New New Year's Resolution!

If only we can be as content as Veda Bee, we wouldn't have to write these silly lists year after year. But then again, there are too many things to do, places to visit and goals to accomplish outside of eating, drinking, pooping, peeping, sleeping and playing, ... wait ... hmm ... perhaps the animals have it all right. IS there more to life than all the 6 verbs listed above? Maybe I'd rather be a dog. Zzz... isn't she oh so cute!

Oh no, no...I'm certainly glad I am what I am when (during those rare occasions) I challenge myself, and then work hard at it, and then finally reach it. (Hey! Cleaning belly button lint doesn't count. ew) I almost never pity my role as human when looking forward to a special holiday, or vacation, or getting a good grade on a paper, or finishing a race, or making a new friend, or facing a giant ice cream sundae (mmmmouth watering, rich creamy goodness) ... oh, I love that moment right before my first bite when the heavenly angels hummmmm ... (Stay on topic, Miss Lou! Grumble, grumble). No way, I wouldn't trade my life for all the naps and tofu jerky treats in the world.

But most of all, I appreciate all those other human forms I've met along the way of my teaching years and crazy traveling adventures - including you (and with no sniffing required!)

Here are some helpful hints for another fantabulously, productive New Year:

1. Make a new year's resolution. (Stick to it.)
2. Drink lots of water. (Soda doesn't count.)
3. Run - rain, sleek, snow (ugh), or shine.
4. Write at least a page a day. (Not repeating the same word over and over.)
5. Read a book a week. (Not just the ones my teacher assigns.)
6. Eat healthy. (Marshmallows and Twinkies not included. Darn.)
7. Play less video games. (Especially when I'm procrastinating.)
8. Stress less. (Especially when I wait until the last minute to do something.)
9. Eat more ice cream. (Be generous with the rainbow sprinkles.)
10. Hang out with my friends. (And maybe try something charitable with them.)
11. Don't fall asleep during movies. (Especially when I'm hanging out with my friends.)
12. Do all my homework everyday. (Okay, at least 3x a week. Or when I feeeel like it.)
13. Stop procrastinating. (Clean out my mom's gross kitchen pantry. CHECK! Double ew.)

14. Watch less television and less frivolous YouTube videos. (And less video games, unless it's Wii. Or unless it's really, really funny. Unless I feel like it.)
15. Eat more fruits and vegetables. (See #9)
16. Tell the truth. Stop stealing my brother's things. (And that includes my friend's snacks.)
17. Make at least 5 new friends. Be kind to my friends. (No more "Your mama" jokes.)
19. Appreciate my life, health and all that I have regardless how much I want to complain.
20. Stick to my new year's resolution.

Now your turn. What will you change about yourself this year besides your height and hair color?

More stress? Less stress? Nicer? Adopt a dog? Join a volunteer group? Go to church? Read more? Write your memoir? Reach to the next level for your games? Learn a new language? What?! What?! Look farther...what is it that you WANT or look forward to in life?

My goal: Grow 5 inches, run a marathon (or think about it without dying) and...graduate!

Happy 2010!