uncle frank

and on the dawn of february...i do have some resolutions for 2008.

spend time writing more than once a week
originally i thought maybe i should commit to doing this every day, but that is simply too much for me to handle right now. writing includes blogs, journal entries, MFA writing samples, and myriad other possibilities...but does NOT include emails. because that would be the lazy man's way.

focus on ways i can be optimistic
in 'home alone', kevin mccallister's dad tells uncle frank, when it seems "WE SLEPT IN!" and are probably all going to miss the flight to paris, "think positive!" the curmudgeonly frank replies, "you think positive, i'll be realistic." i think i have more than i want of that uncle frank attitude within me. i'm a very practical person and i think that to maintain practicality i tend to neglect optimism...which ultimately leads to pessimism. i want to think more about what's possible and how to make the good things happen instead of looking for reasons why they can't.

pray in the mornings while i walk the dog
there. so much more specific than last year's "pray more". this is something i can work on. and i walk emmy every day, so i really have no excuse not to follow through with this.

and in related news--pray for my husband and my marriage every day
perhaps i should do this on my morning walk!

figure out what i'm supposed to do for work
i feel really overwhelmed with possibilities and interests and absolutely uncertain of what path to pursue. i really hate it. i want to do something i love and am passionate and excited about, that benefits me and others and that uses my intelligence and gifts. but i'm kind of lost right now and i really really really want this to be the year that i figure out what direction to move in...however slowly.

start doing exercises to strengthen my back
my poor, neglected back. the abs get all the glory and it's just not fair. or right. back, it's your time to shine!

re-read my list of 2008 resolutions before 2009
if history is any indication, i'll forget a few of these bad boys before next year.