One day I decided there were certain things in life I wanted to do. To ensure I did them, I gave myself a reasonable deadline in which to complete them all: my 30th birthday.
 


I went to Germany on exchange from September 1997 through July 1998, where I learned German sufficiently enough to say I now have a second language. After that, I went to Japan from January 2000 to April 2001, and then back again in August 2001 and I'm still here (as of July 2002). In my time here, I've learned Japanese, so now I have a third language.

While in Germany, I easily fulfilled my visitation of 2 non-North American countries by visiting: Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria and the Czech Republik. Later, I visited Korea briefly, Japan in depth, and Sweden as well.

I originally wanted to learn piano, but I've switched to guitar and am having a blast. I can read sheet music. I need to work on writing some original material, however.

I have my second belt in Kyokushin karate, considering going for more.

The date July 30th 2002, and I am on the verge of turning 30 in August. I've fulfilled my goals! While this is personally satisfying, I have since lost the drive to have the big celebratory party on the my 30th birthday. I originally thought to invite all my friends and party to celebrate the achieve of my goals. Now, I don't see any reason to drag other people into what really is my own personal satisfaction. I achieved the goals I set for myself, and that is enough.

From here on, the question is: now what? Do I make new goals to achieve in life? What goals? And by when should I achieve them? How far ahead should I strive to achieve goals? I decided these goals sometime in my early 20's. Perhaps my next set should aim for achievement in my 30's, due on my 40th birthday. Or maybe 35 is a better benchmark to go by. I'll have to ponder the matter. 1