Miles to go and promises to keep (to myself...)

I've finally found some quiet introspective time as this year begins to sit down and think about what it is about me that I would like to change/improve. I know, the New Year is usually about people fixing their determination to live a healthier lifestyle or to better their relationships, but at least for me, I figure why set lofty goals that I'll only be depressed about not achieving next year as this time rolls around? I've set about to find small ways to work towards a life-long goal of continuing progression. I know I can't accomplish perfection in 2009, so I'll settle for a few small improvements that will hopefully last. And so, in no uncertain order, here they are...the steps to a slightly more self-satisfied Annie:

* Go to the dentist at least once this year. Considering it's been awhile since I've been, this will be a good one to have checked off the to do list. And I've already set myself up for success on this one--an appointment is scheduled for January 12th. I'm a little worried that since it's been so long that it'll be exquisitely painful, but I guess I need to own up and take responsibility for my poor teeth and gums. No, I'm not afraid of the dentist's drill or anything...my reasoning for not going has been solely insurance-related.

* Learn to play the guitar. Another one of my dreams in the making! I'm all signed up for a class that UVU offers through their continuing education program. It's kind of great because the guy who's teaching it is a guy I used to go to church with a few years ago. I doubt he'll remember me, but that should ease my transition from guitar idiot to connossieur a little better, I hope. I don't expect to be much good, though...I'm sure I'll keep you posted on the status of my learning.

* Never let something sit long enough in my refrigerator that I'm afraid it might grow legs and walk out on its own. Cleaning out the fridge is one of the hated chores around my house. And I'm always the one who gets so sick of the disgustingness that I finally break down and succumb to the mold/fungus-infested task. BLECH. So I vow to do a spot check every once in awhile so I can avoid this vomit-inducing burden.

* Put away some money for retirement. Now that I've paid off the car and re-financed my mortgage, I've got a little each month to put towards some sort of IRA or 401-K. I'm 25. It's time to start saving. Luckily I've got automatic transfers on my online banking account that just make it happen every month. Another reason to love the Internet--what did people do without it?

* Read more. Could I be any more vague? I've discovered something about myself: I come home from work and plop down on the couch, remote control in hand, only to wonder three hours later (after watching several episodes of M*A*S*H or some other show I've seen three thousand times) where all my free time went. And so I resolve to use a portion of that time for more scholarly pursuits. I'd like to read some of the classics but also read some silly, cake stuff. I mean, for crying in the mud, I was an English major...I love to read! And it's been sad as I've found that I can check out one or two books from the library and not even be done with them by the time they're due three weeks later. That's a problem. I'm going to fix it.

* Be a more patient driver. I can see the smirks on your faces now, those of you who have had the pleasure of being the passenger on expeditions with me...but seriously! I've discovered that I'm actually a lot happier and not as ulcer-filled when I take a few extra minutes and not berate all the stupid drivers on the road. I mean, what's two more minutes to me? I think it's a worthy sacrifice for a shred of sanity when I arrive at my destination.

I'm sure that a year from now, after life has thrown me a few curve balls, I'll look back at this post and snicker with a haughty oh-how-naive-you-were-back-then attitude. But hey, if I had posted something like this last year, I think I'd like to see how far I'd come.