New Year Goals

Even though I didn't do a fantastic job on last year's goals, I did get some of the things done. The list itself just helps get my thoughts and short-term goals in line. As a lot of them are based on fun activities, there is no reason why I shouldn't follow through. So, here it goes! Ways to make 2013 fantastic.

1) Go to graduate school. I've been applying for some schools in the US and will be applying for schools in Seoul as well. If I don't get into these schools, I will be pretty disappointed in myself. The thing is, I need a decent amount of financial aid to attend. . . We'll see what happens.

2) Take the TOPIK test. For me, studying Korean is fun. Sure, it can be tedious at times, but I love Korean class and if I can get a high score on the TOPIK it will be a tangible certificate that I reached one of my goals for living in Korea.

3) See things in Seoul I haven't seen. This could quite well be my last year in Korea. There are a bunch of things I haven't yet done in this city that I probably should do before I leave. This includes Seodaemun Prison Museum, Seoul Racehorse Track, Jongno Tower, the National Museum, etc.

4) Try to keep up with this blog a bit. Maybe bi-monthly. I focus a lot of my attention on my Korean language blog and gay culture blog, so I don't have much time for From Here to There. However, this is kind of my personal diary, so I really should make sure I'm leaving my thoughts and impressions. Even if they are poorly written.

5) Go to more islands around Korea. I definitely want to make it to the islands near Mokpo again (and spend a couple of nights) as well as get out to the eastern islands near Incheon. I wouldn't mind going to Ulleungdo again either...

6) Payday HBC or Gyeongridan restaurants. There are SO many restaurants near my neighborhood. Sometimes we get stuck in our favorites. Like Moroccan sandwiches or The Baker's Table. If C is up for this, I'd like to go to a new restaurant in our neighborhood every payday. That way we don't have any financial obligations to worry about (we'll keep that to the week prior to payday).

7) Hike more mountains. Seriously, this country is full of them. And so many are accessible from Seoul. One of the best memories I had with my sister and mother was going to a random mountain (Ungilsan) and visiting a random temple (Sujongsa). It was remarkably beautiful.

8) Run at least one race this summer. I need to buy new running shoes, but when I do, I'm going to make 2013 the year of running. Well, that may have already happened in my senior year of universtiy. This will be my year of running in Korea. I ran a 10K in 2010. Why not do it again?

9) Cook more at home. Not necessarily for cost, but for health. If I cook at home I know exactly what I'm putting in my body. And probably eating less meat.

10) Enjoy everyday. Seriously, I have a fantastic life. It has its ups and downs, but I'm so grateful for everything. If I can continue to enjoy it, I will be happy.