"Resolution" - Nick Lachey

It's 2013.
  

"Mother Mary..."

What an ugly number; I've never been a fan of the number 13. Regardless, I hope this year will lead to even more positive changes in my life.

"I swear I wanna change."

Every year around the start of a new set of resolutions, I always somehow end up coming across a song that means a lot to me: "Resolution" by Nick Lachey. (No, it is not the song I am quoting in this post.) The song really gets at what drives my particular life goals and resolutions at any point; I am constantly in pursuit of some "best" version of myself that I know has the potential to exist theoretically, but with each day-to-day decision I make, I either bring myself closer to or farther away from this person I want to eventually be.

"Mr. Jesus, I'd love to be your King."

However, I made a ton of progress in the last quarter of 2012 - particularly with finishing both GMAT and GRE. Now to continue with this new-found motivation and continue down the path to grad school.

"Never thought this many people would even know my name."

Moving to another - yet somewhat related - topic, my mom is moving back to Vegas in July. I say this is related because I have been contemplating what to do once I do get into grad programs this Fall (knock on wood). I decided that if possible I would love to take a 6-9 month gap to travel, take risks, and potentially move back home for a bit. 0_o

"I'll be a star you keep directing me, lets make the best scene they've ever seen."

I think I am also getting closer to figuring out my true career passion. And coincidentally, I have Panera to thank. I have known for some time now that I was passionate about Health, Wellness, and Nutrition. Additionally, I know that I would like to work in a job that directly helps people of disadvantaged life situations - particularly children. Finally, I know that I would like to own my own business and be my own boss. Thus, one can imagine how excited I was when I read about Panera and its recent "Panera Cares" chain of restaurants. I love the idea, the mission, and the business model; But most of all, I love that it is the first time I have seen an example of someone doing something that combines all of my major passions from a career standpoint.

"Let's capture the moment, 'cause even forever ain't forever."

As a whole, I'm happy to finally be excited about something career related again. Now I have the rest of this year to make sure I have all the right cards in play to achieve my ambitious career goals.

Step 1: Get into a good MPH / MBA joint program.

"I swear by the moment, 'cause together ain't promised forever."

In other news, I learned how to snowboard over NYE in Whistler! Resulting in what I would characterize as a moderate addiction. Something about snowboarding makes me forget about everything else and get completely engulfed in my surroundings. Although, that could probably be how I managed to ignore the fact that I was frostbitten for almost a full day on the mountain. -_-

"Let's live in the moment, as long as we got each other."

Although I am excited for my travel plans in 2013 - e.g., Southeast Asia, Ultra, DC, Vegas, Burning Man - I have to say I think I'm more excited for the lame nights of staying home and planning out my life. I actually love those nights equally as much as some of my funnest nights out. And I have so much life now to plan! :) That's what I'm most excited to do in 2013.

"Die the moment."  

Aside from getting into grad school and continuing to learn to snowboard, I guess I do have a few other more typical resolutions. Of course the first of which being working out more often. I am also attempting to continue becoming more creative and confident in the kitchen. 

Fundamentally, I just want to continue living in the moment and trying new things - something I did well in 2012.

Move forward; 

Live for today... while planting seeds for tomorrow.

"I'm prepared to die in the moment..."