At the beginning of a new year, I always take time to reflect on what changes I want to make, what I can do better. But I don't necessarily make resolutions.

There are some people who seem, all throughout their lives, to evaluate themselves and then actively work to make improvements and learn new things. I find that inspiring. Rob has an uncle who wants to become fluent in French, and he has worked steadily on this goal for several years. I'd say he's fluent now, but he's still reading novels in French that are getting progressively more difficult in order to hone his ability. Over Christmas I learned that he also has been taking saxophone lessons. I really admire people like him, and have begun to adopt that attitude in my own life, taking classes or trying new things out of an eagerness to learn and grow.

So for the new year I'm listing three goals - no, not even goals, but projects - that I'm looking forward to working on in 2008. Unlike resolutions, they aren't things I'm lacking or areas in which I'm disappointed in myself. Instead, I'm identifying interests that I'd like to further develop - initiatives that will bring me joy and make me a better person.

1. EMT certification. What I do with this, if anything, is yet to be determined. We'll see how it goes. But I'm really excited about taking this course.
2. Italian. As in, begin learning the language. There are several reasons for this. Italian is so beautiful, and especially after reading this book I'm eager to learn it. Also, it's something Rob and I can work at together. I took Spanish in high school and he took French, and so Italian is a language that will be familiar in many ways to both of us but still completely new. And finally, it will come in handy on a trip we're taking this spring in which we'll be in Venice for a few days.
3. Swimming. This is something I used to be really good at; I was even a lifeguard in high school. But I haven't been in a pool, for any purpose other than vacation recreation, in a long time. So I'd like to get back in the swim of things. Because it's something I love to do. And because it's great exercise, especially in the winter when it's too cold outside to run.

Those are my no-pressure projects for 2008. Check back for the update.

Which reminds me. Has anyone come up with a good word that rhymes with 8? Because it is so tempting to rhyme as I wish others a happy new year, but frankly all the words I'm coming up with are elementary school at best. "Hope your 2008 is super great!" Argh.

But I do hope it's great. For each of you. I hope this year is just what you want it to be. Happy New Year!