Eleven Goals for 2011

Smiling flirtatiously isn’t exactly one of my plans for this year, but that’s the best I can do to look confident. I am not really one of those people who make resolutions every year. I feel like changing doesn’t have to start precisely on New Year’s Day. It can happen any day, any minute. But I do like making plans and goals to be achieved for that year. I usually post it online so I can commit to it more. (It’s not always effective, though.) My lists were often long, but for 2011, I will try to keep it at a minimum.

I have so many plans that I realize that to do it all, I need to be a superwoman. A superwoman only capable of saving herself, that is. I wish I can do everything, and I wish I do have super powers. But sadly I am no cast of Misfits so I simply have to narrow down my goals to a few. Some of these have been on my list for years now. Maybe this year, I can finally cross it out.

1. Start walking tall.

By walking tall, I mean by wearing heels. I am barely 5-foot-tall, and yet, I am stupidly fond of wearing flats. You can’t blame me if it’s more comfortable to wear doll shoes. But this year, I swear to be comfortable wearing wedges. I only have two pairs, and I really am planning to invest on more sky-high platform shoes. Also, I think it would improve my walk. I’ve been told that I walk like a first grader. I no longer want to walk like a child. Please.

2. Stop shouting.

I have a feeling that this would be one of the hardest to accomplish. I’m a shouter, I know that. Oftentimes, I do not notice that my voice is much louder than normal. I blame it on my poor hearing but really, I can’t control my excitement. My parents and my sister also have really loud voices so we make quite a ruckus when we’re together. I am not aiming to be less talkative, that would bring me sadness. to tell you frankly. I just wish I can moderate my voice so that I wouldn’t draw too much attention to myself. Also, I no longer want to be apologetic when I appear to be mad whenever my voice is too loud and my speech is too fast.

3. 365 project.

This would be my third attempt on the 365 project. I like taking photos, anyway, so I really wish I wouldn’t lack motivation this time. I can foresee that I will lack inspiration every now and then. But I will keep my fingers crossed and my camera close to me at all times. I’ve started it already. You can see it here.

4. 52 books in 52 Weeks.

I want to do to the 52 Books in 52 Weeks project. 52 weeks stand for the 52 weeks in a year. I really think I can do this since I only need to read at least one book per week. Also, I plan to write a short review for every book I will ever read. I’ve been moving from one book to another without fully digesting what I’ve read first. For a change, I want to write everything that crossed my mind when I read a book. Okay, probably not everything, just whatever I feel like writing. It doesn’t have to be long.

5. Cook at least ten dishes.

I want to be more ambitious this year. This has been on my list for two years already. It’s also included on my Bucket List. I want to accomplish this.  I’ve only managed to cook 2 dishes last year. I’m such a failure, I’m ashamed, really. This year, however, I will strive to cook ten dishes. I can either learn on my own or ask anyone to help.  Actually, I’m considering joining a cooking class. We’ll just see.

6. Be more patient.

Since I know that I cannot change the people around me, I should just tolerate those who annoy me. Maybe I should have just said that I should surround myself with people I like, but I can’t do that since my sister is one of the people who pushes me towards my limits. I can’t really eliminate her from my life. Though I don’t really like her, I still love her and she’s my sister. It would kill me not to talk back but I should still try not to fight her, or anyone for that matter. My new motto now is: “Be kind for everyone is fighting a hard battle.” Or something.

7. Learn Korean.

Lately, I’ve been getting into Koreans again. Ever since I had more time in my hands, I’ve been watching Korean dramas and movies. I guess no one can ever take the fangirl out of me. I’ve been meaning to learn Hangul for years. Maybe 2011 is the year that I can finally master the language. I can already read and write. This year, I wish I can finally understand what those pretty boys are saying without having to depend so much on subtitles.

8. Write more.

I bought this journal with the hopes that I can write in it everyday.  It’s kind of weird to say that I haven’t been writing much since that’s all I did back in college and that’s also the nature of my job. However, I still feel like writing isn’t writing if I’m not doing it for myself. I want to go back to writing whatever the hell pleases me.  I want to go back to journal writing, old-school diary writing. I bought a little journal so I wouldn’t be pressured to fill the pages. I just have to write the highlights or realizations or ramblings of the day. That’s it.

9. Drink vitamins.

According to everyone around me, I’m too thin. No, I am not anorexic. I do not skip any meal. In fact, I become grumpy if I get hungry, and I’m always hungry. I also always have food with me. I don’t know why I don’t gain weight and why my cheeks won’t get fatter. I’m eating as much food as my stomach can take. Yet, I still see no result. I’m hoping that taking supplements would boost my chance of looking more healthy. Well, I just want to be healthier, really.

10. Save. A lot.

I just want to put this out there. I have more money now compared to when I’m still a student. But I still feel like it’s not enough. I know that I won’t be one of those people who’d earn much more than they can spend. I know I won’t even venture into the field that would let me earn money to live the luxurious life. While I’m still young, I want to start saving for my future. I just want to be “stable” as early as possible.

11. Take the TOEFL test. Pass with flying, jumping, frolicking colors.

I’m planning to go to grad school some time in the future. The diploma course I want to pursue requires me to take the TOEFL test first. I am quite nervous since speaking in English is my number one weakness inferiority. But I do want to get better at it so I’m also planning to take some extra classes/training to help improve my English.

I know that “to be friendlier” should be on top of my list but I don’t want to. I have enough friends and I will make new friends in due time! Being friendly isn’t exactly something that should be put on a to-do list of sort. There are other things that I know I should do but these ten are my priorities. I have 363 days left and so far, I’ve been faithful to my list. With or without super powers, I will try really hard to accomplish everything listed here.