New Year's Resolutions 2010

I've never been much for new year's resolutions. I've had a few self improvements in mind lately, however, so it seems appropriate (and timely) to formalize them. I'm posting this on the internet in the interest of accountability. I'm hoping you'll ask me about my progression towards these goals, or call me out when I'm not following through.

Change comes in small steps, so my resolutions are designed to be tangible and achievable within a year. Here they are, along with initial thoughts on how I'll achieve them:

1. Learn how to cook meat and make sauces. After 12 years of vegetarianism, I "popped my carrot" a few months ago. I've learned some about cooking meat in the meantime, but feel there's room for improvement. I also know nothing about making savory sauces, but believe eating more of them will significantly improve my quality of life. I have some cookbooks I could read, but would be very grateful for a lesson or two (anyone?). By the end of the year I'd like to be confident in the doneness of a chicken tender or steak without having to cut into it.

2. Be on time (or early!), especially when meeting other people. As 2009 progressed, so too did my propensity for tardiness. I always feel terrible because I know it's incredibly rude and selfish to make people wait for you. And it's almost always a result of my lack of planning. So I'm aiming to be at least five minutes early to everything, instead of just on time or 15 minutes late as I usually am. I just have to remind myself that all the last-minute things I want to get done are less important than showing respect for other people's time.

3. Write prompt thank yous when someone does something nice for me. In a further effort to show respect for others, I want to be more consistent about showing gratitude for gifts, time, and thoughtfulness. Verbal 'thank yous' are nice, but nothing beats a hand-written note to show appreciation. I sometimes only realize the gravity of my appreciation when I sit down to write a thank you. And appreciation feels surprisingly good!

4. Streamline my digital life. I have over 4000 unread emails in the gmail account, dozens of favorited/bookmarked articles I mean to go back and read, and a digital music collection fragmented across at least three hard drives. I've finally realized it's futile to keep my digital footprint in check, but a few hours of organizing information here and there would make my e-space feel less cluttered. Whether or not this will lead to tangible improvements in my life...I don't know. It may be better to just become comfortable watching the constant stream of information pass me by.

5. Be more comfortable with the inherent unfairness in life. I really don't know how to accomplish this, but it seems important enough to put on my list. If you have any ideas, please let me know!