I needed a month to think about it. But, I've come up with a set of goals and resolutions for 2008. The difference between a "goal" and a "resolution" is this:
A goal is something I will shoot for, but isn't entirely in my control or ability, so I'm not going to consider myself a failure if I don't achieve it.

A resolution is something I should absolutely be able to achieve, and if I don't, it's my own damn fault.

We'll start with the Resolutions:

1. Record an album, with anyone or just myself.
2. Update the blog at least once per week.
3. Go somewhere new.
4. Finish the novel and find someone to read and evaluate it.
5. Participate in NaNoWriMo again.
6. Start/join a new music project that involves live performances.

Goals:

1. Record two albums!
2. Update the blog 2-3 times per week.
3. Visit a new country.
4. Finish and Revise the novel, see if there's a market for it.
5. Win NaNoWriMo again, and finish my second novel.
6. Create a new music project that utilizes the new ideas I've had growing in my head for the past few years.

2007 was a wake-up call for me, in a good way. I rediscovered the fact that I can do stuff and achieve things. Everything on both lists is achievable. However, in order to record 2 albums, I'll need the help of both earthShine and Bob Spelled Backwards (more on that later, I don't want to give away the Bob news until it is closer to official). I know I get lax on updating the blog.

As far as traveling is concerned, I will at least either visit Mike in Colorado, and see what life is like there, or visit Josh in Hong Kong. It all depends on when and whether certain tentative plans finalize. Who knows what else might come up. This time last year, I didn't know I'd be going to Peru, after all.

I need to finish "Blood of the Sun". I came up with what might be a good ending, and I just need to get through it. I already recruited my mom to give it an initial reading. If the story is strong enough to warrant it, I'll revise it and see what can be done with it. NaNoWriMo was a blast, so I'll most likely do it again, and I don't see why I shouldn't be able to win it again. After all, I still have the 8 novel ideas that I didn't choose last time, in addition to whatever I come up with before then.

Now that earthShine has retired from live performing, and may be an album away from retiring as a band, I need to find another project to get me back on stage. I've already placed an ad in the local paper looking for interested folks. The San Diego music scene isn't very promising for a musician with my aspirations, though. There's not a lot of innovation and creativity in this scene. Ideally I'd find a group of skilled musicians that are interested in writing and playing some music without keeping a specific genre in mind. I'm not holding my breath, though.

I would like any and all of you who read this to ride my ass and make me come through on most, if not all, of the items listed above. Help me battle my perpetual procrastination!