Resolutions

[figmo]

Being Jewish, I have two New Years: the one on January 1st, and Rosh HaShanah. For whatever reason -- probably because it coincides with the beginning of the school year -- Rosh HaShanah has always seemed more like the start of the year than that weird date in the middle of winter. This time of year, therefore, is when I make resolutions.

I usually try to pick one or two items that either seem reasonable as goals or, if unreasonable-sounding, are things I really want to accomplish. Some past goals:

• get myself a paying on-air gig on the radio
• get myself a Real House and out of my condo
• lose weight (when I do this one I avoid setting a weight I must lose because I consider that insane for me)
• get my blood pressure down
• lower my stress level
• get a permanent job
• improve my housekeeping

Every year I've had one obvious thing I've wanted to fix in my life. This year, however, is different.

When trying to come up with a resolution for this year I couldn't settle on Just One Thing because I have too many items on the platter:

• I need a permanent job. My COBRA expires at the end of the year.
• I need to catch up on my bills. This may take more than a year, making it a lousy resolution.
• I have this CD I keep trying to make. All my "catching up on bills" has been interfering with getting it done.
• I have this guy in my life who needs brain surgery. Bad. I'd put that on the top of the list, but most of whether he gets it is out of my control, thus making it a lousy goal.
• Losing more weight. If I made that my only goal I'd make myself nuts. I've got it as a background item. I have lost ten pounds or so in the last year and kept it off. This isn't a stellar accomplishment, but it beats gaining weight.
• Getting into better shape. Yes, I need to work out more, but I feel soooo unmotivated. It's not fun. I feel like a dork when I do it.

There are parts of all of these I want as my goal, but I need to feel like I've accomplished something.

I've therefore decided if I can get anything dented on that list, it's a done resolution.