the list

In approximately two years, I will begin medical school-- fingers crossed. Of course, if I have an identity crisis and move to LA or Ghana (which are about equally likely) or if the admission gods frown upon me, this might not happen.

But barring these circumstances, I have about 730 days to spend before I undertake that challenge.

And unfortunately, I am at risk of wasting these days being discontented. I'm prone to thinking that once I take on a new challenge, then my life will begin and will be meaningful, exciting and significant. After all, the grass is always greener on the other side, right?

I know that this attitude is not healthy or realistic. A children's story from Adventures from the Book of Virtues comes to mind in which a boy is given a magic ball of string which he can unravel during painful or boring times of life. He pulls it occasionally to avoid math exams or chores, but as he makes more and more frequent uses of the magic ball, he is shocked to find he comes to the end of his life. Then he wishes he could rewind time to relive every moment to its fullest. Sappy but true.

So in order to fight the great fight against unrealistic feelings of insignificance, monotony, and mundaness (which I didn't think was a word but is according to the dictionary), I have created a list of goals to accomplish in this time. They are ambitious-- at least in my opinion. But if they weren't, they wouldn't feel worth my time. So here goes....

1) Finish my masters degree

This might seem like a stupid goal since I'm halfway done. But since I don't really fit my program that well and sometimes I really hate it, it's a test in patience and endurance. For future reference, I'm in a Master of Public Policy (MPP) program. And yes, we like alliteration.

2) Run a marathon

My bestfriend, Erica, has informed me many times that the first guy to run a marathon finished and then died. This is meant to discourage me, but it hasn't worked yet.

3) Be in a movie

This does not have to be a big movie or even a good movie-- just something to scratch the itch of a very relentless artsy bug.

4) Travel to a foreign country

I don't really care where but Canada doesn't count (no offense).

5) Cook through a cookbook

I'm totally ripping this off from the recently released movie Julie and Julia. But I'm not nearly as ambitious. I plan to choose a much smaller cookbook, and I have a much more generous timeline. I haven't decided on one yet. I'll keep you posted.

6) Take a photography class

Hopefully this will happen before the trip to a foreign country.

7) Write a screenplay

I have had an idea for a screenplay for awhile now, and since I have a bunch of film friends, I think I should follow through with it. And again, it doesn't really have to be good necessarily. Just mine.

8) Take a yoga class

And maybe meditation? We'll see if I'm that patient.

9) Prepare for and apply to medical school

This includes finishing a number of undergraduate classes and labs as well as taking the MCAT. Necessary evil.

10) Visit a diversity of worship places and/or services

I have really only experienced different flavors of Christianity, and I would like to learn more about other religions and cultures.


So there it is. The plan. I'll write about my experiences here, mostly just to keep myself accountable. I'll probably write about other random things as well because writing has therapeutic effects on me. In this way, I am just like scores of other self-focused bloggers. But at least I admit it. And honestly I hope that you, imaginary reader, get joy out of this as a very wonderful and fairly unexpected side effect.

Finally, I never know how to sign off on letters or posts. I love the farewell "shalom" but I kind of feel like a poser because I am not Jewish. I love it because it means something to the effect of "peace be unto you" or "be safe and complete." And in some way, I think that is what we are all looking for. And that is what this two year adventure is about.

So, shalom to you, imaginary reader.