It's time to look and see what 2001 Resolutions I managed to accomplish and which I didn't. Since I don't even remember what the resolutions were chances are I failed most of them. First resolution was to pay off my credit card debt. At the time I had about $3000 in debt from buying the PowerBook that September. It was going to take some doing and technically I don't think I accomplished it. What ended up happening is that I borrowed $3000 from my sister to pay off the credit card, so I don't have any outstanding credit card debts at the end of the year. Yet I still owe my sister $1750 so really that debt hasn't been paid off.

My second resolution was to have a $1000 reserve in the bank at the end of the year. What do you know, I have that. The Christmas spending drove my savings well below $1000, but in December I stopped paying some taxes and I maxed out my 401k. So my paychecks got bigger and I got an extra $800 over the course of the month, making up that shortfall. This is my first year where I had full 401k and ESPP use -- a good $20k set aside for the future. Who'd a thought I could do it?

I failed the next two resolutions. Exercise 30 minutes five times a week. I did that for a few months, but the last half of the year I totally blew it. I was also supposed to get a physical checkup, which I didn't. Now that I'm over 30 I have to take better care of myself because my body is no longer young enough that I can abuse it with impunity. We'll see if I can do that in 2002.

Resolution five was to do something once a month, whether it's going to a concert or the museum or driving to Monterey. I shouldn't stay at home by myself all the time. Didn't do this one at all. Resolution six was to donate $120 a month to a charity. I had to drop this one early because I was in not great financial shape at the beginning of the year. Then after September 11 I started donating again. Still, this is one of those things that I don't take into account in my budget so I'm unlikely to continue it.

Hmm, so I only had six resolutions for 2001 and I accomplished one of them. Partially accomplushed three others and totally failed two of them. Not a great record, but then again resolutions are not supposed to be easy. You're trying to change a long-term habit and that's hard.

So, what resolutions for 2002? Resolution 1 is increased financial stability. For one, don't rack up more debt, even though I'm due to buy another computer at the end of 2002. Increase my bank account to $2500, pay off Stephanie, try to get Mom's loan down to $15k, max out my retirement contributions. All that and still be able to buy games and keep up with my collections.

Second resolution is health. I need to lose weight. My broken down scale says I'm 211 pounds, but it's said that for years and I know I'm getting fatter. Maybe I'm just losing muscle mass. In any case, exercise more, eat less, try to build up some muscle. Get a physical, get my weight down to 200 pounds. A lot to do, for certain. I think I can do it. It just takes time and willpower and I have to face the fact that I don't have time to do everything that I want to do.

Third resolution is to see the world, or Northern California at least. Enrich my life by going out on daytrips. Donate money and time to charities. Be part of society rather than a hermit. I have a digital camera, I should start using it and one way to do that is to go to places where I can take photos. Strangely, this one takes time and money, which sort of interferes with the other two resolutions. Hey, I have to balance my schedule.

For 2002 then I only have three resolutions. Not very specific as in years past. But it gives me three goals instead six or more. More like ideals.