Hello 2006

"So this is the New Year. And I don't feel any different."

Thus begins the first song on Death Cab for Cutie's Transatlanticism. And this is how I feel at the start of 2006. Another year down, and a new one begins.

I'm just happy 2005 is over. Personally, this was the worst year in recent memory. Lots of accidents, tragedies, changes, disappointments, and yes, even betrayals. It was the worst of times. Good fucking riddance 2005.

I have greater hopes for 2006, and already it is off to a better start. Here is my ubiquitous New Year's Resolution List, in no particular order.

1. Be more selective in my choice of friends. In 2005 I learned some hard, painful lessons about friendship. Lessons that literally brought me to my knees. This year I want to nurture my existing friendships and to be more cautious with who I spend time with, and who I let into my life.

2. Read more books. I realized that last year I read very few books. I don't have an exact count, but I probably read only 10-15 books in 2005. This year my goal is to read 25 at least.

3. Continue my workouts. In 2004 I made a New Year's resolution to incorporate exercise in my lifestyle. I want to continue this in 2006.

4. I want to have a good draft of my entire book completed by year's end.

5. Call my family more, especially my mother.

6. Do more traveling. This year we have trips to England, Ireland, Washington D.C, San Francisco, Minneapolis, Florida and West Virginia already planned. I also want to go to Montreal, and of course N.Y.C. when time and money permit.

7. Be more gregarious. This is really hard for me. I'm not anti-social or shy, but I've always been more of a listener and observer in social situations. So, my goal is to talk more, perhaps even monopolizing conversations in social engagements this year.

8. Get a tattoo. I'm scared of the pain involved, but I really want a tattoo. 2006 is the year for this.

9. Attend more Unitarian Church services. I always enjoy them when I go, but damn, that 10:30 start time on a Sunday morning is hard sometimes - especially if your Saturday night has been fun.

10. Continue with home improvement. There are so many things that could be changed in this old, Jacksonian era house. All we need is time and money. I want to do a few more changes to the house this year.

11. Be a better marriage partner. This one is always on my list. Over the past 9 years I have made a lot of positive changes, but there is always room for improvement.

That's it. Here's to 2006.........

jb