Better, not butter

In less than eight hours, 2008 will be part of the past.

As I was taking a shit, showering, lounging around the house, eating, etc., I thought about how I can better myself for the next year. Neither resolutions nor to-do items, they're just little reminders on my ongoing recipe, so to speak, for great self-being based on the Seven Deadly Sins.

1. Pride : The Sin of Vanity
Like you say hello to your best friends, also acknowledge acquaintances nearby. A simple wave will do. Don't try to act like you didn't see them. Open your arms to everyone.
Give compliments on the daily. If someone has a cool pair of shoes, compliment them, even if they may be a little vain. Just because him or her might be a show off, it shouldn't take away from the fact they he or she has a sick pair of kicks. Don't just accept them, give them away. Shit, they're free! And it makes you more likable.

2. Envy : The Sin of Jealousy
Don't be a hater, it's all good, smile now, cry later! Don't be jealous of anyone. Be happy with what you have. Instead of being envious, why don't you admire?
If you don't have that cool jacket, save up and just get it later. And plus, that shit will probably be on sale in a few weeks anyway!

3. Wrath : The Sin of Uncontrol
Be in control of everything in your life. Don't take the back seat. "You're the pilot of your own future." BE PATIENT! Make the best of any situation. You're in college now. Get on your hustle and grind!

4. Sloth : The Sin of Apathy
Do everything 100%. Don't slack off and DON'T BE A VICTIM OF PROCRASTINATION. Care for all of your endeavors, like you do your family and dearest homies. Do things more worth your time instead of watching tv, surfing the web, and sleeing sooooo much! Get an alarm clock and sleep for no more than 8 hours. Though it does take money to do hella thangs, find affordable things to do, ie: bowling, movies, walking around Target, Fowler, EXERCISE!, drive around, do homework, READ!

5. Greed : The Sin of Excess
Stay balanced. Have self-control. Don't go overboard. Live in moderation. Sure, go ahead and save up your money and spend it wisely. But remember: there is always a cheaper way of getting something your want. Just do the research and prevail.

6. Gluttony : The Sin of Over-Indulgence
Try to live a better and healthier lifestyle. Lay off the soda and drink more water! Bring water to school and drink at least one bottle a day. Eat smaller protions of white rice for every portion of meat and vegetables. Put more fruit in your diet. Exercise more. Go to open gyms. Run around the block a few times a week. Jump rope! Sit ups! Crunches! It's not too much to ask, right?

7. Lust : The Sin of Sex
I'm a good boy :]

In addition:
*Read 10 books throughout the year. IT'S POSSIBLE.
*Make more college friends
*Drink hella water
*Use your agenda, PLAN AHEAD
*Don't procrastinate! The results might be frightening.
*GET A JOB
*Roadtrip to SoCal. Possible campus crawl?
*Be more active in the house - wash more dishes, fold blankets, do my own laundry, wash the car more, vacuum the rooms and rugs
*Lose weight!
*Leave the drama in 2008!!!
*Save up for '09 Christmas and birthdays
*and much more.

Let 2009 bring as much happiness as 2008 did.

Cheers.
___________________________________________________________
Dear Ricardo,
as you look over your old posts, I hope this one and its contents are checked off. I will work as hard as I can to be my ideal person. And in a year may I be steps closer. Continue to strive and hustle.

with perpetual love and utter sincerity,
Ricardo v.2008