I am not usually a big fan of New Year's resolutions. A few years ago, I vowed to "drink more Coke." Last year, I offered a general resolve to "be nicer" (jury's still out on that one).

But this year, I am completely going in the other direction. I am setting the bar high, and have thus devised a list of 25 goals for 2008.

I resolve to...

1. work less.
2. dance more.
3. read one book per week.
4. lose at least one pound.
5. see as many Springsteen/E Street Band concerts as my time and finances allow.
6. write the second chapter of my book.
7. shave 10 minutes off my 2007 Spring Lake Five time.
8. ride my bike at least 700 miles (cumulatively, not all at once. I haven't completely lost my mind.).
9. visit at least two new countries.
10. knock three more states off my to-visit list.
11. make strides toward finishing the world's slowest masters' degree.
12. consider getting Easy Pass. (I only vow to consider it. I'm still not sure I want The Man to be able to track my every vehicular movement.)
13. maintain a low, healthy blood pressure regardless of what happens on Jan. 7.
14. finally clean the damn walk-in closet.
15. start playing basketball again.
16. do more camping.
17. stay out of McDonald's, particularly between the hours of 7 and 11 a.m.
18. bring the crazy nephews to Shea Stadium and Coney Island's Astroland, both in their final year.
19. make a major appliance purchase.
20. start to learn French.
21. consider writing a fan letter to Le Anne Schreiber.
22. learn how to properly grill fish.
23. figure out how to operate the sewing machine I got last year.
24. do something completely irresponsible.
25. make one major life change.

An ambitious list, yes. But nothing here seems out of the question. I mean, #24 is all but a given...

Periodic status updates will be given throughout the year.

Happy 2008.