...before twenty-five

Birthdays are arbitrary. Sure, they're a good excuse to have a drink with friends and catch up with old acquaintances, but I've never really been the type to get super-stoked. Either way, they do make a fantastic time marker to set focus for the following 12 months. What do I want to see happen over the next year?

I. Graduate. I've been fairly negative towards my graduation for the last couple years. Probably because it has been fairly negative towards me. Or perhaps because I've been fairly negative towards my studies. Whatever the case, the thought of finally graduating and letting it free from the back of my mind gives me a good feeling. I could have a lot of regrets, but I don't. Shit happened. I fucked up. I learned a few lessons about life - humility and failure being the principal two. And it wasn't forever, so fuck it.

II. Launch OAC. This is the year OAC gets launched. I believe it's been just over a year that the original idea was conceived. Luckily, the past month has taught me a work ethic I'd previously failed to attain. It may have started as a pipe dream - in fact, it may still very well be a pipe dream - but it feels attainable. I've also got a sexy new laptop to work on, so that helps.

III. Write a book. Usually when I get on a writing kick, I start with a grandiose sense of potential from looking at unbelievable success stories, goals way too hefty for mere mortals, and absolutely no ideas to kickstart the process. This time it's different. I've a solid idea and no goals to speak of whatsoever. Honestly, all I want to do is see if I can complete it. I'll try and work on it here and there. Although I don't want to speak too much on this in case of it being a collosal failure, here are the two principal sources that led to the my inspiration: 1, 2. It'll be exciting to see if I make it past page one.

IV. Attend another meditation retreat. Coming back from last november's retreat, I felt good. I cannot elaborate on why or how simply because I don't know. It was probably one of the most valuable experiences of my life - and definitely one of the hardest. Upon my return, I didn't keep up with my practice. It's difficult to begin with, and my living situation - which can be summed up in '2 roommates and lots of alcohol' - didn't help. When I feel I'm ready, I'd like to attend another. I'd like to sincerely practice, and I think it'll jumpstart the process. And this time, I'll know what I'm getting myself into. I'd also like to make light meditation a daily habit - but so far it's been difficult. I'm sure I'll work at it here and there.

V. Learn Spanish. Once school's complete, I'm going to begin studying Spanish at MIT - well, at least MIT's OpenCourseWare. I have to find Destinos: An Introduction to Spanish online. I've found a torrent, but it had no seeders. I'm sure everything will fall into place.

VI. Other. There're a plethora of other things I'm interested in, and here are just a few: quit smoking, join a soccer team, take up a fighting sport, learn web-design, improve my cooking, travel, figure out what I may want to do with my life, continue playing tennis, read more, take up yoga, eat healthier, get some turntables, etc. As you can see, there are a lot of ideas and its very likely another year will go by without even touching on a lot of these. But what exactly I accomplish isn't as important as that I continue accomplishing. I don't want to become a self-help junkie whose sole purpose is to life-hack, but I would like to improve my productivity levels. I'm excited about the prospect of focussing some time and energy into something productive without feeling guilty (if those last few words seem out of place, trust me, they're not).

And what will my first productive act of being 24 be? Clearning the apartment. Such fucking excitement I can barely breathe.