2nd Annual Resolution Project

First, checking back on last year, then the new questions. I invite others to join in on the fun.

1. 2006's Resolutions:

• Residence issue resolved: I've not really touched on this over the past few months. However, a change in family status (e.g. Rose, with all the accompanying budget considerations), along with some other soul-searching has made us re-evaluate our move to Zephyr or to elsewhere in Minneapolis and come to the following conclusion: We can make a happy life where we are, for the time being. We may wish, at some point, to make the leap. But enough pieces will be in place, if and when it comes, that it's going to seem the natural thing to do. Right now, it does not. Our five year plan is OK being a 15 year plan.
• Be on a regular cardiovascular schedule AND be eating right/in moderation: Hmm. As at this same time last year, a work in progress. As far as the first part of this, I can certainly put a portion of the blame on the whole Rose thing. Getting away for exercise has been damned near impossible. My recent aquisition of a magnetic resistance mount (which I'm actually using) for my bike, as well as the double jogger for springtime may contribute to a better 2007. But for now, I'd have to say I'm not where I need to be. And on the eating. I still eat good, healthy meals. But the meals are too large. Plus, I have a tendency to binge on stuff that is bad for me. Late in the night, when I am vulnerable. We'll suit up and take this on in again in 2007, I suspect.
• Finish SECRET OF HIM: Two good excuses here. My world of art was diverted into an entire new realm of experience, as I helped launch that theatre group. Since then, that has consumed the vast majority of my art time; however, I have managed to eke out another song from S.O.H., as well as a few beginnings of some others. Plus...Rose who, I must remind my readership at this moment, was simply not in the radar at this point last year. Very crazy to think about it, but the reason she is such a convenient excuse now is because she was not in the plans as of 12/06.
• Overall: 1 of 3, but with a couple of major life events that have to count as legitimate excuses. I have to say, I'm not much for holding myself accountable in a way that does not allow the River of Time to meander and discover new oxbows and carve new chasms.

2. 3 Resolutions for 2007:

• What the hell, Finish Secret of HIM. I'm actually essentially done with 5 songs, with a head start on three more. Is it unthinkable that I could find moments and motivation to finish the son of a bitch off? Certainly not.
• What the hell, Be on a regular cardiovascular schedule AND be eating right/in moderation. Schedule is a bit of a harsh word, but I guess I'd be shooting for a workout of some kind about three times a week, and some level of activity on the "off" days, even if it's just a brisk 30 minute walk over lunch.
• Sharon wants to quit her job and stay home. Preferably with Lucy still attending her Montessori School. This puts an incredible burden on the already strained amount of dollars coming in from my single income. We are re-evaluating our lifestyle in a major way. It will require a retooling of how I view all those things I've come to feel, over the years and through all my trials, that I've somehow earned through blood, sweat, and tears. Sharon being home with Rose, if that's what she wants, is more important than all that other crap, and it's time to put myself to the test. It will require a lot of sacrifice and willpower, as well as a bit of luck; avoiding the kind of unexpected financial catasrophe which has befallen Sharon & me with defeating regularity through the years. So here it is: Sharon stays home, and somehow it works.

3. Best moment of 2006:

Jesus, this one isn't even close. Not even close. Not even close. The birth of Rose, possibly the best moment of my life. I suppose any other time I would have said "Democrats take back both houses!!!" But no. Not this year.

4. Worst moment of 2006:

Finding out the lump in my cat's leg was cancerous. Followed, somewhat distantly, but quite distinctly, by that moment when Sharon called me on the phone while the furnace guys were there and the electricians were there and the abatement guys were there and the tree service was there and the toilet guy was there and telling me the dryer was done for.

5. 2006 Remembered as...

The year my beloved 2nd daughter was born. What can I say, I'm a ladies man!!!

Happy New Year everybody!!!!!