So, it's getting to be that time of year again where people make resolutions. They want to turn over a new leaf in the new year, lose weight, spend less money, finish those projects they always wanted to do, become better people. I never used to see the point in New Year's resolutions because of how many people make them and then break them a week later, and also because - well, you can have a fresh start any time you want to; you just need to get off your arse and do something about the stuff that's bothering you.

But, considering the whole of 2012 has been pretty tough for me, the start of a new year has a new significance for me. I really do not want 2013 to be the dive that its predecessor was. I want to be busy, and use my time well; learn stuff, create stuff and do good things that make me feel like I have a purpose in life. And I know I've done these before with little success, but to mark the start of 2013 I am compiling a bucket list. I'm trying to be reasonable about it, with goals that aren't too expensive (okay, there are a few expensive ones, but I'm trying to minimise the costly ones nonetheless), and goals that are realistic. Here we go...

1. Take 3 photographs a day
2. Read every Shakespeare play, sonnet and poem in my anthology
3. Read every unread academic book and make notes on the text
4. Finish the first draft of 'The Great Couch Happening of '69'
5. See Caravan live in Salford and get pictures!
6. Finish the first draft of 'The Chronicles of Stan'
7. Finish my castle in Minecraft (Norwegia - that's my world name :))
8. Get a permanent job
9. Pay off my student debt
10. Finish the first draft of 'You Know You Got (No) Soul'
11. Visit Mum again
12. 30 minute guitar session each day
13. 30 minute clarinet session every day
14. Journal entry every day
15. Acquire 50 new vinyls
16. Decorate room PROPERLY
17. Find out about going back to university
18. Knit a scarf
19. 30 minute keyboard session every day
20. Get a bass guitar
21. Walk somewhere everyday
22. Finish one page in sketchbook every week
23. Re-register with an NHS dentist
24. Reach a healthy weight
25. Drink eight cups of water a day
26. Listen to every vinyl I have not yet listened to
27. Climb Slieve Donard, reach the Saddle
28. Get Sherbet Dip ask blog going on Tumblr!
29. Discover ten new bands
30. Write and send a letter to Mike Oldfield
31. Use MyFitnessPal every day
32. Send a nice anon on Tumblr every day
33. Donate 365,000 grains of rice to freerice.org
34. Take Jason's mum on a trip (to Ireland?)
35. Save £500 towards my wedding
36. Maintain my healthy eating regime
37. Let Jason listen to Caravan, for god's sake!
38. Write a kickass personal statement for university
39. Write a graphic novel for Script Frenzy (I know it doesn't run anymore, but I'd still like to have a proper go)
40. Go to the nature reserve at Sefton
41. Visit Speke Hall
42. Get my eyes tested again
43. Dye my hair a funky colour
44. Keep writing a newsletter for the Hope Academy Families' Group
45. Swim at least once a month
46. Attend the Liverbards (Liverpool NaNoWriMo group) meetups
47. Write a poem a week

... and that's pretty much it so far. I'm going to keep adding things tomorrow, should I think of any. And I guess I can add them throughout the year :)

So, it turns out that yesterday was not my last day in work. My four hour shift yesterday became eight, and then half-way through the day I was asked to come in and do seven hours today. It's been so busy; we've been taking in tons of return items and today was complete lunacy. Items were being returned faster than I could re-hang them and put them out. But it kept me moving, and subsequently I am exhausted. They tried to get me in again tomorrow but to be honest - er - no. I need some rest. Plus I want to see Jason tomorrow. I couldn't go to his last week because of Christmas and all that.

I'm next in on Thursday. I'd say it is my last shift but, well, we all know what's happened the last two times I said that. They may well want me in on Friday and Saturday, too, but after that my contract will be over.

It's okay, though, because it means that I get paid for a wee while longer. Since there's no student loan to pay off this week I'll have a bit more money to tide me over. Anything will help if it puts off reopening my claim for Job Seeker's Allowance that little while longer.

And that's pretty much it. It's been a good, busy day, and now I'm just chilling out with the bros before bed.