Happy New Year? I Sure Hope So!

Resolutions.

Yes, yes, it’s that time of year again. I’m not sure how this torture developed, this need to evaluate every bit of your life, pull it apart and make a half-hearted resolve to reassemble it so that it’s perfect in every way. Throw in the guilt that follows when you fail within the first 2 weeks and the torture is complete.

A Painting Every Week?!?

Yet, I do it, too. Every year. I put the diet together along with the schedule that includes every detail that I feel I need to include in my life to be whole. Time set aside to exercise every day, clean the house thoroughly every week, do a full painting each week, reorganize the basement, etc., etc. And, yes, every year, I fail.

I’m 99% sure that the failure rate is so high is because we believe the stuff with which the media crams our brains. We can be perfect. We can have the perfect body, the perfect house and yard, the perfect romance with our spouse, perfect children, the perfect job, the perfect fulfillment of your every dream and ambition. And you’ll still find time to sleep that 7 hours a night to maintain your perfectly youthful complexion and waistline!



...and Sing!

 Not gonna happen. And, this year, I’ve decided, that for me, that’s okay.

Take some time to Dance...

I am going to make resolutions, but not the usual ones. I’m going to resolve to accept reality and rebuff the nonsense of the world inside the tube. I’m not saying that I’m not going to do the things that need to be done. I am saying that I’m going to try to approach all of it with the right attitude.



 Instead of whining about how “fat” I’ve gotten the last 18 months, especially in front of the daughters, I’m going to try to get them and maybe some my friends involved with my exercise plans. It won’t be every day, but when I (or we) can make the time. And, I am not expecting the same body I had 10+ years ago.  I just want to feel better, not compete with a 30-year-old, or even a 40-year-old.

I want to spend more time with family, friends and neighbors, not the vacuum, not the weeds, not at work. I need to figure out what garden will be “sacrificed” this year to make that time. I want to spend more time in the kitchen learning some new dishes and techniques, not parked in front of the television watching another rehash or rerun.

I want to look at the rainbow and ignore the clouds as often as possible. If I gripe, I want to be able to laugh at myself for being such an Eeyore. If someone else gripes, I want to be their Tigger, and bounce them to the positive side.

I’ve got a good job, a nice “boss”, a pretty house, a decent car, really wonderful friends, great parents and other family, and the best husband. I’ll never win any beauty pageants, but I’ve never scared anyone either (I think!). I don’t want to tear my life to bits and create a new one. I just want to enjoy the one I have now a bit more.

Sweetie resolves to never leave white laundry white.

And, that’s my resolution for 2011.



Jaq resolves to never sleep in a boring position.

What's yours?


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This past week, our family lost our oldest brother, Bob. Under the circumstances, he went peacefully. There was enough of an age difference between Mike and Bob that we never spent as much time with him and his lady, Jayne, as we would have liked. But he was always our brother, and we will always miss him. We just hope he's enjoying that toboggan run he wanted. We love you, Bob.


Santa's Bow Holder and Helper

Another reason to live well:  In the world we occupy now, there is too little time to waste on the wrong things. Dive into 2011 and dance every wave you can catch!