• Have a better relationship with mom and dad.

How: Let go of all bitterness and just deal with them. They are the world's most generous parents but for some reason, I get annoyed easily with them. I'm trying. Otherwise, we have a close relationship and we talk a lot, but I feel like they don't know me. I try to tell them about my issues with them but all they do is act insulted and then get mad. I gotta work on this one. I'll have to do this one one day at a time.

• Eat more vegetables.

How: I have to eat a salad for lunch at least 4 times a week. It's not that I don't even like them. In fact I love broccoli, kale, spinach, etc. It's just that I eat crummy take-out a lot and that shit doesn't include vegetables most of the time.

• Cook dinner at least 4 times a week. Oh, this is going to be hard.

How: Cook at least 2 different entrees on Sunday, that way I just re-heat during the week. Also, I won't be too tired when I rush home from the gym.

• Practice on the guitar.

How: Set an hour or so 3 times a week to do scales, finger exercises, learn new chords, etc. No fail.

• Work on novel.

How: Set an hour or so 2 times a week to write whatever (whether it be the actual story, free association, random thoughts, etc.). Also, be sure to go to library to write.

• Stop buying books!

How: Go to library and borrow anything I want to read. Or bum off friends.

• Go to the gym at least 3 times a week.

How: Well, there's really no way around this one. I'm just happy I've actually been keeping up with it and going at least 3 times a week. I just have to keep it up. But I have to do more cardio.

• Tackling my credit card debt once and for all. No new charges.

How: Stop using it for frivolous things like buying clothes. (So I have until today to shop! Hahaha...) Well I told myself I'm not going to shop until July. I'm going to give myself 6 months. I'll allow myself to buy clothes, books, etc with cash only if need be, but I'm going to lay off the plastic. I'm just happy that this is my only form of debt (other than our mortgage, of course).

Okay, those are my top priorities for the year. I think I'm set. But I'll leave you off with one tip (that I got from a TV show of all things, but also learned from family of course):

In the show ER a few seasons ago, Dr. Greene tells his daughter (before he dies) that she should be generous of herself. These 2 words 'be generous' are great words to live by. This incorporates all sorts of things and not just money. This means being generous with your time, being charitable, being less self-centered, etc.

So on that note, here's a plug for my favorite non-profit organization and charity: UNICEF

Donate today in support of the South Asia Tsunami Relief or make a general donation.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!