I didn't even notice christmas

The first time that's happened. I think a good part of my childhood involved waiting for feel good movies on tv around the season. There has always been a cake and some fuss over decorating the Christmas tree. Nothing this time. Oh well. I will make it a point to notice New Years.

To start things off, I am going to make a few resolutions this year. 

I can set my heart on a lot of things, but I think I am going to go by priorities and then useful, but non-priority items. The priority for this year is work. Especially, during the first half of the year. I already have seven different things to manage (3 classes, 3 additional papers and teaching) and new requests seems to pop up by the day. 

I think the challenge in growing up is knowing how to gear oneself towards long-term goals. Not just knowing what they should be, but motivating myself to work towards it. Its easy enough to study for an exam or commit myself to anything that requires a short but intense bout of focus, the rewards come quick, but now I need to be more deliberate. So here goes:

1. Have a routine. 

While I will always have to adjust a little here and a little there, this is not a semester where I can do a week of mad work and one of no work. 

2. Track my weekly progress on narrowing in on my dissertation topic.

I will have to commit to a topic half-way through the year. The rest of my life would be much less of a pain if I go for something I personally feel is interesting and relevant.

3. Initiate a survey or experimental design (this is for the 2nd half of the year)

4. Continue exercising. 

With everything that will be going on, this one is easy to put aside. But I will feel unhealthy and bloated and be in a general state of discomfort if I don't. So I must. Also, a sense of babeliness never hurts.

5. Read a simplified version of the Mahabharatha. 

I find myself retelling the few stories that Amma and Uma valiamma told me when I was young, and liking it.

6. Be good at talking/speaking to an audience.

I think teaching would probably help with the nervousness, but I will need to make some effort as well.