Pre-New Years Resolutions

So every year comes and goes before I realize it. It seems like every year I say something like "I can't believe it's January already" and then in a blink of an eye suddenly October is drawing to a close. Each year I tend to make "New Years Resolutions" and I can't recall following through on one of them. Late last night I was struck by a new revelation. New Years Resolutions or NYR's as I will refer to them from here on out are usually set up to be life altering decisions that affect you in a dramatic way from that day forward. I am not so sure you can prepare and accomplish that overnight (Especially when that night involves heavy drinking.) How many of us have tried to quit smoking on January 1st only to resume on January 3rd? Or what about the Gym, every time I make that one I last about 2 weeks of going religiously before it's back to casual. You don't prepare to rum a marathon the day before. You don't win the Superbowl with a few hours of practice accompanied by Jagger bombs.

So here are my top 10 NYR's for 2009. I will make them now and work towards them so they can become a reality. (These are in no paticular order)

1. Simplify my life
It seems that I have let many unnecessary complexities enter my life and it is time to rid myself of many of them.

2. Reduce what I "own" and "increase" what I do.
I am at a point in my life where I have determined that our experiences are the only thing we can ever truly "own". Having to have "new", "cool", "Things" is seriously cutting into my try and experience new things fund.

3. Pay off credit cards
This might possibly be the number 1 made NYR amongst many people this year. I think it's a good idea.

4. Double the amount of snowboarding days I put in from last year
This won't be hard to do. I lost track of priorities last year.

5. Make it to the lake 5 times
I am not the same without the lake and I didn't make it once this year. It's time to spend more time doing what I love with my friends and family.

6. Spend more time with my friends
The good friends. The ones who are always there.

7. Get involved in a community program.
I have been wanting to do more with Habitat for Humanity. Time to get off my ass and pick up a tool belt.

8. Further my education
This does not necessarily mean that I go back to school. This means I make an effort to continue learning all the time.

9. Tipple the amount of time I spend outside.
Rikki and I took a drive up the canyon yesterday to see the colors before they fade to white. I have realized that I need to spend more time up there. That is a beautiful place that we are fortunate to live in such close proximity. I think we have taken it for granted a little bit.

10. Set and maintain a diet and excersize program that sticks.
I am not old. 27 almost 28 is still young. I think this is a decision I want to make before I "have" to make it.

Thats it. Good luck to me it's time to start training.

-Dave