Did anyone find 2012 to be a quick passing? Yes, I know I’m about a week late but I’ve been quite busy trying to reorder my chaos into some sort of structure. Thankfully it’s going quite well and I’m back into a regular routine of writing my thesis, book and blog, gym, working, and slowly re-managing my social time. I am happy to say that my obsessive compulsive nature can be and has been put to good use!

So… for those of you who keep asking me about my “new year’s resolution” here it is… NOTHING!!!! I refuse to make a new year’s resolution because like many people, when I do make them (which I believe has only been a couple of times maybe even three), I NEVER KEEP THEM!!! I also find the ordeal pointless – at least for me, since life constantly gets in the way thus enabling the plethora of inexcusable justifications for failure! I have therefore, decided to draft up a plan that encapsulates all the actions required and of those desired. Of course they also have to be doable! So here it is, the reprioritization of the various shenanigans that seem to drift about in my life:

  • MA thesis + blogging
  • Book
  • Work + Save money + pay off some student loans
  • Gym
  • Travels (weekend in Amsterdam and Dubai, spring break in Thailand)

I’m happy to say that the MA thesis is finally coming along nicely as I was able to contact and receive a reply from the NGO. I love the field work and the information collected has been great! Learning lots and being able to see theory translate into action and vice versa is by far one of the most rewarding learning and life experiences. Additionally, it reminds me of my NGO experience in India! I have to say there isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t think about India… I miss the trips to the villages, interacting with the women, men and children there. I really hope to return in the not-so-distant future, this time to really cherish and enjoy the moments with an open mind and open heart.

Speaking of India… I’ve been gaining some ground in my book that I started last year. In between the thesis and blogging, I am working on hopefully finishing my book by June in order to get it self-published. I’ve taken time out every day to write. I know I’m a writer at heart thanks to two very special high school teachers, Mrs. I. and Mrs. H. Writing is my escape and my way of comprehending. I have to say, so far so good. Creating good and sustainable habits early on in the year should mean some fruitful outcomes *fingers crossed*.

Getting back into the swing of work and I love it. I have to admit, I’ve been quite lucky in my twenty plus years of life. Every job that I’ve managed to acquire, I have really enjoyed. I secretly think this is the reason why I am a workaholic. I’m hoping to add more hours this semester, save some money and of course, pay off some of that dreaded student loan debt! Doing pretty well thus far; making my monthly payments, saving money and been able to travel too! I guess ‘becoming an adult’ isn’t so bad? …Maybe only sometimes.

Gym, gym, gym, gym, gym!!! It’s been forever since I’ve been making excuses about not being able to go to the gym! Since my lovely experience in India, I’ve been making lifestyle changes AND THE GYM NEEDS TO BE INCLUDED! I’ve been doing pretty well since my arrival back in Cairo (about a week ago) and I intend on keeping it up. Let’s see how it goes this semester with my obsessive nature of marking and recording everything in my planner. Gym time is officially scheduled in on week by week basis (along with my writing projects).

Last but not least, TRAVEL PLANS!!! So far I’ve been pretty fortunate to travel to about 15 countries and hoping that I’ll get to continue my travels at least once a year. The plan for this semester, aside from saving money and making loan payments, take a weekend trip to Dubai and Amsterdam, and HOPEFULLY a trip to Thailand! I’d love to squeeze in another trip but I’m trying to be reasonable with costs and time. As for the last half of the year, end of June and onward… well let’s just say I’m trying to take it one step at a time.

So this is it, my plans for the first half of 2013. They are all reasonable and doable so I guess I’ll take it day by day and see where I take myself.