New Year

Extract from private journals, 26-Dec-07 03:06

I feel ... inspired. I think, from now on, I'll make my "bed" properly: roll up the sleeping and mattress; fold up the blankets neatly; pile away everything ... Do more push-ups. Definitely do more push-ups. And running. ... Maybe a gym pass to that place in [neighbourhood] wouldn't be so bad... It's nearby, and it can't be so expensive...

"New Year Resolutions"? (plans/goals)

- lose tummy fat
- pass next fitness test easily
- take driving lessons from Mark (informal)
- get a social life (start one)
- possibly get a sweetheart who'll stick around through Summer
- redecorate downstairs room
- BMQ

I went to a New Year's Eve "party" tonight. We didn't do a countdown, though; we were too busy playing Settlers.

This was at the Math school's principal's house. He's an engineer. I think everyone there was an engineer, or in swing dance (that's inclusive-or). Woo! Man, do I need to meet more people like that! One of them, let's call him Wayne, was especially fantastic; he reminded me of the Dean of Music (few years back): powerful, playful and brilliant all at once!

Sadly, I realized, I was the youngest person there by five years. Everyone else had graduated and was going into careers--steady, getting ready to settle down.

People are beautiful--absolutely beautiful. I'm re-realizing this.


Excerpt from private journals, 27-Dec-07 23:22 bus

On the way to the bus stop, I saw a lady walking. She wore a skirt and no stockings. High-heeled boots. I couldn't tell if she was young or old. I walked about twice as fast as her and was beside her shortly. She turned around; a little scared or surprised, and then quickly asked which way to [street]. I told her it was up ahead. Here. She said she was scared by downtown--heard too many "horror stories". I said it would help to cover up. She said she wasn't cold. I said it's more than warmth. I could not tell if she was 12 or 40. Old (physically) features, but a youth... Well, pre-teen-ness to her. She spoke as though she'd made up her mind about downtown.

...

On the bus, there was a black man at the very back. He asked someone for a pen. His voice was intimidatingly big; loud. Accented. Deep. I liked it. He asked the other man where he came from; said something that sounded like, "We're the same brother," or "We have the same brother". Asked if he had "keeds, cheeldren, faminy". I missed the rest. As he left, he said, "Take care."

That last sketch isn't explained very well.

The man said the words "kids, children, family" with his accent (Jamaican, perhaps?) so that they sounded more like "keeds, cheeldren, faminy", but the words came deeply from him: meaningful and potent. He and the other man were engaged in quiet conversation up until the first man left. The way he said, "Take care"--it was with love, as though the man had no shortage of it; a free and abundant well. I loved it.


"New Year's Resolutions"

Physical:

- Get fit.
- Stay fit.
- Lose tummy chub.

Social:
- Get back in touch with friends--get a social life.
- Make new friends and buddies--get a social life.
- Maintain social life.
- (Optional) Find a sweetheart who will stick around through Summer for once!

Career Path:

University:

- Go back to University.
- Learn French.
- Take Calculus; if possible, take Honours Calculus!
- Take English / "written requirement".
- (Long-term) Work toward a degree in Mathematics.
Army:

- Take Basic Military Qualification in May-June.
- Frickin' learn yer frickin' drill!
Income:

- Earn a wage increase (market research) this time.

Tada!

... More to follow later.

--Charissa