Happy New Year

Here we sit on the threshhold of 2008. I have witnessed the dawning of plenty of new years (perhaps too many), but every time I do so, I promise to myself that I will do things a little different, a little better in the new year. Some times, I actually succeed. However, no resolution is any good without some structure. So, as with any good navel-gazing exercise, I now officially kick off my introspective spectacle of new year's resolutions.

On Writing:

• I will write at least six days per week, for at least one hour each day that I write.
• I will seek to achieve at least ten solid hours of writing per week
• I will attend at least two credible writers' workshops.
• I will begin submitting my work in earnest to publishers (of various types).
• I will develop a marketing plan for my writing career.

Regarding The House:

Within one month, there will be no cardboard visible to a casual observer strolling through all the rooms (garage excepted).

Within two months, the house will be arranged into normal functional configuration.

Within six months, I will have a functional workbench constructed and populated in a manner that will allow me to perform standard household and garden maintenance, repairs and improvements.

I will use said workbench regularly.

Regarding myself:

• I will exercise at least three times a week, at least one hour per session, in a vigorous manner.
• I will lose enough weight to put me at less than 180 pounds by the end of the year.
• I will sort through and rid myself of all old, out-of-date, and unfashionable clothes.
• I will try to find meaning and fulfillment in my daytime job without going completely insane, breaking any computers, or injuring any people.
• I will go to church more often.
• I will try not to feel so guilty about the things I enjoy.
• I will try not to injure or kill myself on the motorcycle, snowboard, golf course, or other recreational activity.
• I will go on at least one long-distance motorcycle ride with others.
• I will go on at least one overnight camping trip
• I will practice at golf and play at least four full 18-hole rounds of golf (or eight 9-hole rounds).
• I will not allow myself to be dragged down by the negative people in the world
• I will allow myself to be lifted up by the positive people in my life.
• I will draw up a list of principles and resolve to live by them.
• I will prioritize these resolutions in order of importance and identify conflicting priorities.
• I will invent a time machine that will give me 40 hours in each day, thus possibly allowing me to actually complete all these resolutions.
• I will not lose sleep or feel anxiety over keeping or not keeping my resolutions.
• I will, however, keep my resolutions.