It’s finally here – the dawn of a new beginning that is shiny and wonderful and . . . we should probably stop right there. I love the concepts of the New Year and resolutions, but let’s face it: today is pretty much the same as yesterday was. Most resolutions people make are broken within a few weeks and very few last much longer than a couple months. It’s kind of silly to think that just because we stayed up until midnight to watch a brightly lit crystal ball being lowered onto the roof of a building that our lives are magically going to change.

And yet, there is still a part of me that gets all fluttery thinking that this is the year. This is the year that all these amazing goals I’ve kept hidden in my head for so many years will finally come to fruition. I don’t know why. I’ve never kept a New Year’s resolution before. I start off with really good intentions, and then loose interest towards the end of January. Or decide that changing is too hard and that maybe I’m okay just the way I am. And I don’t want to come out and say that this year is going to be different – we always say that. It’s part of that New Year’s magic. But maybe this year will be different. The only thing standing in my way is . . . me. Maybe this year, I can finally pull it all together.

That said, here are my resolutions.

1. Finish that #%$#@%$ book! I have never been so poised to do something in my life. I have the tools, I have the time (sort of), and I have an amazing support system, including a wonderful family, and the best writing group a girl could ask for. The book will get finished, at least the first draft, this year, so help me!

2. Do something about my job. I’m tired of complaining about work all the time. I will somehow find a way to either cut back my hours or find a new job that doesn’t suck all the life out of me. Either way, I think I will be happier.

3. Blog at least twice a week and tweet at least once a day. That’s right! You get more of me! Congratulations to you!

4. Read 60 books this year. I always set a reading goal. Last year was 50 books, which I did achieve, although just barely. There was a long stretch in the middle of the year where I didn’t read very much and got very distracted by the Internet. To help me with the goal, I have purchased a new Kindle Fire (whoohoooo!!!!) which should be here next week.

5. Get healthy. Everyone seems to make weight loss goals this time of year and, while I could probably stand to drop a few pounds, that’s not really what I’m going for. I spend a great deal of time being very tired and just not feeling well. This is because I don’t take proper care of myself. I’m not going to be militant about it, but I want to try to eat just a little better and get just a little bit more exercise.

I wish everyone out there a glorious, beautiful, prosperous and safe New Year!