I've enjoyed reading everyone's new year's resolutions, and i've expanded a bit on mine in my profile.

This morning, the first of 2008, is a murky, drizzly, chilly one.

I was fiddling with 2 different clock radios i have to set the alarm and ensure it works. I don't think i've used an alarm clock in at least 6 years, but if i awaken, gently, to classical music on public radio, getting up at 6:30 a.m. might not seem so bad.

I really like my Sony Dream Machine CD 823 (no longer manufactured), but i couldn't find the user manual and for the life of me couldn't figure out how to set the alarm. I finally found the user manual online at sony's site, but by that time i decided i'd use the backup clock radio i got for free at Staples (rewards program) and keep the sony in my office.

I should bake a quick bread today to use up the leftover cream cheese, which always goes bad on me, and/or the opened applesauce jar.

It's quite chilly in here as i've already reformatted my heat thermostat for my new upcoming schedule, and daytime is supposed to be my 'away' time. It only really gets to me when i'm sitting still, like at the computer. (I'm already wearing long underwear, cotton sweatpants, a turtleneck and a pullover sweatshirts and socks and slippers....STILL COLD!)

I'm happy to say i've read 11 books in 2007; i passed up the descending ball in favor of finishing up the latest book last night. It had been a general goal of mine to read more, and i did, and i was helped along by participating in one of my town's book clubs....did you know my town has THREE book clubs? Here's a list of them:

1. The Other Boleyn Girl, my book club selection, and a historicallly-based fictional account of Anne Boleyn's sister. Very good and an easy read.

2. The History of Love (fiction), another book club selection.

3. Healthy Aging, Andrew Weil.

4. Intuition (fiction), a book club selection. Inside the world of the lab rat.

5. Howard's End (fiction) a book club selection.

6. The New Medicines: How Drugs are Created, Marketed and Sold. Informative, about how pharmacetical processes and FDA approvals work.

7. The Best American Travel Writing of 2004, finally got thru this collection of short stories given to me as a Xmas gift by a friend 3 years ago!

8. Hamlet's Dresser (autobiographical by a local author) and a book club selection. Very thought-provoking; i found myself thinking about this book for weeks afterwards.

9. You Can Do It, a Boomer's Guide to Retirement by Joanathan Pond. A book given to me by my old boss. Mostly regurgitates all the basics that i've read elsewhere.

10. Nickel & Dimed, On (Not) Getting by in America. bought this used at our library. XCELLENT and highly recommended. About a writer who goes undercover to work as a waitress, chambermaid and at other low income jobs to see if it's possible to survive on minimum-wage.

11. Garbage Land, On the Secret Trail of Trash. Very good. A Brooklyn writer tracks where her trash and recycling goes. Eye-opening.

Kitty likes to bathe in the relative warmth of my halogen lamp here at my computer desk. Cats are always good at seeking out warmth.

Leaving for my dad's tomorrow a.m. I will enjoy my visit and am always happy for any time i get to spend with him. His health is not the best, but he's hanging in there.