It's the first day of the new year and I'm sure some people are still out cold from partying it up and celebrating the blessing of another year we are given to live our lives. I am also aware that somewhere around the globe, some people didn't make it. A brother of a close friend of mine who was in his late thirties just passed away from a heart attack. A very sobering thought indeed but it's one of those little mental sticky notes that should remind us of our own mortality. Procrastinating on doing the things you want to do could lead to a lot of regrets when you find yourself running out of chances. Ergo, I prodded on and made up my to-do list for this year.

As I referenced from my previous post, some of the items from 2006 will have to make a reappearance for this year. Hopefully, the second chance will prove to be worthwhile. Anyway, according to an article I just came across,  "Striking a better balance between work and play, taking more exercise and avoiding disastrous relationships top resolution lists around the world this New Year."  I might have two of those resolutions but I try to keep my list more specific and realistic. In no particular order for importance and priority, here are my top 10 for 2007:

1. Read and finish at least two books  . I bought "The Da Vinci Code" and "Memoirs of a Geisha" last year but I still have to open and read a single page. Reading has always been a passion of mine when I was younger. Somehow, the stress of being in the work force pushed books on the back burner. I hope to rectify this soon.

2. Visit friends and relatives . I used to travel a lot to different states to explore and to see my friends as well. It's been a while since I went on a road trip. My probable target locations are New York and Texas.  So guys (I hope you know who you are) , get ready to roll out the red carpet for me. No worries... I can sleep on the floor.  

3. Travel to Europe again . We have tentative plans to revisit Paris and to finally see Prague on April. This time, we will be accompanied by my mother-in-law and brother-in-law. It would be just lovely for my husband to finally see the place where his Czech ancestors are from. I'm so looking forward to it already.

4. Take photography  lessons. I've always been interested in developing this as a hobby so hopefully, I'll be able to pursue this soon. It might prove to be a costly endeavor but one I would really like to do soon.

5. Follow and stick to a sensible diet and exercise plan . Yeah, yeah... been there, done that. Seriously, as much as I try to convince myself that staying slim is not that important, I believe you have to feel good about how you look on the outside as well. Everytime I go shopping and have to look for clothes a size higher than before, my self-confidence takes a dip, a notch lower than it should be. I just know that I felt much better when I was living a healthier and active lifestyle. Now, if only I could avail of those celebrity nutritionist, fitness coaches and trainers, I'll be on my way to becoming America's biggest loser  . Fat chance of that happening, huh? Anyway, according to the same article I cited above,  "Exercise was also in the spotlight, with Filippinos, Australians and Singaporeans most committed to being more active."  A bit reassuring, I might say.

6. Volunteer my time and skills to charitable organizations . I haven't worked out the details on this but I feel that it's time to give back to the community in one way or another. A coworker once invited me to participate in a medical outreach in Sudan, Africa but the likelihood of my husband agreeing to it is slim to none. It's too much of a risk , I guess. Well, small steps only. We can't be all like Brangelina.

7. Start selling on eBay again . I enjoyed the marketing aspect of it and felt a sense of accomplishment everytime I dropped off my items at the post office for shipping. I took pride of my 100 % positive feedback and I received encouraging comments from my buyers as well. I will just have to find the appropriate product and work it out. Any suggestions?

8. Work on my mother's petition. I've been stalling on this so I really have to get the process going before my youngest sister turns 21.

9. Learn how to cook and bake . It would just be so nice not to rely so much on Mrs. Microwave and Mr. Grill for our meals and to be able to whip up a home made meal from scratch. I will never be a Martha Stewart-type of a housewife but my shortcoming on this department is not from the lack of basic culinary skills. It's more like from laziness and lack of motivation. On the rare times that I attempted to cook, I did okay (my husband survived it) so I feel confident I could do better. I will have to enlist my mother-in-law's guidance so I can prepare Kenny's favorite entrees. I could do it, just wait and see.  

10. Spend New Year's eve  in the Philippines. As much as I enjoyed the company of my friends and in-laws last night, the Filipinos' way of ringing in the new year is truly unique and enthusiastic. When my mother called me while in the midst of their festivites, I can't help but feel a pang of homesickness again. They might not have the grandest fireworks and lavish parties but there's just something fervent about the camaraderie and the familial flavor of fellowship that Filipinos have. I hope to be a part of that again soon.

Well, there it is. I will have to reevaluate  my list at the end of the year and see what I have achieved or not. I have 365 days to go and the countdown has begun. Well, I'm feeling kinda sleepy  so gotta go take a nap. I promise I'll start working on goal # 5 tomorrow .