as promised: the "things that will be (back) in my life this year" post

i had to go back a few posts to confirm that i actually made such a promise, and i did, so here goes.

2011 was pretty craptacular, for myriad reasons. i still have a bit of optimism left, though, so i've decided to make a list of things that will be (back) in my life in 2012. i wouldn't consider this a list of goals or resolutions or anything like that - just some things i'm looking forward to in the coming year. i'm sure i'll come back to this list as 2012 progresses, either to check things off or make some additions/changes. in no particular order:

--a smartphone w/a data plan

--voice lessons

--room service

--an apartment of my own in chicago

--less debt

--live music (as in going to concerts more often)

--a vacation that involves an airplane and/or a change in time zones

--dining out (as much as i love to cook, i really miss going to restaurants. so many places to visit, both old and new.

--arts/cultural/entertainment outings

--at least one trip to the casino, preferably on christmas eve for jesusjack

--a job that doesn't suck

--medical insurance

--visits to my doctors that don't involve me begging for free samples of meds

--going out with friends spontaneously (vs. having to plan things out w/r/t my budget)

--disposable income

--a savings account that has more than the minimum amount needed to keep the account open

--a retirement account, or at least something that resembles a retirement plan

--more book purchases (and bookcases to put them in)

--a trip to the dentist

--a new watch

--regular attendance at ddpp