As Winter Break approaches, I have decided this year to do something different from the obligatory do-nothing-for-a-month approach over break. It will involve a variety of different goals. It will be an excellent way to expand my horizons and appreciate the finer things in life. Though they are simple, I think it will be a lot of fun.
Read at least 3 classic works of literature by the end of the break. I want to expand my appreciation for the finer works of literature. The best way to do this is to read and understand them. I feel that it is important for a person to be well versed in the classics, the books that have had a profound impact on society. Reading expands your view of human nature and society which is something I always appreciate.
Go dancing at least one night a week. As I picked up swing dancing this semester, I have really enjoyed it. It would be really awesome to keep up with it over break. It's great exercise and a good way to kill an evening. I always welcome company.
Have at least one meaningful, thought-provoking conversation a day. Simply because I am not in school does not mean I want my brain to take a vacation. Rather, I want to still be intellectually stimulated. This time not by the required fields of study, but by things that interest me. The conversations could be about the future, philosophy, different cultures, human nature, current events or any number of different topics. The point is I would like to keep my brain active.
Learn to cook four new dishes by the end of break. With nothing to do, I may as well learn to cook. Hopefully I will not have to rely on sandwiches and freezer meals as much as the average college student.
Pick up a new hobby. I currently only have billiards, dancing, reading, and running as real hobbies. Writing used to be one, but I consider that as more than a hobby now as I do it for school, The State Press, and enjoyment. Maybe I will pick guitar up again or become an avid chain smoker. Just kidding, cigarettes will not be my new hobby. But I want to make an effort to pick up a new hobby and stick with it.
Play billiards at least three times a week. As president of the billiards team, I need to be better. While I am a cut above those who leisurely play pool, I am nowhere where I need to be if I plan to lead a team to a national tournament. Consider this an important one.
Leave Arizona at least once. With so much free time on my hands, I would like to leave this state. I have been to every state surrounding Arizona minus Utah. Maybe that's where I'll go. Is there anything interesting to do in Utah? Maybe Miss Sarah Raynes can help me with this one. Of course California is always the default, but I'd like to be different. Who would like to accompany me?
Write two short stories or creative nonfiction pieces. In talking with my English professor this semester, she pointed out I view writing as a bridge to between the arts and reality. It is an art I can use in a practical manner. This being said, I feel I need to appreciate art for art's sake. I can write academic essays and persuasive pieces with the best of them, but I lack in creative writing. While I do not plan on becoming an Emily Dickinson or Lewis Carroll, I would still like to be decent in this area of writing.
The precedent has been set. While these are fairly simple goals, I must make it a priority to seek out these opportunities if I wish to accomplish them all. It will be be a fun winter break. These are things I have been wanting to do for a while. Save a working a few days a week, I will be largely free to pursue these goals.
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