I've been thinking about New Years resolutions, and I've come to the conclusion that they're a pretty decent idea. I think the standard ones of "lose 20 pounds by February," "exercise every day," and "make a homemade breakfast and dinner for my family every day" are a bit unrealistic, and maybe that's why people usually break them within the first week and then get fed up with the whole idea of resolutions.
But I think it's a nice time to take a look at your life. What are you not satisfied with? Over the course of one year, what can you realistically work on (realizing that winning the lottery and cutting carbs entirely out of your life are not realistic)?
Also, if you died tomorrow, is there anything you would regret not doing? If you've always wanted to go to Africa, call the bank today and set up a savings account. Africa might not happen this year, but at least you'll know you're on your way. I've decided there are two types of travelers: people who actually travel, and people who say, "I'd love to go there some day." I never, ever want to fall into the latter category. Sometimes I travel by myself, and I love it; don't let the lack of a traveling companion deter you! It's so exciting to be globe-trotting alone. I was planning a trip to Egypt and Israel when 9/11 happened, so that's still on my "to do" list, but I'm still not sure I'd be comfortable traveling in the Middle East right now (particularly alone!). Italy and Alaska are two dream vacations for me, and I'm proud to say I've downloaded things from the computer and asked my travel agent to send brochures. Alaska, maybe this year...?
Anyway, the long and the short of it is, I came up with a few resolutions.
1) Cut way the heck back on the volunteer work. My entire life outside of work and the theatre is consumed by volunteer activities. I don't enjoy it anymore. I'm not getting anything out of it. People never call me unless they want me to do something, so it's completely defined my life. I want to be able to relax...to be able to take classes like I used to...dance, massage, ice skating, theater, hangliding, cooking...etc. For heaven's sake, I haven't seen an episode of "Friends" in probably 3 years!
2) I want to start traveling again. I haven't done any big trip in a couple of years, primarily because I was out of a job and thus had money issues for a while. But I'm working now, and traveling can be surprisingly inexpensive, if you plan it out. Europe, the East Coast, Mexico, Canada and Washington state...and of course Alaska...and my Civil War battlefield tour, which I only partially completed! There are so many places to explore and I'm itching to go see them all!
3) See snow. And no, not on the Discovery Channel. I want to stand in snow, to pick it up in my hands and feel its fluffy coldness. Or would it be icy? Every winter I dream of going to snow, and this year has to be the year. I tried to go to Big Bear last year, but I had to turn back because my car didn't have chains. But this year I'll get some and head off up the mountain again! Actually...I would absolutely love to find someone who's never skied before, and go up to the mountains and try my hand at skiing or snowboarding! I can only imagine what that would be like. But everyone I know is practically a pro skier; if I went with them they'd take off up the mountain, laughing and having a great time, and leave me standing on the bunny slope with a group of 4-year-olds. That doesn't sound like so much fun! Anyone want to join me on the bunny hill and learn to snowboard or ski?