New Year's Resolution Update

As the year winds to an end, it's time to review my 2010 New Year's resolutions.

I want to read more.

Between Kathy's fabulous recommendations, new book releases by my fave authors (and Connie Willis, you know I'm writing about you), I'm getting quite a few books read — many more, in fact, than when I "try" to read more.  Honestly, I should remember that it's the quality of the books, not quantity, that spurs me on — and frankly, the quality lately has rocked!

I want to write more letters.

I can't remember the last time I sent a letter.  Wait, yes I can: September.  Still, not stellar.  Shame on me.  (And no, birthday cards do not count, no matter how much I wish they did.  That would put me in the "wow, you write a lot of letters" range.  Alas.)

I want to listen to music more.

Now that David has a new computer, we will reorganized our music library.  We will put the new stuff on there and rock on more often when we're home.  I've been launching The Pussycat Dolls when I leave for my run — and when I start again, they'll rock me and the cats every morning.

I want to listen to more music.

I'm still listening to my pop music station, and I've found an even better local one that doesn't fade out when I travel north.  I've downloaded a few new songs that I have encountered on the radio and on the Web, and I've started to surf iTunes for fun stuff. "Waka Waka" and "I Just Haven't Met You Yet" are new, fun downloads.

However, it's amazing how much of pop remains mediocre.  Nothing personal against the songwriters, but honestly: when the songs all sound alike and carry the same pablum message (you are a hero with a capital "h" and don't you start disbelieving this, only with lots more slang and a little embarrassing bad grammar), I'd hope someone would listen and maybe go bravely into new territory.  Wait, we're talking about money — and if Hollywood is resting on the old tired-and-tried, I guess I can't expect any more from... where do pop songs come from again (aside someone's really taxed so-called "imagination")?

I want to run faster.

I've given up on this.  Between the weather and my sinuses, I've spent little time actually on the road.  Heck, I haven't even been to the gym this month, I don't think — although I might have gone the first few days, when I tried to convince myself my inability to muster a single moment of momentum didn't indicate poor health.  (Yes, most times I'm like the Energizer Bunny on speed, but I don't pay attention to clues I don't like.)

So, how are your resolutions coming along?