January 1

It's a new year. It's 2009! By this time weren't we supposed to be able to go to the Moon or Mars for a resort vacation? So much for our Jestsons future.

We send a family annual report in January instead of a Christmas letter (a tradition started a couple of years ago when I was working at Christmas and simply didn't have time to get cards done). While Alex watched football today I started putting away Christmas decorations and dishes, and worked on the Report. It's really hard to do. This is a time for taking stock. Some years we do so little that there isn't actually much to report. Do you say "we slept a lot and I didn't lose any of the weight I meant to." Of course not, even if that happens to be the truth. I like to include pictures and, since I'm the digital photog in our family, there aren't many pictures to select from when it comes to me. I also find it difficult to find a good one of our oldest daughter. She is a tall, attractive redhead, but you certainly wouldn't guess that from her pictures. I end out working with what little I have of both of us.

I have some resolutions for 2009 and I'm going to record them here and update progress as I make it. I'm hoping that will keep me working toward my goals.

1. I plan to lose at least 22 pounds. I could lose more, but the 22 will put me back in the ballpark on the correct weight charts and my favorite clothes will fit.
2. I am going to get rid of the clothes in my closet that I will rarely wear again even if I do slim down. Ex., I don't go to an office and I haven't worn that classic wool flannel blazer for over five years. I also have too many dresses.
3. Ditto the cupboards in our house. They are so cluttered that we can't find the things we really do need.

OK, now I have made my public statement and I am accountable. I still can't go to the moon. I don't really want to. I haven't even been to Italy, Greece, or Washington D.C. I can, however, get my life in order so that I can enjoy being in my own home!