Happy 2006

I've given up on making resolutions. Instead, I've started making a short list of things I'd like to do in the coming year. This year's list is short indeed, as my primary plan is to work as hard as I possibly can this year, so I don't have to have two jobs next year. Here is the list thus far:

1) Learn to barbecue. I've put this off for far too long. I should have had the Former Husband teach me the finer points of this long ago, for he is the Grill Meister! Alas, now that I'm single, I miss the heck out of the smell of meat grilling, so come spring, I'll be grill shopping. Then, let the mayhem begin!

2) Become a miser. Well, not completely, but that sums it up. I'm far too loose with the money, and while 2005 will forever be remembered as "The Year I Finally Learned To Handle Money", I still need to get back in the habit of such things as taking my lunch to work with me and so on. This is doable, though not a favorite.

3) Spend more time outside. This is a carry over from last year. I'm afraid this one will be the first to fall by the wayside, as I won't have much time to spend whilst working my buns off. However, I gots me a new camera for Chrismahannakwanzmus, and I am jonesin' to get out an learn how to photograph something other than people...that I know.

That's it, really. Not terribly ambitious for sure, but good, reasonable goals.

As for 2005, a couple of milestones happened. As mentioned above I finally seem to have an handle on how to manage the money...now for the discipline.

I've found this year that I'm happy again. Genuinely happy, despite the circumstances that would have previously had me in a weeping puddle on the floor. I call that progress.

I've said good-bye to someone whom I love, and will truly miss...and I call this progress too, for both of us.

I've found new friends and kept the old ones.

I've told more people that I love them.

I've stood up to the people who don't treat me well...and won.

I've gained new family members and lost none.

I've made people laugh. And onstage, I've made people cry. (sweet)

I've become a better photographer, better friend and better woman.

Politics aside, I think 2005 was a very good year for me, and I hope for you as well. Here's to 2006.

Happy New Year