What I said:
"1) Do that work, like a boss. With only three months left of university I want to do as best I can on any assignments that still lie ahead including that mammoth dissertation of mine. At the moment whenever I close my eyes to sleep my dissertation is what I think of, usually having sudden surges of inspiration when what I desperately need is sleep. Thanks for that one, Brain. "
Did I manage to complete it?
Yes!
I managed to ace my degree. In creative writing alone I got straight firsts and over all I got a 2:1, an upper second class honours degree. My degree certificate now hangs in my study with pride next to my mother's law degree.
What I said:
"Thank you, Kimberly Snyder. I spent a lot of my life hating my appearance, focusing hatred on little bits of it: my weight, the shape of my nose, my legs. The past year or so I've really tried to focus on my health: I've been swimming more, gone on more walks, even made radical changes to my diet. I hope that in 2013 I can continue my new pescetarian diet and continue to swim and, as soon as my leg has fully healed, go on more walks/hikes. "
Did I manage to complete it?
Yes!
I kept to my pescetarian diet and have even made certain changes with my diet. Some days my diet is practically vegan. I'm very healthy and I treat my body with care. Now I don't hate my body, I'm so wonderfully comfortable in my own skin and it's great. I've done some swimming but I should really try to make sure I swim more in 2014 because it's something that I really enjoy.
What I said:
"She works hard for the money. Once I graduate from The University of Huddersfield with my degree I want to move back down south and find a job - any job at first. I want to throw myself back into work so I can start earning money (which will be continued in the next resolution) and it'll give me something to do post-grad. The last thing I want to do is fall back into the habit of doing nothing. The job doesn't even have to be relative to what I want to pursue in my future career path. "
Did I manage to complete it?
Yes.
I had a job almost directly after completing my dissertation but I'm now looking for a proper graduate job with decent pay. I'd preferably like something relevant to my skill set but we'll see what the new year brings. I got a job and earned money which I've put away. I have just started a new job and am being put on a three month contract and, whilst I work that job, I'm also applying for a position as a weekly columnist so I'll be able to pursue journalism in my spare time.
What I said:
" The Pen is Mightier than the Sword. By the end of 2013 I want to have a book, a script, a screenplay or whatever written, completed, ready for the next stage. This, to me, is just as big and as daunting as the dissertation. If I have a book published I can then look into getting it published. If I have a script I can start to consider the next stages in the production process. "
Did I manage to complete it?
You bet your ass I did!
Not only did I finish a project, but it's currently in the publication process. I worked on a novel for NaNoWriMo which, although I feel still needs some work, is a huge personal success. So this year I completed two projects and took one all the way to the next stage way ahead of schedule. I scored my first publishing deal which has really been the highlight of the year for me. Majorly proud of myself for that...
What I said:
"Do more interesting things. I should take inspiration from the film 'Yes Man' and start throwing myself head first into new experiences and situations. Variety is the fruit of life and whatnot. I could go paintballing or take up painting or learn to dance ballet again. Who knows? "
Did I manage to complete it?
I guess so, yeah.
I've taken up doing exercises at home like sit ups and squats. I started drawing/sketching again. I got back into hiking just a little bit. I took up blogging here and for The Huffington Post thus pursuing an interest in journalism. I took up making cool, flavoured iced coffees at home, some of which are vegan. I've taken up modifying shirts. In 2014 I hope to continue doing new, cool things. This year I've gone from being in university to working to trying to finish a novel... So hopefully in 2014 I'll have more time and money to try new, exciting tasks and hobbies. The year before I took up making soaps and bath oils at home.
What I said:
"Go to New Zealand."
Did I manage to complete it?
Sadly no.
I have the money to go but I've just been so busy this year and at the moment I've got other things that take priority. If I go to New Zealand I want to go for a minimum of two weeks and lately I've been too busy with my writing and supporting my partner through university (emotionally) so this is quite an important time. Will I make it to New Zealand in 2014? Possibly, but who knows...
We're one week into NaNoWriMo and so far, I'm doing well. I'm writing steadily and am currently about 24,000 words into my 50,000 word goal. Do I think my novel will be completed around 50,000 words? Certainly not! The first draft will most definitely take up a lot of space and hundreds of pages. Then again, that's what editing is for. I'm starting to think that, at this rate, I'll be able to have my first novel done by the end of the year. I'm feeling very optimistic right now. I suppose, for the next three weeks, I have to just keep on writing and encouraging my fellow cabin mates.
