To a happy new year!

So, I'll let you on a little se cret--I did switch islands on you. Have no fear, I am still on one. The island is slightly larger than the one I just left. This one is also not tropical. As a matter of fact, the weather outside is -14 C. However, as I will continue my attempt at a healthy life here, I will keep on updating. They say that every year has buzz-words. I think neuroplasticity counts as one for the past year of 2013. It's the concept that the brain can re-wire TREMENDOUSLY, allowing you to create new habits, erase old ones, change your personality, use one part of the brain to compensate for a damaged part. There is much more--I know very little about the topic. However, it gives me inspiration for learning new things and setting goals for years to come. Here is my rendition of new years' resolutions/ bucket list. It all started from a list that one of my high school friends thought up. It was her goal to do 101 things in 1001 days. And I would say she did a great job of finishing many things on her list (complete list here). I made up a list in 2010 as well, and it has slowly evolved. Things I have completed, changes in interest, etc., have shaped my new list. Which I unveil to you in all its glory--behold. . . Travel

Visit Boston (or take my vacation to coincide with an event/festival)

Keep thinking about Spain/Majorca and Australia (may not be in near future)

Learn geography (cool places to visit, history, things to do/what it's known for)

Financial

Do taxes in Canada

Start learning about investing/saving

Get rid of all loans by July 2017!!!/graduation :D ($360/mo is gonna be tough)

Buy to replace, not just to buy

Health

Take care of hair (trim, greek yogurt?, shea butter?)

New hair stylz

At least 1 month of pescatarianism (vegetarian w/fish . . . and eggs and dairy, lol

Meditate 10min/day and work up to 15 etc.

Stretch >5-10 min/day for 3x a week

Don't chat online/waste time on the internet past 1 am

Do something on the list while depressed or down (or journal or SB)

Social

Befriend someone at the farmer's market

Join a community group

Get to know the Hispanics in Pathology and secretly learn their language and dance

Get to know the French and secretly learn their language

Watch international film/or have a film night 3-6 x this year

Plan a camping trip

Participate in a winter crafting gettogether

Have brunches 3-6 x this year

Professional

Speak up!!!! (know when I tend to not, notice when I'm not, practice)

Stay organized with research

Notes all go in one place!!

Update calendar daily

Cooking for 1 (think of a strategy, get recipes, freeze, cook in groups)

Do conservation work

Help with radiology club (US wet lab, lect on US artifacts?)

Mentor?

Sat 8:30-9:30 am review topics I learned about turing the week

Personal Development

3 overnight trips (hiking/camping) even if I have to do them alone

Plan forward for the weekend (like starting Wed.)

Cook actual recipes (diff styles of food, enough to freeze)

Read --> Search Inside Yourself: The Unexpected Path to Achieving Success, Happiness (and World Peace)

Learn Spanish (including vet vocab)

Learn French (including vet vocab)

Learn to sing 10 songs

Somehow learn to dance contemporary zouk lambada

Make a quilt

Knit a sweater

Make a scarf-rack

Labels: Ideas