[Image] The Magic Unicorn So after some thought, I've decided I'm not going to make specific resolutions or challenges for 2016. Whew, after admitting that I feel a sigh of relief. It's not that I'm going to be a total slacker, but I do feel like I need a little more breathing room in my busy schedule.

I want what most people do: good health, good friends, intentional living. I will try to eat more veggies, exercise sufficiently, and be more patient. But making those into resolutions won't get me farther this year. Instead, I will try to simplify and just enjoy the moments around me. Carpe diem, sieze the day. That was our graduating class motto, and I think it's still a fine one.

I will continue to go caving and canyoneering and backpacking and hiking. I plan to learn some new photography tricks. I hope to encourage my kids and husband in their endeavors and be there for them as much as possible.

There is one big new thing for 2016 I will mention: I plan to self-publish a mystery novel. It's in the editing phase now, and as scared as I am to share this story, since it's taken me a couple years to create, I'm also very excited by the prospect of putting it out there for anyone who wants to read it. The book will not become a best-seller, but if I can entertain a few hundred people, that will be enough.

If you're making resolutions, I wish you the best with them. If you're not, have a good year, too!

And to everyone, may your future involve magic unicorns. (The one above can be your first one for 2016.)