Let's see, a few things I did in 2008:

Lost weight. I dropped about 35 pounds that I could well afford to lose. More importantly, I'm back in shape again: running about 5 miles every couple of days, swimming up to a mile at a time, biking, kayaking, and skiing when I can.

Lost money. Ah, well. We all did that.

Spent two weeks alone on a rock. Lately, every time I get tired and stressed, I reach for that calm, still place I found when I watched the moonlight over the water with my dogs at my feet.

Made forward progress on the PhD. I spent much of the year prepping for the general exam essays that I wrote in December. This coming Wednesday is the actual stand-up-and-defend-your-work part of the exam, after which I find out if all that work paid off or not.

Watched bubblesutonium graduate from law school. One of the great triumphs of my year.

Found hope, comfort, and joy in unexpected places.

Just for balance, maybe I'll add a few things I'd like to do more of in 2009:

Travel. I've got two "fun" trips planned and three conferences to attend before July, so that'll help.

Write, for values of "write" meaning "not just academic papers, although those would be nice too, y'know, you're supposed to be Mr. Research Guy and you haven't even finished that paper you wrote last spring, you gormless twit."

Love lots and laugh more.

Happy new year. May it be better than the old.