A new beginning

Hello 2009! I know some people think new year's resolutions are trite, and while I somewhat agree, I still make a few in my head to motivate myself toward change. This year I additionally am going to map out some goals for what I hope to accomplish during the next 365 days, including:

Write every day. Even if it's only a page in the back of an old notebook, I want to try to keep my thoughts in order by getting them down on paper.

Try new recipes. I'm not afraid to experiment with weird ingredients, so I'd really like to find recipes that incorporate classic flavors with unfamiliar tastes. I want to be confident about working with curry, quinoa, cardimom, risotto, turnips, shrimp, kale.

Figure out what I want to do with my life. Do I want to keep trying to make it in an industry that's going to get worse before it gets better - if it even will? Do I want to go back to school to be a teacher? Should I start looking for something completely random that will earn me a lot of money? Hmm. Hmm.

Find meaningful employment. I want to start working somewhere that not only pays me a fair wage, but that also gives me a sense of accomplishment and makes me excited to get up in the morning. This coincides with the one listed above.

Ask for more favors. I do a lot for a lot of people, but for some reason I feel guilty when I ask anybody for help. This needs to change.

Stop worrying.

Run a marathon. I really want to do this for me, and if I can get hooked up with one that helps out a good cause, even better. This must happen before June 12.

Dress smarter. I've decided that I would rather be overdressed than underdressed. It's okay to look classy when only going to the store for milk, and in honor of that I am pulling my heels out of their hiding place in the closet. Sorry feet, it must be done.

Stop making plans and not doing them. Pick something, do it, move on; otherwise I end up feeling like a failure.

Don't be so negative. It's okay to look on the bright side of things. Really, it is.