Re: Solutions

That time already? Yes, it’s that day at the the dying of the year that I trot out the usual plans and ideas I have for the year about to come. I wouldn’t say I have a great track record in achieving everything I resolve to accomplish, but my average is perhaps better than some, worse than others.

Some of the things I did in 2005 are pretty monumental, like getting married and traveling to Africa — two things I never thought would become realities in what remains of my lifetime. Other things were unexpected surprises, both good and bad. On the good side I reconnected with my daughter. At the other end, I was fired.
For the new year, I’m planning on doing things I’ve been saying I’ll do each and every year for the last several. Above all the hopes and dreams and endeavors I’ll just resolve to know that 2006 offers me the unique opportunity to show I’m more than capable of turning my dreams into reality, of surpassing my potential.

But in the meantime as 2005 gets set to expire, in 2006 here are some of the braod and narrow things I hereby expect of myself:

  • To read 14 books
  • To cycle 1,000 miles
  • To hug and kiss Susan as often as possible
  • To climb to the top of Telescope Peak
  • To camp out in our backyard
  • To see beauty in most things
  • To look for the good in everyone
  • To refrain from hate
  • To give two pints of blood
  • To forgive those who have wronged me
  • And forget them
  • To put less than 8,000 miles on my truck
  • To respect alternative viewpoints
  • To photograph my world
  • To keep Susan in laughter and love
  • To pick up the litter of others
  • To listen to the blues
  • To go to museums
  • To agree to disagree
  • To never give up hope
  • To refrain from judging
  • To help others
  • To be thankful for each day
  • To practice patience
  • To go places I’ve never been
  • To avoid rash behavior
  • To avoid rash decisions even more
  • To never shy from standing up for what I believe
  • To be a better friend
  • To remember that for every valley there’s a peak
  • To contribute to my community
  • To be nice to strangers
  • To express myself
  • To dance often
  • To laugh more
  • To empower myself

Best wishes for a happy, safe and successful new year.