The year end

Home, finally. After many hours of winter driving and frigid, blustery, snow-stormy weather, today I enjoyed a long outdoor run. Never mind that the day was still gray, or that the snow was still melting nearly 2 weeks after falling. Yes, the weather has broken all the rules this year. Snow that overstays its welcome was at the top of my "no way" list when considering places to live. But at least today, I could finally run. In just two layers. And with my face uncovered to better breathe in the fresh air. Ah.

Since this was a longish solitary run, I had time to think about the year's end. One year ago, we spent New Year's Eve in a cabin just around the corner from where we are now building. Back in Pasadena, I made a list titled "Move to Asheville". I made the list to combat the paralysis that set in when I thought about moving lock, stock, and barrel across the country, to a town where we knew no one. One by one, we checked off items on the list. And here we are.

So, though I'm not generally a New Year's resolution type, I find value in reflecting on the year and thinking about what lies ahead. In looking back, I am reminded that one of our top reasons for moving was a latent desire to put down roots. Taking stock, I would say we're firmly grounded, but not really rooted. So perhaps a new list is in order.

Here goes. My list for 2010 -- in no particular order. Since I've shared it, I feel accountable. We'll see how I do.

1. At the top is my need to give more. I started my professional life in a very direct, hands-on, non-profit "do-gooder" way. I moved on I guess, and need to move back. So I resolve to choose 2 causes - one local and one global -- to which I will make a measurable commitment. While cash is always good, I need to do something more. If money is the contribution - something else must go with it.
2. Next is a continued commitment to living lightly. We will be more sustainable. Some of this will be automatic and easy. Our house will be very "green". And we'll start a great big garden, which should produce some of what we consume. But we can do more and consume less.
3. On a personal note -- I've been running now for years. But I think the number of races I've entered is about 5. In order, one marathon (yes, I started backwards), one 10K, one half-marathon, and two trail races. So this year, I will run at least 6 races - exceeding my life-time limit.
4. Following the above, I'm running at least 10 miles at one time in one direction (up!) on the Shut In trail. I'm obsessed with this trail and it's 18-mile race with it's secret selection participant selection process. I'm either running the race, or running enough of the trail to cure my obsession.
5. I will continue to go against my natural personality and aggressively work to make new friends. And I'm hoping that by this time next year, we will have friends here who need us as much as we need them.
6. I'm going to ride that mountain bike. I'd like to say I'll ride Greenslick -- but it may be just a little too much. But soon. Very soon.

I think that's it. If I accomplish these 6 little things, it will be a good year. What will make a good year for you?