5. Save money; lots of money.

This will be my hardest goal. I’m not working at Wal-Mart anymore and only at the school. However, I am learning to cut coupons, price match and how to save on such things as food and gas. It’s not an easy road but I’m learning the process as I go along. I just need to make sure I have money when I graduate college and get my own apartment. This is the initial goal in mind right now.

6. Learn to cook better.

Right now, my extent of cooking is limited to the microwave, Crockpot and a George Foreman grill. I have a small gas stove, but every time I turn it on I smell gas. I can’t wait to get into another apartment where I have access to a stove again. This is one of the best things anyone can look forward to in their home. It’s the ability of having chicken nuggets taste flavorable in the stove, versus dried out and soggy in the microwave. I miss my stir-fry, but most of all I miss my homemade biscuits.

7. Spend more time with those I love.

My nephew and nieces are getting to be half grown and I can’t believe they’ve grown up this fast. My youngest niece already has a mind of her own. She can talk to you for hours on any topic without getting tired or stopping. I’d like to spend more time with my parents, too, and hopefully my family out-of-state. I don’t know how much travel time I’ll get, but this goal is especially important.

8. Get clips and build my portfolio.

I’ve been really busy on The Daily Eastern News. I’ve designed, wrote articles, written/designed Verge (the magazine of the Daily Eastern News), submitted online projects, taken photos and now I’m an online poster for the online staff. I post all the news pages after they’re submitted by our editor-in-chief. We’re one of the few student-run papers in the U.S. and we have our own printing press. I really need to work on getting into the archives to get my clips and building a website. This is going to help me when I go for a job.

9. Learn more about hockey & baseball.

I’m becoming a Blackhawks fan & a White Sox fan. This is surprising for someone who really never cared about sports for most of her life. However, I do find them really enjoyable to watch. I’ve watched most of the seasons this past year and I’m starting to get the grasp of both games. I find them both fascinating, but my favorite game to go to has to be hockey.

And finally…Dun dun dun

10. I need to read more.

I find myself buying books that look “interesting.” Then I remember I have 10 textbooks in my apartment that need my daily attention. Summer would be the best time to read except I’ll be in class. However, I do have a month off between EIU and summer session. Maybe I’ll see how many I can get through. I’m not a speed reader by any means, though. I miss this enjoyable hobby of mine.