'09 To Do List

I have come to a conclusion. It is now too late for some things to happen in my life. For example, becoming a Quarterback in the NFL was once at the top of my list. That won’t happen now for a ton of reasons. First, I’ve never played football outside of the neighborhood games in fifth/sixth grade and 40-somethin’ QBs rarely make it anymore. Second, eye-glasses don’t work well in a helmet. And third, I really don’t like getting sacked.

But the dream lives on as I can still throw a mean spiral really far (as long as I am willing to deal with the shoulder pain the next day).

I think it is also too late for me to join up with the British Secret Service. They can only have nine Double-O’s anyway and I think you actually have to be British. And being Ott-Seventy Three and holding down a desk job in the basement below Q just doesn’t quite have the same appeal. I also don’t want to die. For now.

The same goes for being a famed archeologist.

I can now accept those things will never happen. So, I’ve changed my focus and I am willing to try some new ideas while resurrecting some older ones. I’m not talking life purpose stuff. I’m saying I’ve started a mental to-do list for 2009. Yeah, I know, I know. I'm a month early. Bite me (in a nice, glad you're reading my blog sort of way).

My New Year’s Resolution is to tick off as many of the following things as possible (in no particular order):

•Review your Rules on a regular basis. They are your guide.
•Continue on as the Dad you know you are and stick to those beliefs. They need you. You need them.
•Keep blogging.
•Foster that Love. Write her more poetry. And flowers. Gifts are good. And more mix tapes/cds. She likes those.
•Take more photos with your kids.
•Smile more. Laugh even. It might crack your face, but who cares. You’re old(er).
•Divorce? What divorce?
•Practice patience and tolerance (see Divorce? What divorce?)
•Keep focused on your Non-Profit, volunteer President role. They need you. You need them.
•Get outta Dodge (Mudhole) more often.
•Review your Rules. I'm not kidding.
•Keep up that gym routine. Just get up and go. It’s only 5 a.m., right? Right!?
•Read before bed a couple nights a week. That stack of unread books is too high.
•Stick to that overly strict diet. You know the one: eat better, eat less, exercise regularly.
•Less beer – More wine
•Less t.v. – More music
•Hike (not football, but mountains).
•Simplify and get rid of stuff.
•Cook even more.
•Cook for friends even more.
•Attend more concerts and live music.
•Re-visit that screenplay you started.
•Review your Rules. Again. In fact, just post them on the fridge.
•Don’t go crazy, but get some new clothes. You look like a 40 some odd Dad that hasn’t bought some threads in the last 10-15 years.
•Sing in the car loudly and wave at those laughing at you. Don’t be embarrassed. They are just jealous of your amazing voice.
•Paint new art for the new house. It is YOUR house now. No more compromises. Paint what you like.
•Golf again (more than once a year).
•Get greener and reduce your carbon footprint.
•Stick to your new budget and put away some money for a rainy day.
•Call your mom, your dad, and your sister. Tell them not to worry. You’re not James Bond or Joe Montana, but life is good.