Happy 2009

I can't help but do the traditional things that come with a new year - the looking back on the past twelve months, the being grateful and happy for a ton of things, and - of course - the resolutions. Here are a few highlights:

The Past Year
-*This is the part that is difficult for me. I have not done much of what I've wanted to do. One of my favorite quotes is this, by Annie Dillard: "How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives." Aaaaah. Maybe I'm not trying hard enough to think of something, but I am afraid I do not have a lot to show for 2008. I'm chugging along, though ----- that's something.
*Ok. In re-reading this, I realized I don't want to be so negative in this category :) I did come up with some things, in fact. I experimented with gardening over the summer, and I got started with writing for J's website. Also, I have worked hard to help my students publish their own books. Not a total loss :) Oh - and a priceless week in Florida with my mom and my grandma.

Grateful and Happy
-*I have two dear friends who are engaged, and more who are expecting babies. These are happy, happy events. I have a good home, a wonderful husband, a crazy Basset, dear friends and so many incredible family members. I have my health, a job, and hope. And plenty more.

Resolutions
*Where do I begin? With the ones I vow to keep, I guess.
-I will not smoke.
-I will drink less.
-I will write articles for J's website.
-I will work on/finish my thesis by the fall.

The above are the things that must be done. Here are some I really, really want to accomplish:
-I will try hard to follow this rule: "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants." (Michael Pollan)
-I will try to keep in better touch with the people who are important to me. One "real" letter a week? Not impossible at all.
-Exercise. Walks outside and (gulp) the Shred It video until it gets warmer.
-Do more outdoor things in this amazing city/area --- I have a ton of opportunities.
-Small house projects. Clean the attic, and get the upstairs room insulated/painted/carpeted. Paint the bathroom.
-Appreciate my job. (I'm already beginning on this one. Here's something: I am not bored at work. That is good.)
-Travel someplace new.
-Read/learn as much as I can.

But this is what I hope I can remember every day, all year: "Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. The third is to be kind." - Henry James

If I can do this, and even if it's only this, then I won't have to look back on 2009 with any regret at all.

Happy New Year to all of you!