In 2008,

I plan not to be exhausted. Ever.

I plan to launch no more young people on major ventures, thereby having to buy them 8 white shirts and 8 pairs of dress pants and small first aid kits and get them expedited passports. Or anything like this kind of preparation, or heartbreak.

I plan to keep the new couch [cue angelic choir] dog-nibble free.

I plan not to overbake for parties--if anyone wants a large pan of surplus buttermilk brownies, holla!

I plan to appreciate my parents more, because they are awesome.

I plan to get out of the house and walk around the block or a few blocks, nearly every day.

I plan to enjoy Betty while she's still around.

I plan to have my Christmas tree down before school starts.

I plan to cut way back on over-reacting.

I plan to see more movies, because I'm always pretty sure I'm not seeing enough.

I plan to play the Haydn Klaviersonaten, Band I, sitting on my piano.

I plan to paint the bedroom.

I plan to read novels, poetry, and select nonfiction (up immediately, Jar City & Silence of the Grave by Arnaldur Indridason; Moon Tiger by Penelope Lively; Wash this Blood Clean from my Hand by Fred Vargas; also Convergence Culture by Henry Jenkins).

I plan to let go of things. I plan to take fewer things personally.

Also: I plan to capitalize on my 2007 successes, which include seeing my friends more regularly and acquiring more comfortable seating throughout the house. I plan not to backslide in a robust social life and good chair acquisition.