Resolutions/Goals for 2013

1.Break my web addiction:
Last year I spent way too much time on the web. Most of my internet use is for social/communication purposes. Facebook alone probably held the largest portion of my time. This is hypocritical in the highest degree for me because I have a poem called “The Theology of Technology” where I address the problem with the idol we make of media/technology. I can no longer recite this poem if I can’t limit my web usage. Being in school requires I use my computer to put together presentations, type papers, do research, and communicate via email so I won’t be able to stop using my computer altogether, nor do I want to. I know that the gift of technology is great if used in both a proper context and moderation. I just have to learn to limit myself.

2.Stop Missing Church:
Last year I missed a lot of Church once school started. Or when I did go to Church it was at a new Church with friends from school. I wasn’t very settled or focused. This year I’d like to be consistent in my Church attendance at my home Church.

3.Go on a Cruise:
One of my best friends went on a Cruise last summer and had the best time. She had invited me but I was unable to afford it at the time. I’d like to save up this year and go with my friend this summer.

4.Get Arms like Michelle Obama’s:
I hate my arms! They’re so ugly to me. I’ve been losing weight but my arms are an area that needs much toning. I hope to get this part of my body in shape.

5.Get a tan:
I’m tired of being so pale. Last summer I went camping with the youth group. We were at the lake, enjoying our day. This was the only day that had clear weather while we were camping. I wore my bathing suit and didn’t bother with sunblock. Major mistake. Later that evening I was freezing, teeth chattering, and had an awful headache. The next day my face was bright red. When I got home I realized my shoulders and back had blistered. Then I had the fun of waiting for my burn to start peeling. It was painful, unattractive, and unpleasant. I’ve been reading about the best way I could get a tan without burning so I want to try these methods.

6.Poetry Crew:
While at school I’ve had the privilege of meeting some very nice guys that perform spoken word poetry. I’d like to form a group of us that would be interested in putting on different events, speaking at open mic competitions, traveling to different Churches, and speaking to youth groups. The guys and I are supposed to have a meeting once school starts to see where everyone stands and pray about things.

7.Record a video:
Last semester I shared my poetry a lot. 3 open mic events, at Church, class devotionals, or randomly on campus. I was frequently asked if I had any of my work on YouTube. The answer is “no” but there are 2 videos of me on Facebook (requiring you to be my friend to view them). I’d like to get my work on YouTube but I want to be happy with the video. I don’t know how to film or edit anything impressive and I want to make sure I pursue this poetry project carefully. As of right now it looks like a friend of mine at school may be recording a quality video for me and if it turns out nicely, I hope to get my stuff on YouTube.

8.Make more female friends or focus more on the female friendships I have:
God has blessed me with some awesome guy friends. Whether back home in MD (Eric), at my Church (Joel, Jared, Adam), or here at school (Royce, Tanner) - my guys are the best. But I realized this past semester that I really have a small handful of female friends and I don’t get to hang out with them enough. It would be really nice to have more female friends in my life that can appreciate the little things with me (like chick flicks or my appreciation for Ryan Gosling).

9.Weight loss:
Always. I’m so tired of this being a goal. I lost a bit last year. Not enough though. Once school starts I’m going to return to the gym and try to adopt some healthy eating habits. I want to look good for that cruise I mentioned earlier.

10.Go on a date:
Ok so my year of being single ended on October 31st, 2012. I am now free to date. So I’d like to go on a date. I have a friend that seems to think I’m scared of relationships because I’ve decided not to pursue potential relationships with a couple of guys that have asked me out. I’d like to prove my friend wrong and go on a date this year.

But I do have a couple rules:
1. The guy has to ask me out. I refuse to ask a guy out.
2. I have to be friends with him before the date. I don’t want to go out with a stranger. That’s just weird to me.

11.Look more like Jesus:
To do this I must have more of God’s presence in my life. I must meet with Him on a daily basis and I must fall in love with Him all over again. I want to hunger for holiness. I want to be obsessed with God. Right now, this isn’t enough.