the ramble

While reading through some old paper journals last night, I came across an old, fantastic idea. Something I’d stopped doing, for no apparent reason, and am going to start again.

Every year, starting sometime just before or just after starting college, I would do two things:

1) Make a list of What I Learned Last Year. This included such statements as “Even rock can be worn away if you run water over it long enough,” “an open heart will be broken: this is undeniable.” (The second one being a quote from a book called Radical Hospitality).

Each year I would make this list of important life lessons and from time to time I come across them and remember.

2) Make a list of Next Year’s Goals. Not really New Year Resolutions, as that seems cliche to me. But things I want to be, want to accomplish, want to see, etc. I found that–for me–making this list helps it come true. Because I take every presented opportunity and work to make them happen.

Having come across these lists from years past, I was inspired to make this year’s list.

I started with last year’s things learned, but that got a little depressing. Mostly what I learned last year is that I want to erase last year from the record. Unless, of course, I get some sort of special points for not walking in front of a bus when I lost everything.

So I moved on to my goals. And I thought I would share some of them with you. (Mostly so that you all can send me bottles of wine in the mail).

2010 Goals
1. Apply to grad school. Again.
2. Figure out the next steps in my career
3. Live with Roommate #1
4. See Luna fully trained
5. Foster puppies on the weekends
6. Be happy
7. Try at least one new wine each month
8. Leave the country again
9. Set no bounds to my affections; not allow myself to become shut off or shut down
10. Submit my book at least once per month
11. Be wholehearted
12. Paint my wine glasses
13. Bike to work once a week all summer; teach Luna to ride along