Plenty of sane people out there are being wise and stickin’ to 12 new things for 2012. I, on the other hand have spent one moderately regrettable year with my head in books, behind a computer monitor breakin’ brain sweats for my Master’s Degree (which I’m getting this May, hooray!) and I feel that I must make up for lost time. All work and no play makes Shannyn a dull girl snarky lady.
This year I’m going to really grow out of my comfort zone yet again- I’m going to milk this Chicago experience for all it’s worth. I relocated here well over a year ago and still have so much to experience about the city- and guess what? I have more money to do so, hooray! I have been barely squeakin’ by financially due to the high cost of tuition, but now that I’m pretty much done, I have a few coins to rub together and I intend to use them- or at least pitch them with good wishes into the fountain of life.
2012 is going to be all about soul and beauty. I’ve been living the frugal life for a year now, I think I shall learn to incorporate more of the beautiful… just the simple joys- good friends, new experiences, flowers, staring up at the sky, looking at life through new (camera) lenses and just feeling and creating deliciousness.
Everyone has been asking me what I’m doing next now that I’ve “accomplished” what I set out to do in Chicago (A.K.A. get my degree) but I feel I haven’t accomplished what I set out to do. I came here to really live my life. I have a lot of that left to do. I haven’t found love, there’s music still unexperienced, food I haven’t tried, laughter I haven’t listened to in places I haven’t discovered yet.
I haven’t finished what I started and if I were to turn back now, I think I would be leaving Chicago before I fully “unpacked.” I have a lot left to experience- and I have to lead by example. I’m not packing it in yet- and if I change my mind and hit the road, that will be for me to discover later on. Right now thought? I’m staying right here and taking this experience for all it’s worth, writing my chapters and Ralph and I are going to be just fine.
Good luck, I love everything on your list..which city are you thinking of?
Well I know I'll be going to Denver for the Financial Blogger Conference and while I've driven past it, I've never been there! I also want to see Boston and go somewhere foreign, I better start earning some money!
love these resolutions/plans for the new year! congrats on earning your master's, woot woot!, and I'm eager to hear about your adventures accomplishing everything.
Thanks Alyson- don't worry, I plan on photodocumenting everything on the list and keeping everyone in the loop! So glad to have your support!
Congrats on getting your masters! And Im sure your online ventures will bring you close to the 30k mark.
I hope so- I just need to sit my butt down and produce some content and write that ebook/guide I've been mulling over in my head. $30k would be ahhhmuaaaziinnnggg!
Congrats on the Masters! I skipped my graduation ceremony for my MBA, but it meant a lot to a number of my classmates.
8) Spa day – You should definitely do this. I suggest the day after graduation (or the day after any visiting family leaves) to reward yourself and just relax.
13) Bake something – might I recommend a savory cheesecake? C and I are rather famous for our cheddar sausage cheesecake, and I'd happily share the recipe.
Sounds like a good list of goals. Did you know that now you need a passport for Canada? Besides Canada, what country are you thinking of going to.
Ya, when I went to Canada last time a passport wasn't necessary. I'm really not sure where I'd want to go with a passport. I need to generate some serious income and then make a plan- I'd love to take a cruise somewhere below the equator! I seriously would take anywhere warm and with good food, maybe I should start with the Americas! Any suggestions?
Pride and Prejudice is amazing – definitely my favorite of "the classics" and I'm sure you'll love it!
I absolutely adore Boston. You must visit. I'm sure Joe will show you a good time if you give him a call – he's an excellent tour guide.
Let's use our passports together! I have some family in Costa Rica if you want to hit up Latin America…. oh, and attending church is always good in my opinion 😉 If you want any suggestions, I always plug my own (of course). The Episcopal Church is pretty liberal as far as churches go, so I think you'd enjoy it.
Dad was like "Ya, you'll end up in Boston" and I just laughed. I told him I already had a friend on board! 🙂 Ohh, let's go for Costa Rica. I need to make some money so we can go, or learn to travel hack so we can go for cheeeappp! My Gram used to attend the Episcopal Church when I was a wee little sprout so it's also good to hear you vouch for it. Maybe one day I'll be a good person if I attend once in awhile! 🙂
BTW Jenny- thanks for always commenting on my blog- I hope you know how much I really appreciate it and enjoy your words!
This is great. What a fantastic year to look forward to.
I would love to see you as a blond… with bangs. I was thinking of getting bangs this year. I haven't had bangs since I was a teenager.
Niki- thanks for stopping by! I totally would be adventurous with full bangs- I've never had them! Someone told me I'd look like I was 12 and that scared me a little, but then again- maybe I'm young at heart? Ha!
Wonderful goals!! Good luck with all of them! I would love to visit a totally new to me city too this year. I'm happy to find your blog and would love to see the updates on your adventures.