What's ahead for 2008?

I was asked for a New Year's Resolution from the local newspaper as they apparently see me as an "area leader" because I founded Dreamwell. What I told them was:

"I resolve to increase Dreamwell's efforts to work collaboratively with other arts groups; to be open to what my three insightful daughters can teach me; and to always remember how lucky I am to have such a wonderful wife and partner in my life."

That's all true, but I think I should get a little more specific.

Dreamwell is once again working on a permanent space and this time we're trying to make it happen in a partnership with a couple of other arts groups. I resolve to work hard to try to make that happen.

I also have a new project in mind that I don't want to talk about too much yet. But I'd like to get Project X started this year sometime.

Last year, I managed to write two short plays. I think it's time to write a full length play. So I resolve to do that in 2008.

I did a poor job keeping myself in shape in 2007. I am finding that my body aches in ways it never has before. I am on the road to 40 and I'd like to make that road less bumpy. I resolve to take better care of my body this year. This includes running regularly, eating better (fruits and veggies!), and trying to get more sleep.

I'd like to read more in 2008 than I did in 2007. I don't know what that means in terms of numbers of books, but I definitely feel I could have read more last year.

2008 will be the year my oldest daughter starts second grade. My youngest will turn one and start walking. And my middle girl will start making strides to being ready for kindergarten in 2009. Sharon and I will hit our 12 year anniversary in September. That's an accomplishment I am very proud of. And maybe, just maybe, our country will make history by electing the first black president. I sure hope so.

I am really looking forward to 2008. I think it's going to be a great year.