Tomorrow I'll make a ten-hour drive to South Texas for Christmas, just me and my beagle Angel. Today was spent doing last-minute errands, getting the car ready, washing clothes...and now I'm ready to rest. It will be a long trip, and I can't wait to see my family there, especially the two little ones, my grandchildren Zeia and Zeva. I am sure I will write more about them in days to come.

Wow! Now my iPhone is getting in on the action. Blogging is opening a new world and stretching my technical skills. What a feeling of accomplishment! I've done it all by myself. Who would have thought I could blog at all, much less by cell?

Today's exploration began in the Sunday edition of the Dallas Morning News. Two opinion articles that grabbed my attention included blog addresses. Now, not only am I writing a blog, I am also following two of them. My first foray into reading blogs has provided inspiration, ideas, and the motivation to include more information in my profile. Where will this take me? I don't need to know that yet. I just need to take the next right step.

So, I've taken the first step and started my blog. What will I discover in my explorations for 2010? What am I looking for? Why does this matter?

I want to test my willingness to follow through on a discipline of daily writing. I've been playing at writing for several years, and feel I'm ready to commit to a project. This is a beginning that gives me a structure with lots of wiggleroom to include whatever I want to explore.

I want to restore the sense of adventure I had for exploring my community when I first moved here eight years ago. I still have that adventurous spirit when I travel to other places, but have let it slide when I'm at home. When I first arrived here, I ventured out by public transit, tried new walking trails, visited a few museums, and got to know the area. However, there are so many things I still want to do, and this year I'll make time for them. I commit to a year of "artist dates" with myself to explore my local area and report back. In exploring the area, I'll also be exploring my inner self as I write about my opinions and feelings.

What are some things on my radar for exploring?

• walking trails
• writing options
• future career options
• museums
• parks
• my dreams
• ethnic markets and restaurants
• the variety of shops and restaurants that I pass up when I stick to the same old
• healthy choices for food and exercise
• the world around me

I think the public nature of the blog will encourage me to stay on track, on target, and in touch with myself and my commitment to this project.

As this year draws to a close, my thoughts are turning to my goals for 2010. I want to live a life that is more joyful, abundant, and empowered. My big three goals continue to be (1) healthy (2) financially independent (3) writer. In 2010 I intend to make significant progress in all three areas. Today I commit to a year of exploration, both internal and external. I will combine my desire to write with pictures, descriptions, and thoughts on my travels around my neighborhood, in the community, and farther afield. Setting up this blog is my first step. I am excited about what I will learn and accomplish as I begin this adventure.