realize I have weak enamel, which resulted in my four fillings, I should really start using it. On a related note, I am one of the lucky few to have gum recession at my age. Guess that's the venue where I pour all my stress and pent up anger.

2. Better Budgeting
During the middle of fall semester, I decided to start to become financially independent. I just started earning enough income last year to pay for most of my personal expenses, including my apartment rent and even some food back at home. I fulfilled my long-time goal last year of buying my brothers something nice when I begin earning money (Nintendo DS Lites), which makes me happy. These were much better presents than the ones I bought in previous years (eg: neglected sudoku books, tongue scrapers). I think it's because now it's my own money, I'm more careful the way I spend it.

Back to the topic... I respect a lot of people who have been financially independent since a young age and I know it's harder than it seems. The exceptions to this goal are my tuition (already paid for by my parents) and basic necessities when I come back home. There's these basic needs that are relatively easy to keep track of, but I am starting to save for bigger things, like a car, college loans, and business school (this is going to gobble my account).

3. Travel the High Way
Along those lines, I have never had my own car, since we already have three at home and I study on the east coast. But I am going to get a car this year, wherever I end up living. This also means getting over my fear of highways, having nearly had an accident my first time.

4. Move the Earth
Since trying to grow a watermelon when I was about 5 failed utterly, I want to try growing something by myself, whether that be flowers, a tree, or maybe even try growing a watermelon again. Not tulips though.

5. Be Published
Depending on when I start working, I will begin writing a book. I made this decision at the start of college and wanted to write it while studying, but I never found the time. And my best ideas come when I'm in the upstairs bathroom of my house while showering or (aggressively) brushing my teeth. Obviously I'm not going to finish this goal before the year's end, but I want to get a good start on it. I'll probably blog a bit more about it as my ideas go on.

6. Work No Matter What
During my early years of college, before the whole recession going on, I considered taking a year off between college and work, so I could volunteer. That was the original plan in my personal timeline of plans and goals I wish to accomplish in my life. But recent events made me think that it's important to find a job now. But even if I don't find a job, I still want to teach or volunteer. I was considering applying for TFA, but thought maybe I'm not ready to teach a class. I'm actually quite scared of teaching a full class, since it's different from tutoring and the small summer course that I've taught in the past. But it's better than being a bum at home. There's always something to do, even volunteering, and I guess I'll have to see what happens this year.

One thing I discovered: I love earning money. It's not just any money, but when I earn it, I love it and care for it so much more.

That reminds me. One question we ask potential members of Cornell's Class of '14 when we meet or interview them is, "If you were to take a year off between high school and college, what would you do?" I have received the same answer now for every single Cornell applicant, which amuses me. (Even I gave that same answer 5 years ago) and I'm wondering if there is someone who is going to give me a completely different response and throw me off.

7. Keep in Touch
I was cleaning out my FB inbox and realized that I was so much more social the end of freshman year and sophomore year. Even though there were dire consequences like having creepy stalkers, it was nice bathing in the spotlight during that time when you've just started to make your mark in the school. But I learned that more important than anything is respect. Respecting yourself, respecting your friends, respecting people you don't know, and respecting people you don't like. I need to remember keeping in touch and not forget what makes college memorable.

Going back to Ithaca next Tuesday. About to complete the end of a chapter in my life.

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Posted by Alice at 11:49 AM

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