In it, I listed five resolutions I hoped to realize in 2007.

In July 2007, I updated my progress. I recalled what I had accomplished, and looked ahead at what I had left to do from then on.

Well, 2007 is over now. With a new year comes a new set of resolutions, but first let me share the last year’s results.

My primary goal was to lose 25 pounds and then put 10 pounds back on in muscle. I started the year at 160 pounds, cut that number down to 148, but then stalled.

At the end of the year I weighed in at 150 pounds. While shedding ten pounds was a good thing, I didn’t achieve my goal and actually wound up gaining back some weight over Christmas break.

Cooking and preparing more meals was my next goal, and I achieved it. Though I still frequently end up eating far too late at night, junk food has become only an occasional indulgence, replaced largely by salads and fruit.

I also tried my hand at some more elaborate meals like Garlic Ginger Teriyaki Shrimp and Southwestern Chicken. In the future, I’d like to learn some new dishes, and start packing myself a lunch for work on a regular basis.

Becoming more literate was something I aimed to improve for 2007. Unfortunately, I failed miserably.

I read a great deal of articles online as well as in newspapers and magazines every week, but I never seem to find time for novels, my favorite reading material by far. By the end of the year, I only got through three very short books.

Another one of my goals was to focus more on my career goals. I believe I improved both as a journalist and a writer in 2007, and became Features Editor.

I still haven’t decided if law school is right for me, but I’ve been doing a lot of research into a number of different professions. What I am almost positive about, is that once I leave Saratoga

Today I’m done with journalism, at least as a full-time gig.

Lastly, I strove to watch 400 movies, up from 350 in 2006. Sadly, I fell quite a bit short, viewing just 314.

However, I did catch 59 films in the theater in 2007. In addition, of those 314 movies approximately three-quarters of them were films I’d never seen before.

So, that pretty much covers my successes and failures as far as achieving my 2007 goals goes. Here’s my five resolutions for 2008.

I resolve to read at least two to three books each month. The key to this will be consistently setting aside 20 minutes or a half hour to reading.

I resolve to exercise regularly. The key to this will be developing a concise routine and sticking with it.

I resolve to start working and living on a more “normal” schedule. The key to this will be getting up earlier in the morning, and working more of a nine to five schedule.

I resolve to keep in better touch with my friends. The key to this will be creating and maintaining a list of people to regularly call and email.

I resolve to watch 350 movies, listen to at least one different album daily, and play guitar a minimum of twice every week. The key to this will be getting home earlier during the week and up earlier on weekends.

I’m feeling fairly optimistic about my chances of achieving my 2008 goals. I’m hoping this year will be an unforgettable one for me.