old year's evolutions

I was in the process of making my super-simple new year's resolutions list, or as I like to call it "master plan v.K27" - ha!, when I realized that I hadn't taken stock of what I'd accomplished in a while. basically I realized this because I was answering an email to a friend and bragging about how proud I was that I'd kept my 2007 resolution (yes, I had one (and no, I never usually even have one)) about 95% of the time.

in case any of you were wondering, and because I only told ansel and maybe three others what that resolution was: I resolved to brush my teeth before bed after nights of heavy drinking. I know, mildy gross, right? but admit it, you get drunk, you barely remember to throw your keys somewhere you'll find them in the morning or grab a glass of water to help ease the coming hangover - I bet you don't remember to brush your teeth either. anyway, I figure that's how my teeth got so bad in college, and I figured that was the best way to combat even more damage was to make a promise to myself. here I am, a year later - probably just holding off the cavaties I already had, but at least I did something about it. and I can say that I did it all year.

I think we forget, with all of the excitement of holidays and family and food and new electronics and... I could go on, to actually review what we've done with our year. to me, if you can remember those things, and be proud of yourself for them, you should be allowed to celebrate those before having to come up with another list of things you "need to improve" about your life. so briefly, before I present my list of new year's resolutions, I give to you my old year's evolutions, and hope that you take a moment to do the same:

• I brushed my teeth.
• I ended a relationship that was bad for both of us.
• I ended a friendship that was bad for both of us (and for other people, too).
• I quit a job without one lined up. and I would do it again in a heartbeat, because I needed to and I fully enjoy my new ones.
• I actually made and kept a few medical appointments!
• I started dressing less like a poor grad student... and more like a rich one.
• I painted things.
• I traveled.
• I stood up for myself and for other people.
• I learned how not to freak out in situations that used to freak me out immensely.
• I moved.
• I started paying all of my bills on time.
• I accessorized.
• I wrote letters and actually called people back!
• I found a few people I'd been missing.
• I made new friends and had new conversations that were more than well-worth-having.
• and most importantly, I started accepting things just as they are. not that I don't want to live by my favorite number on the lifelist and make things better, but I realized that sometimes just by being present, I'm making something better. I don't have to be active constantly, or try so hard, and get so invested; I just have to contribute cleverly and constructively to the world as it is.

yes, 2007 was a good year for this girl and though, during the sad parts, during the frustrating parts, I was ready to be done, the thought of making my life better (paired with the ironic chorus of one of my favorite songs this year, by the mountain goats, "this year"), kept me going. and I think that my personal evolution has been revolutionary.

sigh... a long night of silliness is hopefully ahead... resolutions to come. happy 2008, all.