2009 Resolutions

So, it isn't that I haven't made resolutions for this year. I just haven't weeded them down to a "definite" list. There are several general resolutions, like be more organized and get into shape (which are definitely high and important on my list). However, there are some others that I dropped on my list this year too.

1) Floss every day - I have never gotten in the habit of flossing. I always just start doing it like crazy once I've made an appointment at the dentist for my cleaning. Not like I fool the hygenist!

2) Play the piano and violin more frequently. I always have good intentions, but I never seem to make the time. This year...it's going to be a priority. I think it will help with stress!

3) Draw/paint - This Christmas, my parents gave me an easel. I love drawing and painting. Like music, I haven't taken the time to explore my artistic talent in a very long time.

4) Become active in the local arts - I used to visit the Minneapolis Institute of Art about once every few months. I would just walk around by myself and enjoy the peace of the museum (as well as take in the perfect humidity that the gallery had...I worked in commercial humidification for five years!). I loved getting inspired by other artists - past and present. I also used to go to Minnesota Symphony Orchestra concerts on a fairly frequent basis. When I was in high school, I went to concerts almost monthly with my orchestra. So, going as an adult almost feels like visiting old friends. Finally, I have missed going to theater productions. I have seen many productions, "Les Miserables", Julie Andrew's "The Boyfriend", "Glass Menagerie", "Rent", "Titanic", "Ragtime", and more. I need to get back into these visual and performance arts.

5) Learn to sing a Korean song for karaoke - A new friend of mine told me of this goal, and I think it would be a good one for me also. Not only would my husband and his family appreciate my effort, but it would also expand my horizons.

6) Be more charitable in my actions - This one isn't difficult; it just involves being more aware of others...I think. I tend to get wrapped up in my own world so frequently. I don't know if I would categorize myself as a selfish person, but I certainly do get absorbed in my own life on a daily basis. I want to be more aware of others and make an effort to be more kind and loving towards those in need. Open my eyes to see people around me...not just the way they affect my life.

There are many other goals that I have, but I thought that I'd start with these. I used to think that New Years Resolutions were silly. I viewed them as something you could do at any time. But, as I've gotten older, I've found that having a date that reminds me of changes I want to make in my life is really helpful. Now if it only came more than once a year - keep me on track. Hmmm...I'm thinking of a New Years Resolution group that meets on certain dates every month. Hmmm.