…in with the new.

I have a confession to make: I love calendars.

Calendars are fantastic. I get to the point where hitting up the calendar section at Borders or Barnes and Noble makes my heart flutter because there are so many choices. I pretty much decide ahead of time that puppies, although cute, are not an option as a marquee for 12 months. And I’m not a fan of inappropriateness, so inappropriate and rude calendars are bypassed too.

If it were up to me, I’d be okay if the actual dates weren’t a part of the calendars; I really like the pictures, which is probably why I dig those coffee table books so much. In fact, I have used pictures from calendars of years past and framed them to hang up in my room.

Resourceful, eh?

But, alas, I cannot deny the glee that comes to mind on the 30th or 31st (or, well, 28th or 29th in February’s case) when I realize that the next day I can change the page on the calendar. Or those magnificent tear-off calendars, where there’s a new page every day. Sigh. It’s like a surprise, a new pair of shoes that you get to break in and wear out, a new book to read, a fresh bottle of shampoo, a cup of coffee at “the Bucks” – it’s new. A new month, and in January, a new year.

Although calendars are just another way to measure time, alongside our planners and to-do lists and apps and Outlooks, I like being able to remember a particular date because of something wonderful that happened. My goal is to look for something great to remember about each day, no matter how overloaded or sad or stressed I am. For instance, today is my mom’s birthday. I remember her birthday last year well and I want to remember today as a great day to notate.

Instead of focusing on what I’m doing or not doing, I want to put my intentions on what God is doing. Ultimately, anything good I do or receive comes from him anyway and I could never repay him for any of it. I want to spend today, tomorrow, yesterday and this year looking at what he is doing for and with me. Who knows – maybe I won’t worry as much.

Hopefully.

“Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.” – Habakkuk 3:2

Things I’m looking forward to this year:

1. Rome – The choir trip to Rome in May still has a lot of money, planning, double-checking, and packing involved, but this will be my first time out of the country and I am excited and very nervous about it. Maybe I’ll be mistaken for a pop star and end up rocking out in a concert, like in The Lizzie McGuire Movie.
2. A possible potentially ridiculous journalism class in New York – So I still have to get accepted, but it was quite the journey getting my application ready and all sent off in one piece. Either way, it’s been neat thinking about it. Now I just can’t get crushed if I don’t make it in. I know God’s got it all under control one way or another, but my fantasy about running through NYC in heels just might come true if this happens. Also I’d learn a lot that I’ve been wanting to learn.
3. My parents’ 25th anniversary – I really want to do something special for them because they’re the best parents ever. More scheming later…
4. Continuing with the school’s online newspaper – Since we got it off the ground last semester, now is the time to really get it flying. I’ll be working hourly for it now as the managing editor, not just for a class, but because I want to. And boy, do I. I’m excited about it all.
5. Our leadership retreat for Student Activities – Yes, this retreat is very gut-wrenching because we change up leadership positions, but I’m excited to see what happens. The more I worry about it, the less fun everything is. I know I’ll be okay with whatever happens because, oh, yeah, God has it covered. It works out better when I let him do his job. :)
6. Next school year – Oh, because it will be my senior year. That’s why. And our campus has had a lot of construction for a new sports and rec complex and apartments – and I definitely want to live in one of those. The apartments, I mean.
7. Weddings – Some of my friends, including my marvelous roommate, are getting married. Meaning I lose another roommate to marriage, but hey, God bless. :)
8. Church – I’m stoked to see what develops at my church this year, especially within the youth group. We could all go for a spiritual face-lift almost all the time if we’re honest, but I sense an awakening coming that is not spurred by caffeinated beverages. At least not solely.
9. Family and friends – I’d say last year was maybe the toughest year yet. I don’t know what 2011 will bring, but I know that relationships will be strengthened and growth will happen. I particularly enjoy seeing people I don’t typically get to see, like our friends who live in the state next door and family out of town. Holidays mean the bringing together of people and I’ve certainly enjoyed this past holiday season.
10. Writing – Um, I love writing. Blogging, for whoever reads it, is a great chance for me to write whereas I normally wouldn’t allow myself to because “there are too many other things to do”. Other than journaling, you know, with pen and paper, I can spew on for 1,000 words a lot quicker and (gasp) even get feedback from folks. Perhaps I’ll get the chance to document my life story or begin the manifestation of a novel this year.

“If you lose a moment, you might lose a lot – so why not?” – “Why Not”, Hilary Duff

That’s enough Hilary Duff references for the year, don’t you think?