new year's resolutions have gone off to an even start. i'm genetically programmed to sleep late, and it's not just because i am unemployed. i am just so much more aware, creative and inspired when it's dark and quiet outside. the first time i tried to sleep early at 1am (as early is a relative term; 1am is earlier than 3am which was the average hour i went to bed last year), i ended up writing for two hours in bed. half of the material was illegible in the morning, but that's beside the point. at least i fulfilled the writing component of the new year's resolutions.

i have also executed the exercise portion of the NYR, having jogged and yogaed and swum 35 laps in two days which is more than i can say for the last 3 months. one really does feel very energized and rejuvenated after exercise. i feel a lot more positive about everything and healthier already. have also cut back on midnight snacking.

the "spend less" part of the NYR is, as it turns out, slightly controversial. went into kits store with girls today and the first and only thing i picked up from racks after racks of 70% off items was a clean elegant vince dress that is also a top. girls, you know how sometimes you see something and you know from the bottom of your heart that you'd be doing the piece injustice if you let it go into someone else's closet? this was one of those moments. so i'm standing there and waiting for friend/cousin/3 salespeople to list me reasons as to why i should buy it:

1) it's 70% off
2) it's black
3) as a top, you wear it with jeans
4) as a dress, you wear it with jeans, or leggings
5) if i wear it just as a dress, that means no need to buy bottoms. so i actually save money (this sounds eerily like something my friend DY would say, but it came from my little cousin. that girl has a bright future ahead of her)
6) it's work AND cocktail
7) people screaming "it's totally you!"

i wonder if mba programs have courses that teach the power of persuasion and perspective in retail. so much money comes from simple psychology and logic. in theory, i did "spend less" than i would have at full price...oh, i just checked and the NYR is actually "buy less." i'm sure the thesaurus says they're the same.

remaining resolutions are proceeding steadily and i will not discuss openly as to not jinx myself. 4 days and i think 2008 has been just brilliant =)