Happy New Year

With 2007 already here, its time once again to make our list of well-meaning resolutions... what are some of mine? Wouldn't you know it... I made a list :)

To be honest, I could use any of the popular resolutions and do just fine. I'd like to drop about 10 to 15 pounds and start working out to regain that body that I know I had, but just can't seem to recall where I left it. And I seriously need to get organized - from my office buried in paper and files to my garage that's filled with boxes and crates.

But there's no imagination in that list and if you know me at all, you know I like to be creative. So here's my list of resolutions for 2007 - feel free to let me know what you think :)

1. Learn Japanese - Why Japanese? Because its challenging. Because its different. And because in addition to my work here at Suite 101 and other freelancing gigs, I also manage an anime site. Wouldn't it be great to be able to read all those Japanese sites I run across when browsing for stories?
2. Learn to play guitar - I took piano lessons as a kid and loved it. In fact, I still miss it today. The problem is, we don't have a piano and to be honest, I don't know where I'd put one if we did. On the other hand, my son has an acoustic guitar that he rarely plays. So I'm thinking - why not put it to good use? Besides, I turn 40 tomorrow and they say that playing a musical instrument can help ward off senility and alzheimer's. I figure I might as well start now.
3. Get ready for retirement - Yes, its still a way's away but you can never start too soon. I don't want to be 67 and still wondering when my "golden years" are going to start. To do this, I'm going to have to revamp my spending, start saving like crazy and bump up my income, which leads me to number 4...
4. Step up my freelancing - I've been writing on a freelance basis for several years now and I love it. I've had all kinds of gigs for all kinds of products, services and topics, but I'm still doing it on a part-time basis. If I'm going to master my retirement, now's the time to step things up a bit.
5. Learn to ride my horse - We moved to the country back in April. A die-hard city girl, I now live out in the boonies and am the proud owner of three horses, three dogs and two chickens named Fred and Ethel. I can saddle my horse, I can walk my horse and I can even lope my horse if we're going in a straight line. The problem is, I haven't made that "leap" and really learned to just ride my horse so that's what this resolution is for. Swallow my fear (whatever it might be) and learn to keep my feet under me so I don't land on my butt. Am I nervous? Yeah... more than I care to admit, but I hate the idea of quitting so this is the only way to go.
6. Sleep in on Saturdays - Or Sundays, or whatever day happens to be available. I'm averaging about five to six hours sleep and I have to be honest, its kicking my butt. For 2007, I promise to make an effort to sleep in whenever the occassion presents itself, preferably on a weekly basis.
7. Paint my toes - I had a pedicure once, complete with a lower leg massage and foot bath. It was absolutely awesome. For this resolution, I promise to fork over the $25 bucks at least once every few months to get the works and then figure out a DIY at-home spa to keep me content in between visits.
8. Write more books - I've written one so far - The Working Girl's Guide to Financial Freedom - but I haven't kicked any out since. So for 2007, I promise to produce at least two more books - maybe Guides, maybe something else - just as long as I finish at least two.
9. Do 10 situps - Or 5 pushups, or whatever strikes me at the moment. I know I said I didn't want to use any predictable resolutions on this list but I've got to be honest - I miss have a flat tummy and my "bye-bye" arms are really waving these days.
10. Be grateful - While the rest of this list might have a little sarcasm to it, I do want to use at least one resolution in a selfless fashion. Gratitude is something we could all use, especially in our 90-to-nothing rat-race of a life. I promise to be grateful for all the wonderful things and people in my life and to enjoy them immensely during 2007.

What resolutions did you make this year? For tips on making and better yet, keeping your resolutions, check out this article on How to Get the Most from the New Year.

Happy New Year everyone! May your days and nights always make you smile :)