Resoluting

Last night I learned that an acquaintance and young Dartmouth alum passed away several weeks ago from a pre-existing condition. It was just the most recent in a string of oddly tragic events that seemed to mar 2008. I don’t think I’m the only one who is ready for a new year.

Don’t get me wrong, there were definitely some amazing things that happened in 2008 - Obama’s election, optioning my first screenplay, starting graduate school, my quarter-life crisis coming to an end, and surprise Thanksgiving guests - but overall the year seemed to host an inordinate number of untimely deaths, illnesses, and relationships ending.

In the spirit of the season, I figured I’d lay out my resolutions for the new (and hopefully less disaster-ridden) year. I am the type who is constantly analyzing my life and trying to change it for the better, so many of these are things I already have been working on in some form.

Resolution #1 - Healthier Kelly & Healthier Earth
I spent all summer with Windsor Mountain hippies and they sort of rubbed off on me. Pair that with learning that cattle produce more greenhouse gases than cars, and I started seriously rethinking my eating habits.

I was a vegetarian for a little while in my late teens. It didn’t work for me. I also believe that humans are evolutionarily designed to be omnivores, so I don’t think it’s wrong for us to eat meat. I do think most of us (in 1st world countries, at least) eat way more meat than we need, and I’m skeptical of many modern farming techniques. Therefore, my new dietary rules for a healthier me and a healthier planet are:

• Only one meal with meat per day
• At least one meal a day should be > 50% vegetables and fruit
• Eat beef only once per week
• Finally read The Omnivore’s Dilemma
• Be aware of where my food comes from, and buy organic, free-range products if possible

Resolution #2 - Dental Hygiene
Every year for the past ten years or so, I’ve made the resolution to be better at flossing my teeth. I’ve never had a problem brushing, but I hate to floss! I’ve actually been pretty good at making myself do it daily for the past couple years, but putting it on the resolution list again can’t hurt!

I also realized a few months ago I haven’t been to a Dentist in a REALLY long time (Dr. Rezzie would be so disappointed in me!) Once I figure out how dental insurance works at USC (and finish paying off all those pesky medical bills from the whole cancer debacle last year) I’m going to go in for a check up. And really hope I haven’t gotten the first cavity of my life!

Resolution #3 - This Website!
I will finally put content up on the other sections of the site, and start blogging more. I’m hoping to post shorter posts more often. And include more images, videos, and exciting things that might actually interest people other than myself!

Happy 2009!