For auld lang syne...

Well, 2008 has past, and I've taken to perusing the blogs of friends and family for an account of all the excitement of the year. At Christmastime, my dad asked my brother and me what the high point of the year was. For me it was a close race among my birthday fortnight, graduation, getting a job, buying a car, and finding my enchanting new Avenues home. (I know some of you are wondering where American Idol auditions rank. I'll let you ponder that quandary.) It truly is miraculous that everything ended up the way it did, and trust me, I give credit where credit is due.

During the month of December, I spent a lot of time pondering my 2009 New Year's Resolutions. I generally am of the mind that if I make a ton of resolutions, one of them ought to take, right? I've looked at my friends' blogs about this too, and I'm impressed by their resolve, and I hope that some of them don't mind if I borrow some of that resolve.

Mind

• My friend Ben is going to write for a half hour every day. I think I will join him.
• Write a novel
• Write a screenplay
• Read 36 books I've never read (3 a month)
• Enroll in an independent study British History course
• Learn Adobe Flash and make a short cartoon

Body

• Continue on the weight-loss journey
• Go to the doctor
• Swim in the Deer Creek Open Water Swim
• Establish a regular sleep schedule

Spirit

• My friend Jenna is going to read an Article from the Ensign magazine each week. I think I will join her.
• Study Conference talks
• Enroll in Institute
• Increase my temple attendance
• Go visiting teaching in the first half of the month

So there you have it folks. I really think 2009 is going to be a banner year. In January I'm always excited to see what the year will hold, and by December am always awed and grateful at all of the blessings. So here's to you and here's to the new year.