Goodbye 2013 - Hello 2014!

I realized as I was pulling myself together for this entry that last year, I completely failed to post a list of 2013 resolutions. The bright side of that oversight is that I don't have to hang my head in shame for not accomplishing everything on the 2013 list of resolutions. But, it also means I have nothing to pin to my aspirational accomplishments board.

In 2012 there was some pressure to deliver once those resolutions were posted, but many good things came out that list. 

Looking back, 2013 was a year of continued efforts, transitions, and separations.

• I have continued my studies at the Kadampa Center. Not only have I continued the Discovering Buddhism classes, but I became a supporting member of the Center in October and took my lay vows in December, which allowed me to officially update my Facebook Beliefs field to Buddhist. 
• I continued my push through the 100 Best English Novels of the 20th Century - only 15 more to go. 
• I resisted a very strong desire to leave my current job in search of another once my best work buddy Arjay got his dream job at another company. Ten months later, I am so happy I resisted the temptation of possibly greener pastures. I now see a definite future for myself at Lulu that I hope will see me through many happy years of employment.
• I ended my relationship with Carl. Although for me it was the right thing to do, I regret my lack of compassion in how it was executed. It was callous, cowardly and needlessly hurtful to him. 
• I came to the realization that a 50 year old body has its limitations after injuring my foot during a pleasant afternoon run, which was immediately followed by a back injury just prior to the holidays.

Now that we are nearly two weeks into 2014, it's time to publicly declare my resolutions for the coming year.

With you as my witness, I resolve:

• Meatless Mondays shall continue (as will a slow expansion of meatless meals throughout the week).
• From this day forward, there shall be no television viewed in the home on Sunday before 7:00 PM. (This is a compromise resolution. Initially there was serious thought that there would be no television at home, but unlike my dear friend John M., I am unable to relinquish my last connection to pop culture.)
• There shall be at least one blog post per week for 2014, including a midyear update to this list.
• Yoga shall be added to the fitness regime.
• There shall be at least two dinner parties planned and executed in my home as a way to show my appreciation for the family and friends who graciously feed me throughout the year.
• There shall be a new volunteer opportunity identified to which I can offer my talents. 
• There shall be a plot summary and character sketches written for a novel I have been considering for some time now.
• There shall be less than five books remaining to read on the list of 100 Best English Novels of the 20th Century (Stretch goal is to complete the list by the end of the year).
• A visit to the Asian branch of the family for late 2014 or early 2015 shall be planned. (Stretch goal: Trip to include cycling trip from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Cambodia. I may be looking for a traveling companion on this trip, but I can offer you a free place to stay in Singapore!)
• There shall be a colonoscopy (Lemmie Winks shall be rescued).
• There shall be a legal document composed for the disposition of my worldly goods upon my death.

Most importantly, I hope to create the causes for happiness in 2014. That means I must resist the gravitational pull of the sofa and my favorite reading chair. While my home is the place I feel most content, it can also be a barrier to experiencing the adventures of life.

To my friends, I hope you have a joyful year, absent of regrets and filled with people who make you laugh.

Happy 2014