alexpgp | Affirmations for 2004...

After a brief stint in the public eye (or at least the eyes of those on my friends list), I "privatized" my self-imposed "report card" on how I did last year. I tend to beat myself up when undertaking such assessments, and people might get the wrong idea (not to mention be bored to tears).

Here, for the third year in a row, is a rundown of what kind of person I envision myself to be in 2004:

I use the "Franklin method" to keep track of how well I'm doing wih the rest of this list. Which has been the problem for the past two years: Great destinations, no navigation.
I maintain a positive attitude with regard to life and the resolution of life's problems. I suspect my personality does this naturally, but we'll keep this here just to keep me on the bounce.
I talk more with my wife. Foot rubs and watching TV together are not enough.
I provide unlimited love and moral support to my children and grandchildren. And show it. Answering the question "how" is something to do in implementing the first item in this list.
I take the opportunity to do something unexpected for someone on a monthly basis. Something aside from charity.
I do at least one thing every month to maintain friendships and express an interest in the lives of my family, neighbors, and acquaintances.
I exercise at least four times per week and take care of my health.
I consume a healthy diet, refrain from eating within 3 hours of retiring, and refrain from eating junk food.
As a result of the previous two affirmations, I shall weigh no more than 213 pounds by June 30 and not more than 200 pounds by year's end, without resorting to extreme measures. The reading of the bathroom scale here in Colorado is final.
I will take at least one vacation with Galina this year, preferably in a Spanish-speaking country. See below.
I will complete the Michel Thomas course in conversational Spanish.
I do not shrink from conversing in Spanish, given the opportunity.
I crush my enemies, see them driven before me, and hear the lamentations of their women Just to see if you're really paying attention.
I file all business-related paperwork by established deadlines.
I keep meticulous financial records on an ongoing basis.
I assess my financial position (my net worth, of my debt, and other important data) on a regular basis, at least once per quarter.
I act in a manner that is consistent with reducing my debt.
I continue to pursue excellence as a wordsmith, interpreter, and translator.
I simplify my life by organizing my possessions and/or discarding them to reduce clutter. This includes getting rid of at least 150 books per quarter.
I improve my mind by reading serious books; at least four this year. One of the books will be the Essays of Montaigne. Also, reread Cyrano de Bergerac.

Cheers...