This year, I...

I'm not much on holidays. In fact, I can't think of one, including my birthday if that counts, that I care about. To me, they're all just another day.

Regardless, I think the time around the New Year is as good as any to take inventory on life and set realistic goals for the future. I've never really done this in the past, but this year, I'm going to commit some stuff in writing in an effort to get to the next level.

2004 was a year. Not good, not bad, it just was what it was. There were a lot of positives for me, and a lot of negatives. I kept my job and avoided a financial meltdown by robbing Peter to pay Paul. All smoke n mirrors kept me afloat. And while I'm still employed, with a bigger office and a nice raise, this is the first time in many years that I really feel that my job took an emotional and physical toll on me. Reversal of that trend is key to my happiness.

So, for 2005:

I resolve to be more healthy. I'm already a vegetarian, and my weight has been a consistent 155 lbs for over a decade, but I need to do more to get back into shape. I need to go back to drinking a smoothie every morning (recipe below) and eating more fresh veggies, less processed food. I almost never eat out, but when I do, I've got to avoid fried foods. I also gave up drinking hard alcohol nearly 10 years ago, but I still drink beer and wine. I average probably 2 drinks a day, usually cheap beer. So I think I'll cut back on the beer but continue with the red wine. I also want to do another cleansing fast to rid my body of the toxins built up over the past few years. I've done cleansing fasts before, for 7-, 5- and 3-day periods. This year, I'd like to do at least two long ones. And I need to work out more. I started running and lifting again last fall, but when the cold weather came, I stopped. I need to invest the $200 in some free weights and a bench and get back at it. I've got lean muscles now, I just need to define them more. And no coffee. Kicking this junk habit will suck for a few days, but I got to lay off the stuff. I discovered yerbe mate in 2004, so I'll try to substitute that...

I need to finish all my home remodeling projects. I've been here a few years and I need to stop living in a house that's half done and get down to enjoying it.

I need to find a new job.

Musically, I need to finish downloading all my CDs to iTunes. Then I need to sell those CDs for some cool cash. I also need to transfer all my cassette tapes to digital. Video too.

I need to learn more Spanish.

Sexually, I need to get laid more often and in more creative ways. I got back on my feet this year, and over the past 6 weeks, I had three mind blowing sessions with porn star model material and that needs to continue. I need to get back into threesomes - MFM, and maybe my first FMF. That would be nice. I need to work on my massage skills, especially foot massages, which I used to be great at... I need to wear more sexy underwear (or none at all). Like my fraternity pal turned NY actor says - "Never white. When a girl's goin down on you, and she sees those yellow spots, that's not a sign to slow down, that's a sign to stop. You can do stuff to black underwear that would make a billy goat puke."

Not sure if this counts, but I need to keep playing softball. Last year was my first full season in 8 years and I loved it. I surprised myself by hitting the cover off the ball. And while I've always had a good glove, I disappointed myself by making a few bad plays in the field. I'm used to playing outfield, not shortstop, so I'm sure that had something to do with it. Did I mention I'm left handed? When was the last time you saw a lefty playing short? The fact that the manager saw fit to put me at the most important position on the field in spite of that handicap speaks volumes to my ability as a player. I'm ready to get back on those fields in Lincoln Park right now.

NO DEBT. Do a budget and stick to it, every month.

Write more. That is what this blog is all about - an exercise to get me back in the habit of writing daily. It doesn't matter what I write about. I've got a box full of binders full of ideas for everything from short stories and flash fiction to screenplays. And I've got contacts in the business a lot of people would kill for. I've got to take advantage of this, get my stuff out there, get some cash, buy an island and flip you hillbillies the bird as I sail off into the sunset with my harem. I've got to keep at it, a little bit every day.

Even though my life is not ideal, its still pretty great, and I resolve to be thankful for every moment.

SMOOTHIE:
combine in a blender
1 fresh banana
3 frozen strawberries
2-3 frozen mango pieces
2-3 pieces canned pineapple
1/4 cup frozen blueberries
8 oz calicum enriched orange juice
4 oz soy milk
2 table spoons reduced fat peanut butter
2 table spoons wheat germ
squirt of Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate syrup
BLEND, dummy!