So This is the New Year (2010)

Once again, I’m not going to start this blog with my traditional "The New Year" song lyrics (written by Death Cab for Cutie) since I've done it a couple times before, but if you would like to see those lyrics, which are very fitting, see my "So This is the New Year (2008)..." post.

So, without further adieu, let's review my 2009 resolutions...

Working on the results of my dating life so far... Successful? Hmmm… Let’s see... Carolyn and I started dating in May and things are still going well… So I think that, yeah, this has been pretty darn successful! So successful in fact, that I will not include this as a 2010 resolution (are you freaked out yet? Because I am)…

Improving my culinary skills further... Successful? Sure, kinda. I cook every now and again, and I help Carolyn sometimes too, so sure, we can add this to the “yes” pile… doesn’t mean it stops though, ya know?

Volunteering... Successful?.. No, but seeing improvement. I did do some this year. I even made attempts where I was turned away (Bell ringing for the Salvation Army).
But I wouldn’t go around bragging about any success… Guess what’s going to be on 2010’s list?

Keep Traveling... Successful?.. Yes! I’m happy with my trips this past year (Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean, Hanging with Fam in Indiana, seeing friends in New England), and I already have some ideas for this upcoming year (Mexico in November for Carly and Bryan’s wedding and Vegas this summer is also a possibility)… This will be removed from my future resolutions at this time… it’s a good thing.

Professionally, I want to make more money and get promoted... Yeah, I know, this is very vague, but was there any success?.. No, not in any way, shape, or form. The economy and the merger to Staples (from Corporate Express), among other things, put a stop to that…

Complete at least two home improvement projects… Successful? Yes and No. I did get the ceiling fans installed in my bedrooms and living room… but I think that’s it. I have some other ideas... see below.

Learn some new skills and things... Yes and No. I FINALLY bought guitar, and I taught myself a few cords (“the sky was the limit”), but I need to do more… I did try skiing again for the first time in 12 years, and I learned more about vino… so what’s next? Hmmm...

Continue being active... Successful? YES! Soccer’s been going strong all year round, and I’ve been running a lot more with Carolyn in the picture. I’ve also kept lifting. Care’s getting into racquetball now, so it just gets better… Now if I could get to playing hoops again.

So what 2010 contain? Well…

Improving my culinary skills even more… duh. With a lot of the stuff I’m learning from Carolyn about nutrition, I feel this could be a great year for some great food...

Volunteering… Yes, I want to do more. I want to get involved with Habitat for Humanity this year, in addition to take advantage of some other opportunities (like Bell Ringing... know of any more? Let me know...).

Complete at least two home improvement projects… I have a simple project I would like to complete sooner than later, but nothing too crazy or wild. Carolyn keeps talking about painting, but not sure how I feel about there (especially with the vaulted ceilings). Still would be down with hardwood floors, but not ready for that leap yet… any ideas?

Learn some new skills and things... I have some good ones on deck I think. I want to make my own beer at some point. I could see that as being a lot of fun (does that count as improving my culinary skills too?). I want to take a guitar class as soon as possible and really get that going, show that I really am a rock star. I want to learn CPR this year as well (in case anyone has trouble after hearing my music or trying my beer).

Professionally, I want to make more money and get promoted... I’ve been with the same company in the same position for nearly five years now, so I feel it’s time for a change. I don’t mind what I currently do, but I want more responsibility… and money. I’d like to develop some new skills and possibly help manage someone (or some people). Basically, I feel like I’ve maxed out what I can do in my current position. I’d like to stay with my current employer, but only if the opportunity is there. Again, with the economy, only so much can be accomplished, and the merge hasn’t put me in a great position, but we’ll have to see what happens… wish me luck!

Physically, I want to stay active, but I would love to add ten pounds by the end of the year. I know that with the running, soccer, and being active, that can be counterproductive, so I might have to hit the weights a bit more, modify my diet slightly, and try some new activities (Kickball anyone?), but I can handle it!

Finally, this might surprise some of you, but I want to do a better job communicating and updating with all my friends. I feel in the past year I didn’t get to talk (enough) to many of you, and even more I didn’t get to see and/or hang out with… Plan on changing that… Be on the look out for game night invites, a BBQ (maybe more), and card games… (and a "side resolution", I need

And I don't think this is all I want out of 2010. I'm still playing with being a parent and adopting a puppy and purchasing a surround sound system, among other things.

There they are: my 2010 resolutions. We’ll see how they go, and no time like the present to start. Remember, YES! ;)

Anyway, here’s wishing all of you a great 2010 that is more than “just heaven”. Feel free to write me, call me, whatever, and let me know how it’s going, since it’s always nice to hear from you.

Happy New Year!

Clint