I complain. A lot. Little things here and there. I caught myself yesterday and resolved to change this in the coming year. That being said, I feel totally justified in saying...I loathed 2008 and couldn't be happier to see it go. Oh, it had it's redeeming moments, but all in all I'm so glad it's over. There. I feel so much better getting that off my chest.

I love the start of a new year. A fresh start built right into the calendar. What better post-Christmas gift could there be? I usually make more resolutions than one blog post could hope to hold. After all, this will be the year I curb spending habits, cut out the figure I've always wanted, commit to a relationship, backpack across Europe, write the next great American novel. But, it's been called to my attention that small changes sustained over a period of time result in the biggest payoff. That being said, the only resolution I'll write down (other than quieting my constant quips) is this...

I resolve to make exercise a priority. My roommate pointed out that I call going to the gym "being a good person." I'm off to be a good person I'll say. Or, more often than not, I don't feel like being a good person today. But this year--this year I resolve to be a great person, a changed person. I'm going to do it in the pool. Lap after lap I'll become better. Small changes, after all. While home in Houston, I prepared. I bought a reversible Speedo, a sleek swim cap, and those suction cup thingees known as goggles. I even took to the water twice in my final days and yes...wait for it...I feel different.

Here's to a fantastic year in which we all resolve to be better people (in whatever form that takes)!

And now for some New Year's fun...