2003 flew by, didn't it?

It feels like I wrote last year's New Year's column just yesterday.

As I looked over the column

and saw the list of things I hoped to accomplish this year, I was a little

disappointed that I didn't do more of what I had hoped. Especially

because some of the things wouldn't be that hard to do, like going

bowling or roller skating. I mean, the bowling alley and the skating rink

are both fairly close to my house. I can't believe I couldn't

make a five-minute drive for either activity.

I did forget that I had put

them on the list. So, the first New Year's resolution this year is

to print out this column and put it on the fridge. Then, after I accomplish

one of my goals for the year, I can cross it off.

I did do some of the things

I wanted to do, though. I read the new Harry Potter and the new Dark Tower

book and in 2004 I'm fairly certain I will read the final two Dark

Tower books, provided Stephen King stays on schedule and releases them

on time. I did see Pearl Jam in Atlanta with my sister and it was one

of the best concerts I had ever been to. I also saw R.E.M. in Italy with

my wife and that concert was no slouch, either. I wrote that I wanted

to work in my yard and get a garden going and I sort of did that. I did

do a lot of clearing and a got a few things got planted.

One thing that I had on my

list that surprised me was that I wrote that I wanted to try out for a

play. I had completely forgotten about this, but I did try out for a play,

two in fact, and I got parts in both of them. I thought that was really

cool and I guess that makes up for not running a 5K or going skydiving.

There were lots of things I

didn't get to, though. I did not get back in to yoga and I did not

make it to New Orleans, Savannah or Charleston. I did not get my play

published. Heck, I didn't even finish another draft of it. I also

did not get my grandiose idea of a TheaterFest off the ground. I'd

like to, though, and I'm still accepting ideas and help of any kind.

The main idea is to have all the local theater groups, including high

school drama departments and students, offer up a weekend of different

plays and shows. I vow to make at least some movement on this this year.

The other things that I would

like to accomplish this year are:

Go bowling and roller skating

- and I'll do it this time.

Get a book published - the

first steps are already being taken.

Finish my play and get it produced,

if not published.

Start playing soccer again.

Go to New Orleans.

Meet Bono (this is more possible

this year than ever before).

Try out for another play (and

hopefully get a part, too).

Ride my bike more often.

Go skiing.

Read more books.

Watch less TV.

Stay in touch better with friends

and family.

The best part of making a list

like this is knowing that there are lots of other cool things that are

going to happen, things I couldn't possibly plan on. For instance,

who would have guessed that I would meet Wayne Newton over the summer

or have a friend of the family get snowed out of Boston for three days

and stay with us. The surprises are what really make the year and I think

there will be lots of surprises in 2004. Here's to hoping that most

of them are good surprises and that everyone stays healthy and happy.

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