PROMISES, PROMISES: For quite a few years now -- more than a decade, probably less than two -- I've been sharing New Year's resolutions with a college pal. It's pretty fun. We swap 'em right after the New Year, then we cajole and tease each other about it a bit during the year. Just a bit. No biggie. Just a fun little tradition. Anyway, here's what I just emailed him for this year:

Develop some form of ongoing spiritual practice; identify some form of spiritual community

Work on some form of routine in my life, spiritual/exercise/family etc.; rituals and routines; I’m doing the individual things, but I want to put some ritual to it, to perhaps make it more effortless

Finish novel by my birthday, 5/11

Do a better job with birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, and other special things; remembering them, honoring them, getting special gifts, etc.

Try to do at least one special, one-on-one thing with each of my sons each week

Cut way down on french fries and pastries

Get weight below 190 (currently 205)

Exercise at least three times/week

So...what are your resolutions?