Because I was bred to be concise, I prefer to make one-word resolutions.

    * Sustainability. I will double my efforts to live a green life. I'll spend less time in the shower, use every power-saving option on my computer, and make sure at least 90% of my material purchases are biodegradable.

    * Restraint. I spent about $250 on books last month. It adds up fast, disconcertingly fast. My resolution: read all the books in my library before splurging on new ones. Or at least make a dent towards it.

    * Discipline. I've accepted that until I learn enough French to make a living, I'm stuck with my little freelancing business. And freelancing entails discipline, which means spending more time on work and less on impromptu sessions of Dino Run.

    * Patience. Waiting was never one of my strong suits. I feel myself losing money just waiting for my computer to boot. This year, I will listen to Frankie when he says it's okay to take my sweet time and let things run their course.

    * Rest. Whenever it seems I'm blank, I'm really lost in thought: making a mental to-do list, crunching numbers, or ticking off French verbs in my head. This year, I'm allowing myself the occasional luxury of just zoning out.

    * Adaptation. So I hate winter, but it's not like I can sleep away three months of my life every year. So I will get used to the Canadian way of life, fat coats and sub-zero temperatures included.

    * Health. I successfully made the switch to tea in Manila, only to revert to my age-old coffee addiction upon reaching Quebec. If I can't shrug off the coffee, I'll at least limit myself to one cup a day. And not the humongous "cup" that I cheat myself with — I'm talking regular 250-ml servings.

Last year was supposed to be my year, but fate screwed me over sometime in April. This year is supposed to be lucky for people like me who work way too hard. Maybe this is my year.

Year of the Ox, bring it on.