i solemnly swear

 

Yes, I know it's already the end of February. And yes, I decided to talk about New Year's resolutions now. I didn't actually make any resolutions, because you start them with such enthusiasm, which eventually wears out and you realize nothing has changed from last year. So, what I did was to make some guidelines, or whatever you want to call them, for 2013. I had a similar idea on my 20th birthday when I wrote down 20 things and for the new year I fused that list with a new one I made up. This is what I came up with:

I Appreciate & enjoy your life as it is.
II Don't buy clothes &c. You're a poor student & can't afford it.
III Continue being friendlier, learn to be more positive & to open up to people.
IV Don't dread, worry or regret things you can't control.
V Love & show your love.
VI Study. You're paying for it, so benefit of it.
VII Carpe diem; don't dwell on the past.
VIII Don't wish for things when you know you don't need them or possibly can't get them. Nevertheless, don't stop dreaming.
IX Keep up Meat Free Monday.
X Read more. It makes you happy.
XI Remember: let your past make you better, not bitter.
XII Control your drinking. You're getting old & clearly can't handle a drink anymore.
XIII Don't be unnecessarily proud when it only harms you. Still don't lose your pride.
XIV Don't miss opportunities.

As you can see, I've made myself practical and concrete ones, considering my eating, drinking, financing and so forth, but also all the improve-yourself-mentally baloney. And, so far my "resolutions" are going pretty well!