December 31st, 2003

I think, for the first time since I was in third grade, I'll make some new years resolutions. But these aren't just any new years resolutions. They're my new years resolutions. And if there's one good thing you can say about me, it's that my word is my bond. So, unlike most everyone else, I actually plan to do what I say I'll do. My resolve is real. At least if it's not, this will tell me so. I'm also a realist, so my resolutions shouldn't get too difficult to carry out.

1. I think something I'd benefit from greatly is going to bed at a decent hour. I've grown accustomed to getting a great deal of sleep every night. I mean a great deal. And it's my own fault. During that eight months of nothingness, all I did was sleep half the day then lay around for the rest of it. I'm sort of "conditioned" to sleep a lot. But anyway, I tried to jump right back into sleeping around six hours a night once school started back up, and needless to say, that didn't go over too well. So I need to start getting to bed on time. If I can get that part done, maybe I can eventually work my way down to sleeping less overall.

2. Pick a major. It's hard to believe I've been walking this planet just over twenty years now and I still don't know what I want to do with my life. I need to do some real thinking on that subject this year. No more aimless drifting. It's been fun, but it's time to get some direction. There's a good aptitude test I can take at the college that will suggest careers for me. I should get in there and take that sometime this semester.

3. Fix the ole 'Stang up. I can't decide if I should work on the '68 or the '66. The '66 needs a hell of a lot of work, but I just like it more. I like its body style more (even though there's hardly any difference in body style between a '66 and a '68) and it's modified like crazy. I can do whatever I want and not have to worry about it when it's modified like it is. The '68 runs a lot better and needs far less work, but it's bone stock. I'm limited a great deal with what I can do with it. Well, not really. But I couldn't bring myself to make modifications. Nowadays, you don't just take something that has remained relatively untouched for thirty-five years and "ruin" it with modifications. Not me, anyway. So I'd be working with what came from the factory in the late 60's. Not very fun. But it has potential and still runs great. I just couldn't bring myself to tear it apart... It would be much wiser to put a grand or two into the '68 and get a more reliable vehicle. Later I can tinker with the '66 all I want. My god, I think I just made a decision. Wow...

4. Get a job. I think this is one I couldn't avoid even if I wanted to. After paying tuition yesterday, I'm $1,400 lighter. That, along with the $1,400 from last semester, has left my bank account cut in half. More than cut in half after books, gas, car insurance, and day-to-day expenses. A job is definitely in my future. Like it or not.

5. And finally... move out. If the last two resolutions come together, moving out can happen. And I think it's long overdue. My mother gets on my nerves more and more each day, and it's nothing really that she's doing wrong. I just don't want her watchful eye on me anymore. It's time to cut the apron strings and get the f--- out of here. If the job (above) pays well enough and I get my car running reliably, I can save up to get out on my own. And that sounds great.

I think that should about do it. If I can get those things done, I'd say I had a very productive year. Looking back, I don't know if I can get it all done. I tried to keep it simple and do-able, but the longer I went on, the more I wanted to do. But, hopefully, I can accomplish all I've hastily set before myself. If you'd like to help with any of the last three resolutions, email me and I'll tell you who to make checks payable to. :) Happy new year.