My 2010 New Years Resolutions

Every year I make New Years Resolutions - some I keep, some I don't. Usually they are the traditional New Years Resolutions that many people make like lose weight, get in better shape, start recycling, be nicer to family and friends, get active in a cause or the community. I really can't say why some New Years Resolutions I keep and some I don't other than sometimes life itself just happens.

Well, now I have lost 46 pounds. I do yoga, pilates, and step aerobics several times a week. I recycle just about everything. I recently moved closer to my family and friends so that I could spend more time with them. I am active in several local causes, including donating my web design skills to non-profit organizations.

Of course, I could do more, everyone can. And, I have realized that all of the above are really things that as a human being I need to work on everyday for the rest of my life. And I will do, but this year I wanted to do something different for my 2010 New Years Resolutions.

There are several things I have wanted to do in my lifetime for as long as I can remember. In fact, a couple years ago, after I watched the movie "The Bucket List" with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, I wrote my own Bucket List.

I still add items to my Bucket List even today, things I want to do and places I want to go and sites I want to see before I die. But I realized this year that I am soon approaching 40 and I haven't crossed anything off my list yet.

So, my New Years Resolution for 2010 is to cross off five items from my Bucket List. Since I can't afford to see the most of the sites I want to see and travel to the places I want to go most of my items are things I want to do. And I will have to start saving for 2011!!!

2010 New Years Resolution: Start a Novel

From the age of 10 I have wanted to write. From TV shows to poetry to news events and short stories I have written on a variety of topics and through a variety of avenues. But the one thing I have not written yet is a novel.

Like many writers I want to write the "Great American Novel" of our time, but that may be shooting a little high for now since I haven't even started my first one.

Anyway - this year, I resolve to start my first novel. I may or may not finish it, novels are not always something that can just be 'spat out' and even my poetry goes through countless numbers of revisions over the years before I am truly satisfied with the final product. So, wish me luck fellow writers.

2010 New Years Resolution: Go Sky Diving

Crazy as it may seem but I have wanted to jump out of an air plane for as long as I can remember. The idea of flying, okay falling, just makes me feel so warm and fuzzy inside and I can't help but smile. So, in 2010 I resolve to go sky diving at least once! Who is in?

2010 New Years Resolution: Learn to Play Guitar

Growing up I played piano, clarinet, oboe, and I sang. Music was a huge part of my life and I can not thank my wonderful parents enough for giving me all those wonderful opportunities through lessons, traveling with the band and chorus, and music competitions when I was a child.

I miss playing music, making music if you will. And there is one instrument that I have been captivated by every time I have watched and listened to someone else play and that is the guitar. It is an easy instrument to carry with you so I can't wait to learn and share with my friends and family. Hopefully it won't be too torturous!

2010 New Years Resolution: Get a Fire Dancer Tattoo

My favorite musician is Dave Matthews, whether he is performing alone, with his band the Dave Matthews Band, or with Tim Reynolds, I absolutely can not be sad when listening to him sing or tell stories. His music makes me happy, so as a tribute I want to get his Fire Dancer tattooed somewhere on my body this year.

2010 New Years Resolution: Fall in Love Again

And last but not least, I want to fall in love again. I have been in love with one man, Dennis, who passed away four years ago this coming January 9^th. Since his death I have lived in a cocoon, not really allowing myself to freely love and be loved. Although I have been in a couple relationships since Dennis' death I never dropped my guard and I chose men with whom it would not have worked even in the best of circumstances.

So this year, I want to fall in love again - even if just for a little while.

I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed writing this! And if you do, maybe you will share a few things from your own 2010 New Years Resolutions and Bucket List!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!