Man, posting resolution lists seems like The Thing to do this week. I almost feel silly posting one of my own, but at the same time the public accountability and proof of my goals has always been helpful. I haven’t really made resolutions for a couple of years, opting instead for single words that helped me frame my attitude for the year. But since my word phrase is ‘do things’ this year, I wanted to create a list of goals that I will work toward as I do things. My North Stars for the year, if you will. I probably won’t accomplish all or possibly any of these things this year, but I plan to make progress in each area.

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Organization. I’m a pretty well organized person to begin with. I can find just about anything that is in our house within a reasonable time frame. I regularly pare down and purge. But there are three projects that have been looming for some time: organize and purge CD collection, organize, display and properly store old photos and organize my recipe collection.

Skills. In about a week I return to (online) school to start studying the ins and outs of web technology. I’ve taught myself HTML and have a pretty good sense for CSS now. I just need to start putting it to work more. I’ve got the domains, I just need to do it. While I’m at it, the MG could stand for a new look. I think it’s been a couple of years.

Health. Eating well and being active are and always will be an ongoing project. I don’t have a target in mind other than feeling good, but that will require a better effort at the aforementioned eating well and being active. Also, I need to find myself a primary care doctor. I haven’t had one in years. They’re important.

Money. I’ve always been obnoxiously good at managing money. The only debt we really have is the new car because the need for it came sooner than expected. We financed about half the cost, and I’m paying about three times the required payment each month. Still, we spend frivolously from time to time, so my goal is to spend money for quality and not quantity and to save a bit more aggressively for future home and life projects. And to get that car paid off as quickly as possible.

Connections. This one is hard. I am a natural and dedicated introvert. My worklife only encourages this by giving me the kind of schedule where I work while everyone else is off and vice versa. With a little bit of effort I can appreciate my time with my family and friends more. I can write more notes, make more phone calls and make the extra effort to visit with someone.

Joy. I’m working on developing my life list, which will be full of things that fill me with joy. But it’s not just for reading, it’s a list for living. I want to start crossing some things off of it. Travel is a big part of it, but travel is already a priority in my life, so that’s a plus. Writing is also a focus, and I think if I don’t start this year on that novel that’s been percolating in my head for five or six years, the Modern Love Machine might kick my ass. I’m ok with that.