This is mine, fairly boring but functional. No one should ask why i'm using Yahoo AND MSN messengers. Don't recommend Adium either, tried that and its not for me.
Drag everything out of the dock that you don't use everyday, then drag your Applications and Documents folder in. Much handier and you can easily see what's running. I have Safari, Mail, Calculator, Documents and Applications in my Dock (in addition to Finder and Trash). Give it a try (along with moving the Dock to the side).