New Year's Resolutions

Yes, I realize that New Year's resolutions are often cliche, but this year, I am determined to start doing the following things more often. Honestly, I am certain that these goals are perfectly attainable.

1. Actually read the books on my Kindle
I have a tendency to shop through Amazon's "Daily Deals" on a much too frequent basis, and I when I find something that looks like a good read, I usually purchase it. I mean, the other day, I found a David Sedaris book for less than $5. Who is not going to jump on a deal like that?

2. Healthy BMI
This is my extremely cliche resolution, but I know that I will have the diligence to achieve this goal. Over the last few months, I have managed to drop my BMI over three points and I have gone down six numbers in my jeans size. This is quite an accomplishment, but I know that if I work hard for just a little bit longer, I can be at the "recommended" weight-height ratio.

3. Write enough good songs to form a basis for an album
For a project a couple semesters ago, I completely wrote, performed, and recorded my own single. It was a start, but over the last few months I have been working hard on furthering my repertoire. Currently, I have about four (almost five!) songs that I have written that I believe have good potential. My ultimate goal is to record my own album someday, but I first must start writing songs that might actually sell!

4. Write a children's book about something geeky
Last semester, I took a Survey of Physics class in which I learned about radiation. Because of the discussions that took place during those classes, I have an idea for a children's book that I would love to see flourish a little bit this year.

5. Learn to knit or crochet
All over Pinterest and Etsy I have seen beautiful things that can be made by knitting or crocheting. I think that this would be a handy skill to have.

6. Be more diligent about writing letters
It is important to build relationships with people who are meaningful to you. On top of that, receiving a hand-written letter in the mail is always a pleasant surprise. This year, I plan to make time to keep in contact with those that are near and dear to my heart (no matter how much discrete mathematics I have in my lap!).

7. Journal or blog at least once weekly
I am not as good of a writer as I would like to be, and I know that periodical writing in either a blog or a journal of some kind would be beneficial. My writing skills will develop the more that I practice, and accomplishing Goal #1 on this list will help as well.

8. Find a mentor and be conscientious about frequently meeting with them
Personal and spiritual growth has become more important to me, especially now that I am more independent than I was in high school. I have recently become involved with a church in my college town, and there are many women who have made a big impact on my life. I want to get a couple of mentors (an upperclassman mentor as well as a more mature mentor). If I am diligent in meeting with them on a biweekly basis for coffee and a chat, I know that it will aid in my personal growth.

9. Be a "big sister"
As far as I know, there is a Big Brothers and Big Sisters Club in the town where I attend college. I plan on applying to be a "big sister" because I know that being an impact on the life of a child in troubled circumstances is more rewarding than I can fathom. I want to make a difference in this world, and I know that this is one way that I can start.

All of the above are things that I should have started doing a long time ago. The harsh truth is that I have been rather lazy about being committed to each of those tasks. Although "New year, new me" is a rather cliche catch phrase, there is some truth to it. A new year is like a clean slate, a blank canvas. On the one for 2014, I intend to paint a beautiful, blossoming picture.