It's Coming...

...2009. Unbelievable.

I've never been really into the whole New Year's Resolution thing. It always feels a little like a trend to me, and I wonder how effective resolutions can be if they are motivated simply by the change to a new calendar date. That said, I may be turning a corner with resolutions. I have been challenged to think of a 'To-Do' list for 2009. Some items on the list may be considered resolutions. Others are simply tasks or goals I want to check off my list before 12/31/2009.

I'd like to have a list of 10 items, but I don't have 10 yet. So, here are the 5 things I have on my list so far:

1. Run 10k.
The goal is not necessarily to run a 10k RACE, but simply to be able to run that distance. I like running for the solitude it provides, and for taking in the beauty of nature (I like running outside best), and for the satisfaction of being more fit. I don't find the idea of running alongside hundreds of other people to be a very solitary or peaceful thing, and certainly all those people would obstruct my view of nature.
Also, this goal happens to be a personal goal as well as a part of a deal I have made with a friend: if I run 10k he will read a favorite book of mine. Hopefully I can blog more on that deal later, after I check this one of my list!

2. Complete my new blog project
I'll blog more on this in a few days, but I have come up with a fun project for the coming year, inspired partly by my friend Allison and partly by my own inner nerd. I'm excited and I hope that I can keep up with it.

3. Ditch the Auto
No, not my car. I'm talking about the Auto setting on my new DSLR camera. I bought it about a month ago and so far have not had time to learn to play with it. I have used it a lot but I've stayed on Auto far more than I want to. I blame it on December and being too busy to take the time to play, but that will soon change...

4. Visit New York City
I've never been there and I am feeling the itch to travel somewhere new again, so this is my next destination. Plus, I'll get to see two great friends of mine while I am there!

5. Get back to my budget
If you know much about me, you know I have a thing for budgets. Well, ok, for money management, period. I'm pretty cheap, and I'm a total debt-phobe. But in the last few months I have had some large purchases I decided to make- furniture, my camera, etc. I didn't incur debt, but I just didn't save as much as I used to or as much as I wanted to. Or much at all, let's just be honest. While I am certainly not in danger financially (for which I am extremely grateful), I haven't made a budget in a few months, and I used to do it every month like clockwork. So I'm going to get back to my roots.

So, there's my 5 so far. I'll add more if I can think of some, but it's a good start for me so far.

What's on your 2009 To-Do list?

Quotable roommates

On a lazy Saturday morning, after Elisa gets back from morning errands:

Me (after seeing myself in the mirror): "Wow, I look like a trainwreck!"

Elisa: "Well, I look like butt cracks." (**Note: It is unclear why she used the plural form here.)

Me: "Well, at least you look like you've been in public and seen the light of day."

Elisa: "Yeah, but I scared people."