15 Best Intentions for a New Life

Fair warning: The following is a sufficiently selfish post, containing little introspective appeal. I've found blogging to be an equally efficient "document of personal record" as a thought-dispensing forum.

Alas, I have about six weeks until I leave the suburbs. There may not be enough cyberspace to express my joy, certainly there's not room on Meta-Minute, so I'll sum it up by saying: it's about time.

In my organizing mind, I've begun making three separate lists related to the move. One is a purely practical list, full of things I need to procure or change upon leaving Lorton. Another is house-related, though, also painfully pragmatic--after finding our place, what do we need, and what should I do with anything that's left?

My final list is my "New Life Virtues" list. These are the commitments I will make to myself because they either have made my post-graduate life much better, that is, I'm happier, in part, due to these choices or with an appreciation that law school can be disorienting, promises to myself for myself.

So I am sharing:

1. Eat locally produced, cruelty-free, and fresher foods. I'll rely on Farmer's Markets and local co-operatives.

2. Exercise everyday (which can include walking or biking). Exercising at the gym five times a week with a one year goal to become a certified personal trainer or class instructor.

3. Attend a sangha at least twice a month. Meditate weekly.

4. Enjoy a new cultural "artifact" every month downtown. I should try to spend time in all parts of DC.

5. Leave the city once a month to breathe. Particularly to visit family and friends.

6. In lieu of activism, I will make donations to several, local, community-rooted organizations, and Barack Obama's campaign. To the extent possible, I also will steer any law school opportunities toward community action, beginning with the Pro Bono Pledge. (Challenging to do first year, yet easier afterward.)

7. Saturdays will continue to be "sabbath" days. Limited studying/reading, if any.

8. Continue my quest to be "unplugged." That is, avoiding online idol-ness or always being accessible via cell phone.

9. Minimize weekday dining out. Establish a breakfast and dinner at home routine, if possible. No social drinking, consistent with non-drinking.

10. Maintain at least one active creative endeavor whether it be writing, reading or producing of another kind.

11. Listen to my NPR favorites and catching-up on news on a weekly basis.

12. Write Terrell regularly. Keep in touch with other friends, likely via phone and Facebook.

13. No new relationships (which also means sex) for the first two months of law school. (May be interesting to know that I changed "two" to "three" several times before finally deciding on 8 weeks.)

14. Continue pursuing preventative health-care needs, like dental and vision.

15. Any of these commitments are subject to change.

This final one may seem out of place, but it is, indeed, perfectly arranged. Circumstances change, so do we. These virtues, as I call them, are more like intentions. Yet none should dramatically change unless given deep thought and due consideration.

It's all so very beautiful. Thank you for allowing my indulgence,
R.