Jan. 4

Oh hi.

It's painfully obvious I've neglected this blog for months and months. Well, it's 2009 now, and one of my many resolutions is to write a tad more frequently. To be specific, I want to write at least once a week (or thereabouts -- another resolution is not to beat myself up too much over details).

I'm sure you've all been dying to know what other plans Rock and Roll Grammarian has for the coming year, so here goes. In 2009, I vow to:

• Drink more water
• Get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day outside of the 20 or so minutes of fast walking I get en route to and from work.
• Not worry too much about what the scale says. I realize I'm only making this pledge now that I've shed slightly more than the X-number of pounds I gained between Thanksgiving and Christmas, but still. I mean it.
• Read more fiction.
• Never stop trying to improve at everything I do that matters. This means becoming a better editor, listener, sister, daughter, niece, cousin, auntie, friend, citizen, runner, pianist, reader, cook (yes, cook) and writer.
• Clean my home thoroughly once a week.
• Go to sleep and wake up earlier.
• Exfoliate and pay more attention to the condition of my feet. Those of you who run and walk a lot understand how horrifying the little buggers can get without vigilant care.
• Build a 12-month emergency fund. Most personal finance experts suggest having enough reserve cash on hand to live six months without a job, but I'd feel better having just a tad more.
• Spend more time in Texas.
• Wear comfortable shoes (which necessitates having my pants hemmed).
• Hang something on my walls.
• Practice piano at least one hour per week.
• Learn to play a new instrument. I'm thinking guitar.
• Hike more. This will probably have to wait a few months, but after a trip to Campmor yesterday, I'm ready with the appropriate footwear.
• Last, and most important, give thanks each day for my many blessings, among them family, friendship, love, sustenance, fulfilling employment, freedom and optimism.