Resolved

The year 2007 has started with a hangover, promptly followed by a sore throat and cold. Or, more accurately, it started in the midst of earning said hangover and progressed from there. In spite of this less than spectacular beginning, I am maintaining optimism for the coming months.

In keeping with the rosy outlook, I shall record my resolutions in this (moderately) public forum, so at least I might be shamed into adhering to them in the face of (moderate) public scrutiny.

1) Read more.
Since I am attempting to participate in two separate book clubs, I should be able to tackle at least two reasonably meaningful books a month, and throw in some pleasure reading besides. I like to read, and it is ridiculous how easy it is to push books to the back of the priority list when free time becomes available.

2) Determine a career path & actually make a plan.
I’m entirely too old and educated to still not know what I want to do even 5 years from now. This will take assessment, which I don’t enjoy all that much, and actual planning, which I am fairly decent at. Note: I’m not fully expecting to be “on” said path by the end of the year. I’ve determined the resolutions should be achievable goals, or else you just get fed up with even making them.

3) Write more.
There was a time I imagined I would be a writer, and there have been occasions when I might have demonstrated an actual knack with words. However, I have not put time and effort in this direction since school. Maybe with some committed effort and time I’ll find my voice. Or I could just discover I should stick with the consumption rather than production of words. Either way, better to know.

4) Get smaller.
Last year, and probably every year previous, I set out to lose weight. It’s the perpetual chick resolution. Finally, last year I succeeded in sticking to a solid fitness routine that has resulted in my being as healthy as I can remember being. I just didn’t get any smaller. If anything, I gained a few pounds. Sure, we can play the muscle vs. fat game of rational, but I haven’t given up the dream of actually taking up less space. I’ve got a pedometer, a gym membership, soccer gear and a diet plan that basically centers around cutting out alcohol. If I can’t see progress within the next month I’ll just have to start considering surgery. (mostly kidding)