Thursday, January 5, 2012

New Year's Resolutions


In the last several years I haven't really been making New Year's Resolutions. I sometimes scroll through my social networks' time lines and read my friends', but most I read don't apply to me.

General American's #1 resolution: Lose weight.

My problem: I have probably my ideal body weight considering my height and build, so I don't usually join a gym the first of the year. Not saying I couldn't trim up or get in shape (there's a HUGE difference between trying to lose weight and getting in shape), but I did sign up for a dance aerobics class this spring, so I'm hoping that will take care of itself.

General American's #2 resolution: Eat healthy.

Well, I can't really say I have a problem with doing this, it's just I'm on a limited budget as a college student, so I can't really afford to eat out all the time anyway. When you're counting your pennies, I find that I often buy fresh fruits and vegetables more often to eat and cook. I simply refuse to cut out chocolate while I'm this young, though. Sorry people!

General American's #3 resolution: Drink more water/less soda/coffee/caffeine.

My problem: Water is my number 1 drink. My friends and coworkers already know how much water I drink on a regular basis, and to be frank, I would rather not have to go to the bathroom any more than I already do. Which is a lot: a side effect of drinking so much water.

General American's #4 resolution (for those in school): Get better grades.

Well... I'm getting pretty much all A's in Graduate school. :/ I mean, I got my first A- this semester, but I don't think I can get much higher in my general average.

General American's #4 resolution (for those unemployed): Get a job.

I'm technically hired by the university as a graduate assistant, and although it's not as much as I would like to be paid, it does cover my tuition, rent, utilities, misc. bills, and food. I may try to add another part time job but I'm afraid my grades might suffer.

General American's #4 resolution (for those employed): Get a better job/promotion.

(See my response for the unemployed).

So, what really can I make resolutions for? I've been thinking about it for the past few days, and I think I may have come up with a few that I can stick to, even if I miss a day or two (I do not count one missed day as a failure, I think Americans are just quitters).


Melody's resolution #1: Begin flossing and using mouthwash everyday.

I have been pretty good about brushing twice a day, or at least once a day, but I grew up flossing only when I got a popcorn kernel stuck in between my teeth. Over the last year I've been without health and dental insurance for the first time in my life, and that's when I started to get a cavity. Until I get insured again (which should be within the next month), I want to do everything within my power to ensure my oral health. I would like to still have my own teeth 10 years from now, you know? Healthy gums and teeth are my mission!

Melody's resolution #2: Find a Bible study program I can stick to.
As many Christians know (though many will deny), it is hard to spend time reading the Bible. It can be dry, confusing, boring, and borderline crazy in some parts. I am going to spend some time (and money) investing in a different version since my King James has proven to be more confusing than helpful, as well as find a program that will help guide me to read the whole Bible this year. It's a steep resolution for me, but I think I can make it.

Melody's resolution #3: Pay off my store and bank credit cards.

I have a few store credit cards that I use off and on, and I find them to be really helpful when there's a sale or in a pinch while traveling and realizing I forgot an essential part of my wardrobe. I also have a bank credit card that my sister and I used a few too many times a few years ago, and paying the minimum just isn't cutting it anymore. In the next 12 months I want to become credit card debt free. I believe it is completely possible. (I don't plan on cutting up my cards, since having them still builds up good credit, but I want to start making purchases that I can pay back off immediately).

Melody's resolution #4: Become a social friend again.

This does not mean I'm going to start going out to bars every night, but merely that I need to make a bigger effort to reconnect with old and new friends, and stop declining invites to get-togethers simply because I would rather veg out on the couch. More card games, more board games, more BBQ's in the park, whatever!

Melody's resolution #5: Start donating regularly to a charity or church.


I want to start tithing again, even though I know my finances are not exactly pristine. The past few weeks I have been trying to make a point to give money to the red salvation army buckets every time I see one, whether it's my change, a few dollars, or a five that I don't really need to buy a cheeseburger meal with. I want to try to be a monthly donor to a non-profit like Unicef or ASPCA, but until I get a real handle on my budget for the year, I can't justify committing. :(

I have a few other things that I may or may not pursue, like becoming fluent in a second language, or learning to knit, but I think the five I listed are a good start. What do you think? What are your New Year's Resolutions?