December 26, 2001
2:31pm

Today is the first day of Kwanzaa, but I don't feel much like celebrating. Kwanzaa is really the kind of celebration you should have with your family, like Christmas or Hanukkah (but without the religious connotations). Unfortunately, my paltry bank account prevents me from spending more time at my mother's house. I'm back at work today. Maybe next year I'll be able to practice Kwanzaa properly.

Now that Christmas is over I'm looking forward to the new year. I wonder what the new year will bring, how I will change, or even how the world will change. I'm definately a different person now than I was this time last year. I've witnessed a lot of death both personally and on a national level. I've had to depend on God a lot more. I've definately grown.

I was thinking of making some New Year's resolutions, though it seems futile to do so. I've never accomplished any of my resolutions before. However, I have been thinking about some things I'd like to do. For instance, I'd like to volunteer on a regular basis. I've never volunteered for an extended amount of time and I figure the new year is a perfect time to start. The United Way is already sending me information on places in my county where I can volunteer. I just have to choose a service to work for.

I hope I'll be able to graduate next year; although my lack of funds is a big obstacle. I really want to go to animation school, but I'm not leaving this university without a degree. I've lost nearly four years of my life, savings, and sanity here. They owe me a bachelor's degree and I'm going to find a way to get it.

Another one of my goals is to sing in public again. I haven't done so since high school, and I really miss it. I think my voice is even better now, which is a miracle because I've never had formal training. It's been so long since I've sung that most of my friends now don't even know that I can. Oh well. I guess we'll see if I accomplish any of these things in the new year.