For the past week or so I thought I would start the year by posting some insightful thoughts and words to inspire me for the year. I have thought and thought as to what I might say and still I am searching for an idea. So far, nothing.

Today is January 1, 2007. The first day of the new year. It's a time for reflection of what has past and a time to look ahead at the coming year. On CNN this past week a poll stated that most Americans thought 2006 was not a favorable year. At first I agreed and then realized in fact 2006 was a fine year. Many wonderful things happened to me this year.

1. I graduated from a reputable program with my MFA in theatrical design.
2. I moved cross country to start pursuing my career.
3. I moved into a wonderful apartment in NYC, with the best roommate I have ever had.
4. I drove cross-country on a trip that once again let me see the vast expanse of the land we call home.
5. I was hired to teach at a school for the spring semester in the Midwest where I'll be relocating in 11 days.
6. I have money in the bank.
7. I have a family who loves me even though I don't always appreciate them.
8. I have wonderful friends who would give me the shirt off their backs if they thought I needed it.
9. I discovered the world of blogging and have made many Internet acquaintances.
10. I lost 21 pounds in the last two months of the year.
11. I worked on the regional theatre production of a show that should be on Broadway in less than a year.
12. Artistically, I did some wonderful work with a number of brilliant theatre artists.
13. Something I haven't mentioned in the blog yet because I worry of judgement, but I re-started a 12-step recovery program and it's going quite well. (It's not for alcohol, for those of you who know I drink every once in a while. While I am at it, it's not for food, either.)
14. I visited Maine for the first time this year and loved the beauty of it.
15. I put up a Christmas tree for the first time in five years.
16. My health has been near perfect except for a little depression that I have always dealt with.
17. I've opened my NYC home up for all my friends to visit and a number of them have taken me up on the offer.
18. I learned that it's okay to take care of yourself even if it means hurting some one's feelings.
19. I learned that Life is good.
20. I learned that I am loved.

Not a bad list for five minutes.

As for my resolutions I only have two, but they are related.

1. I want to lose a total of 100 pounds by January 1, 2008. I have lost 21 pounds so far, so I am well on my way. I want to do it slowly, and carefully so that it doesn't effect my health. I'll keep you posted on my progress.
2. I want to be able to run 5 miles again by the end of the year. Three and a half years ago I ran 5 miles almost every day. It was healthy for both my body and my mind. Especially my mind. I solved all my problems as I ran, argued with people, sorted things out, and got them in line. I stopped running for a number of reasons which I'll post about later this week. But running again is my wish.

Wish me luck as I start this journey.

I hope everyone had a wonderful first day of the year.

Try to enjoy them all.