Even though I made the list. I think it's funny that one of the things I put on there as a lark I'm actually going next month (the Paris trip). Life is odd.

For the YA thing I think you should read all the Printz winners and honor books. (There is a Printz award challenge going in 2008 - I have the link somewhere...)

And yes everyone, Denise does make lots of lists. I officially verify that. And yes, I also sometimes make a to-do list. Usually for the weekends.

Sassymonkey and Sassymonkey Reads.

I've never really been a big New Years resolution-maker, either. I thought I'd posted something about it last year, but looking back at this time in 2006 I can't find a post about it! So it obviously wasn't that important. :)

But yes, my 101 Things list has definitely been a bigger motivation to me than any New Years resolution ever has. I think it has to do with accountability, and holding myself to making updates.

Personal blog: Keep Up With Me
BlogHer blog: Life - Singles

every day when I try to button my jeans that I'm going to lose weight, but by afternoon I'm eating something horribly fattening again. Imagine how long a resolution mean to last a whole year would stick to me!

http://www.webteacher.ws/
http://first50.wordpress.com/

My year started oddly last year because I'd just been laid off (so I guess I resolved to get a job), but the year before I resolved to take a year off from Internet dating, which I did. Other resolutions include no alcohol for a year (made it to August, but dumped it when I was cheated on) and ordering nothing but water to drink in restaurants for a year (totally made it).

This year I have two resolutions, and I will blog about them on my blog on Dec. 31st.

I also do goal-setting, but I consider that separate from resolutions, which I design to be simple to conceive and yet challenging to complete. Also, goals can change and evolve throughout the year, while resolutions are absolutes.

Liz Rizzo

I blog at Everyday Goddess.

I read in Glamour magazine a diary from a man who made a New Year's Resolution jointly with his wife. They resolved to have sex every single day. It was fascinating to read this article that chronicled (in PG-13-rated detail) how they went about fulfilling this resolution--especially the part about how they "hit a wall" and didn't think they could possibly go another day, but when they made it over the hump (no pun intended) how much better it got. That's one resolution I wouldn't mind trying! ;)

Just the Way It Is - A laugh, an epiphany, a like-minded soul

I've never been a big fan of New Year's resolutions - thinking, "why wait till New Year's to set personal goals for myself?"

So this year, yesterday to be exact, I decided to reverse the New Year's resolution thing and instead, resolved to wrap up loose ends and deal with a variety of issues before New Year's day. The biggest step I've taken thus far is to finally break off a two year relationship that I've been unhealthy bitching about on and off the entire time! Wahoo! I feel lighter already!

So here's to clean slates and a bright, New Year!
Helene
The Modern Woman's Divorce Guide
http://themodernwomansdivorceguide.com/blog

I love resolutions, D, you and I are going to have to disagree here! Just added mine to your meme. Thanks.

Lisa Stone
BlogHer Co-founder
Surfette

1. Work smarter, not harder (also under this category: don't get distracted by email or stupid things on the internet while trying to work)

2. GET MORE SLEEP!

3. Read blogs - I say this because as I get more involved in blogging, I find myself with less and less time to actually READ blogs and it really bothers me.

:) Izzy

Funny, I just started writing about my goals for the new year earlier today! I've never been much for resolutions before, but I'm making some goals this year.

http://www.aforementionedthoughts.com

My NYResolution last year was to read 50 books. I got to 48. And so, of course, this year's resolution will be the same. (There's actually a community on LiveJournal soley dedicated to this goal which is where I initially got the idea last year.) I haven't yet written about my failure (boo) from this year or the fact that I'm doing the same thing this year, hopefully with success! However, when I do, I'll come back and link the post. :) It will be written in the new blog as well, set to launch on the 1st.

-
Jenna
Family Living; Hatfield Style - soon do be defunct; new blog launching on the 1st!
Birth/First Parent Blog
The Chronicles of Munchkin Land

two years ago, to lose weight and get into better shape. It was the first one that I ever made that I actually kept.

Eighty pounds, two years ago.

This year, I resolve to finish writing my book on this topic. And to get it published. Anyone who has done this, I'd SO appreciate advice!

--

Keep posted with my life on my blogs:
www.momtothescreamingmasses.typepad.com - a story of one woman's insanity with her six kids
www.theelffdiet.com - how I lost 80 pounds with a New Year's Resolution

Nope, not a resolution person either. Rules and declarations are just waiting to be broken. (Especially by those of us who are hard wired iconoclasts.) That said, i do tend to sit and take note of where I am and ask myself what changes I would like to see, what things I would like to try. And I focus on them in a way that makes it more likely that i will make them happen......

Usually they are about feelings and actions - kindness, generosity, tolerance (or selective intolerance....)

But there are a few fun and concrete things. This is my year of rediscovering sexy. For me. So, after a lifetime of of loving Film Noir anti-heroines, I'm spending tomorrow with a make-up artist and a great photographer, who, together, will transform me into a super hot film noir pin up girl..... and I'll put her on my bathroom mirror and at every turn, i will look at her and say, "What Would She Do?"

A fun way to look at thing from another perspective that I know is inside of me... Getting to know another side of myself.

Today, as I was working out (towards the perennial resolution of finally losing that last 5 pounds, though i realize that i am as attached to the 5 pounds as much as i am to the resolution) i was listening to a great old Modest Mouse song and the refrain that seems especially timely today:

The universe is shaped exactly like the earth, if you go straight long enough you'll end up where you were.....

Whatever your reason, it's always a good time to deviate, however slightly, off the course you're on and see what you discover in yourself and the world around you.
___________
Alyssa Royse
JUST CAUSE
make some good news!
www.JustCauseIt.com

The same resolution I've made for the past two years, to read "Of Human Bondage".
I think this year I'll actually make it.

cooper

I'm not one either for New Year's Resolutions. Can't remember a year when I kept any of them. Too grim, too serious! I like the idea of list making, though, and I loved Lisa's meme for heart, family, spirit, money, creativity, etc. Helped me emphasize the important areas in my life and clarify my intentions for the coming year. (Intentions sounds so much more doable!)

Loretta

http://artjournaler.typepad.com/pomegranatesandpaper/

The problem with resolutions that they open a Pandora's Box of "shoulds."
* I should have lost weight.
* I shouldn't have eaten the last piece of pie.
* I should have been more humble.
* I should have been more bold.
* I should have blogged today.
* I shouldn't have blogged because I felt lousy.

> I should be good to myself.
>> I will be good to myself.
>>> I am good to myself.
>>>>Today I'll do what feels right.

E-Communications & Community
"Tomorrow isn't promised." .. Evelyn Blakey

My list of resolutions usually contains both practical things to do, and dreams of what I'd like to do.

Last year I resolved to write more often. So I started my blog and I write every day. I resolved to lose weight, just 5 pounds. Missed that one--by 5 pounds. I resolved to create a better home work space, and that one I accomplished. I resolved to exercise more. I didn't do it until this month--now I'm walking every day. Does that count?

For the coming year I will take on that 5 pound challenge again, and I hope to lose more than that. I know how to do it, I just need to DO it. I will begin sending my stories and poems out to publishers and contests--I don't do that too often, and my writing doesn't do much good just sitting on my hard drive. I will spend more time in my garden, and build another small greenhouse like I used to have. I will cook more. I will plan my time better; I will have some weekends that I will not schedule storytelling events so I can spend time with my family.

The dream resolution? I want to quit my job. I have a good-paying job, but I want to devote more time to writing, storytelling, and family. I will be realistic, though--I will do three things that move me closer to my goal.

Granny Sue
Stories from the Mountains and Beyond
www.grannysu.blogspot.com
susannaholstein@yahoo.com

I just viewed a movie that sums up resolutions beautifully.

Enjoy

E-Communications & Community
"Tomorrow isn't promised." .. Evelyn Blakey

Here are my top 10 resolutions for 2008 ...not in order of importance:

1. As a newly appointed member on the board of directors for UnitedSpinal.org in 2008 , devote enough time each month to make this new commitment really count as a positive impact in the lives of spinal cord injured or persons with spinal diseases.

2. Spend one weekend a month babysitting one or more grandkids ( 6 now!).

3. Keep loving AskPatty but love me even more in 2008

4. Make some romance happen in my life....good for the soul.

5. Less business more vacation travel in 2008 ....more vacation period!

6. Spend more time with family members especially my ill and aging parents

7. Walk dogs more often

8. Throw out all size 10 clothes...this is never gonna happen!

9. Plan time with my close girl friends monthly to just relax and hang out

10. Forgive all ills , resentments or hurts in 2007...leave them at the stroke of midnight New Years Eve and carry only love and joy into 2008.

Jody DeVere
President
www.askpatty.com
www.carblabber.com