[Windswept]

I quit making resolutions a few years ago, but I do have ongoing goals that I have been and will continue to pursue over the short and long term.

Do you plan any changes for the new year? I'm posting a poll with some possibilities. Please vote for all that apply to you.

Your name will *not* appear.

Also, if anyone wants to elaborate on their goals for the new year, or discuss their success or failure with past goals, please do so.

Plus, if anyone has tips that can help others succeed with their plans, please share those.

Thanks for any replies.

PS - Please give me five minutes to type the poll before you ask where it is, okay? Thanks.

[alcimedes]

Where's the poll?

[Bryson]

I'm getting an assistant. Or quitting my job. One of those two - preferably A.

[709]

Originally Posted by alcimedes Where's the poll?

5 minutes in Carol poll creation time. That's about 20 minutes 'real' time.

[Windswept]

Originally Posted by alcimedes Where's the poll?

[billybobsky]

pretty colors...

[Windswept]

Originally Posted by 709 5 minutes in Carol poll creation time. That's about 20 minutes 'real' time.

Okay, so I'm *SLOW*.

That's because I triple-check for errors. So there. Nyah.

[psmith2.0]

To drive a little slower.

[DMBand0026]

@ Paul. Sorry that happened to you dude.

Mine are pretty standard stuff...although I'm not really looking to lose weight, just build some muscle and stay in shape. It's much easier to say in shape than it is to get in shape.

[Windswept]

I intend to work harder on breaking *huge* jobs down into smaller portions so I won't get discouraged and overwhelmed at the prospect of tackling major undertakings.

[DMBand0026]

One more thing: I plan to save a certain amount of money per month so that by the middle of next year I'll have enough money to put a sizable (15-20%) down payment on some sort of house/townhouse. Renting = teh bad!

[709]

There's a few things I'm resolved to do concerning my businesses and myself personally, but the one thing I truly dread is leaving my love for good this year.

[709]

I will always hold you precious in my heart.

*sobs*

[Windswept]

Originally Posted by DMBand0026 One more thing: I plan to save a certain amount of money per month so that by the middle of next year I'll have enough money to put a sizable (15-20%) down payment on some sort of house/townhouse. Renting = teh bad!

Good plan, Sammy. But start looking around *now* for areas that you'd like to live in. That way, when you've accumulated enough cash, you'll be ready the instant a suitable place comes on the market.

Actually go look at properties that are on the market over the next six months. Firm up a list of stuff that you'd *really* like your house/townhouse to have, in order of priority.

I spent three years (!) in looking and planning for my current house, and my list of requirements was a mile long. But I managed to get everything *exactly* the way I wanted it.

*The* main requirement was a double-sized loft (overlooking the livingroom) that I could make into a library for my thousands of books. That came first before anything else. As I said, I got everything just the way I wanted it - but I was having the house built from scratch, so that helped a lot.

[Windswept]

Originally Posted by 709 There's a few things I'm resolved to do concerning my businesses and myself personally, but the one thing I truly dread is leaving my love for good this year.

Omg. So you're gonna give up smoking. YAY!

Will you try using a nicotine patch or nicotine gum, or what?

Have you tried many times before?

I would think it would be easier on your body to cut back on a graduated plan, and schedule each new level for at least a full week. What do you think?

Also, if you screw up along the way, don't beat yourself up about it. Just accept that messing up is to be expected, forgive yourself and go on. How does that sound?

I *really* do wish you luck. I guess nicotine is pretty much the most difficult addiction of all to quit. Oh yeah, and make a plan ahead of time to keep from gaining weight.

[Wrao]

Most of my goals involve outlandish plots and schemes to get alicia keys to fall in love with me.

[709]

Cold turkey. I'm an all-or-nothing type, and knowing my personality I'd probably become addicted to the gum or whatever nicotine replacement I chose. And no, I've never really *seriously* tried to quit before, so I'm not at all looking forward to this little experience. As far as the weight goes, my metabolism won't allow me to get heavy. I'm a total food and microbrew slut, but for whatever reason I just don't gain weight.

[Windswept]

Originally Posted by 709 Cold turkey. I'm an all-or-nothing type, and knowing my personality I'd probably become addicted to the gum or whatever nicotine replacement I chose. And no, I've never really *seriously* tried to quit before, so I'm not at all looking forward to this little experience. As far as the weight goes, my metabolism won't allow me to get heavy. I'm a total food and microbrew slut, but for whatever reason I just don't gain weight.

Well, again, I really do wish you the very best of luck, 709.

[Windswept]

Originally Posted by DMBand0026 @ Paul. Sorry that happened to you dude. Mine are pretty standard stuff...although I'm not really looking to lose weight, just build some muscle and stay in shape. It's much easier to say in shape than it is to get in shape.

Some of our local fire stations have outdoor basketball courts to help the guys stay in shape.

When the weather gets too hot, they often use the air-conditioned courts in nearby school gyms. Do you guys have any physical fitness time built into your schedules?

Oh, and I think I mentioned before that one of the requirements to be a paramedic in my town must be that you have to be a totally gorgeous babe to qualify. heh.

[BuonRotto]

Last year: lost weight and got a life
This year: get licensed, get that down payment together for a house/condo and get a life again

[GSpotter]

After seeing some recent pictures of myself in profile, I realized that the size of my belly crossed the "too much" margin - when watching myself in the mirror it seemed to be smaller. So I intend to excercise more regularily.

[thegelding]

mmm...where is the option:

see windswept topless

other than that i plan to:

get older
gain some weight
lose some hair
waste some brain cells


figure those are resolutions i might actually keep


g

[Windswept]

Originally Posted by Bryson I'm getting an assistant. Or quitting my job. One of those two - preferably A.

Bryson, have you made your desire/need for an assistant known?

Is there any chance you might actually get one?

[Windswept]

Originally Posted by thegelding mmm...where is the option: see windswept topless g

Oh no. Not you too, g.

[curiousuburb]

Where's the option for "Total Galactic Domination... Muahahahaha !!¡!"

[Moogs]

I don't do resolutions however by happenstance there are a couple of changes I am making to my weekly routines right now, namely getting off my ass and playing some hockey, doing 40 push-ups a night, and crunch until it hurts (couple of minutes usually). I know I will fall woefully short some weeks but I will at least make some improvements.

Also planning on the possibility of starting up a side business for some of the digital imaging stuff I do, and going to get out a little more often in 2006 with my better half. 2005 was dominated by fixing up our new house the way we like it, working extra hours, and basically getting zero vacation time all year.

[sunrain]

Originally Posted by Wrao Most of my goals involve outlandish plots and schemes to get alicia keys to fall in love with me.

I could help you out with Norah Jones, but not the 'keys' to your heart.

[murbot]

An interesting article that some of you might enjoy (even though the site layout will probably make the designers here vomit):

Iron John: Free Will & Free Weights

[Foj]

Originally Posted by sunrain I could help you out with Norah Jones, but not the 'keys' to your heart.

what i need help with is Natalie Portman

[BenP]

Originally Posted by murbot An interesting article that some of you might enjoy (even though the site layout will probably make the designers here vomit): Iron John: Free Will & Free Weights

DJ kicks ass. One of the best guys ever to write about lifting; certainly the best who's writing right now.

Dan John's site.