holly wynne approximately

It dawned on me today that I really do think this coming year is going to be a good one. I’ve voiced it and hoped it and now, I think I actually believe it.

I don’t do New Year’s resolutions. I think it’s a great time to do so–a symbolic time of sloughing off the old and putting on the new. For me, though, it’s better to jump into whatever it is you feel you should change, regardless of the date.

I’d set some goals for myself toward the end of the year, and met at least 75% of most of them–I gave up or reduced several harmful dietary items, and that was good. Something I am continuously working on is not being so hard on myself and not letting things get to me so much–realistically, I don’t see that changing drastically in 2008, as it hasn’t in previous years, but it’s always a hope.

So, in the spirit of not making resolutions, I submit some non-resolution-like items that make me happy, or at least peacefully hopeful, for 2008:

1. I love 8s. My birthday is August 8, so this coming year my birthday will fall on 08-08-08. That rocks.

2. As mentioned a dozen times before, I’m going to be an aunt for the first time this year. I’m pretty sure it’s a girl, though a nephew would be just as groovy. My sister and I are so different in so many ways–she’s definitely the mommy type with the level head. When she wants to, though, she has a genius-level creativity and whimsy. The thought of her nurturing a little one puts my heart in a right and beautiful place.
2a. That said, I can’t wait to be weird Aunt Holly with all the cats.

3. It’s possible my bff and I are taking a road trip this coming summer. More on that as it unfolds.

4. The upcoming election, though I’m tired of it already, means that things will change. I’m looking forward to it, for better or worse. (P.S. to the candidates: repeal NCLB, and I’m yours. Probably.)

5. Olympics!

Much more, but I’ll end with a semi-resolution. Today, for the first time since I joined in March 2005, I put an unwatched Netflix rental back in the mailbox. It was a big step, as I have this OCD-type need to have watched the movie before returning it. This has resulted in lots of wasted time and possibly money. No more. If’n I don’t want to watch it at this time, I heretofore resolve to send the movie right back in exchange for one I do want to watch. Life’s too short to do otherwise.

Tonight, I’m pulling a Scout and staying in. I’ll most likely ring in the new year in fleece pants with research papers on my lap and yet another episode of The Twilight Zone marathon on the TV. There’s not really anything I’d rather be doing (minus the research papers).

To everyone who has read this chronicle of mundanity (its original title, by the way), especially those who have left encouraging comments along the way–thanks. You’ve no idea what you mean to me, regardless of whether I’ve met you “in real life” or not.

Many thanks and prayers for your new year. My best.