#37: Blog More Often.
It is three whole days into 2006 and I have made nary a resolution. I have so much I would like to do and so little confidence that I will accomplish any of it—it is enough to make a girl take up drinking (if she hadn’t already) looking at the year laid out ahead like an obstacle course. For inspiration, I thought I might look at my resolutions of the past—I have been a sporadic journal-keeper since I mastered the lowercase “e” (the last and most difficult letter I learned to form) and I have a fairly complete record of my New Year’s resolutions from the last 10 years.
However, as it happens, looking at past resolutions is not as inspirational as I had hoped. “My New Year’s Resolutions of 1999”—a four page document—starts like this:
“#1: Stop being so neurotic and dreading things.”
Huh. Oops.
It goes on, unencouraging-like, for a while.
I am temporarily cheered by “#10: Re: Health” which begins “a) Stop Smoking.”
Yes! I have stopped smoking! I quit nearly 2 years ago! Only four years after making this resolution!
But #10 continues: “b) Eat healthful things in well proportioned meals.”
Er…
“c) Drink at least 50 oz Water per day.”
Does wine count?
“d) Exercise: Pilates for abdominal muscles, Yoga for stress.”
Well honestly. Pilates AND yoga? I take the stairs at work, and I do own one of those exercise balls—sometimes I sit with my back against it while I watch television.
Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck.
#15 is better: “Do NOT whine bitterly about men and what useless emotional cripples they are while secretly wishing I had a boyfriend.”
Well, I don’t do that anymore, now do I? Especially as I now have a boyfriend. One point for Alexa!
So I have decided against a long resolution list for this year, even though I would like to lose weight and get pregnant and apply to MFA programs and keep the apartment clean and wash my hair every morning instead of just putting a fetching scarf over it some days because who do I think I am kidding with that, anyway? But I have settled on one resolution—something simple.
My New Year’s Resolutions of 2006:
#1: Do My Best.
{Note: And “best” does not mean the very very best I could ever do under the most favorable circumstances with every possible advantage—i.e. ‘perfect’ (this means you, Miss Rothschild)—it means my best taking into account current conditions.
More succinctly, it means that there may be a day when I go to work wearing a fetching scarf that doesn’t fool anyone.}
It is my fondest and sincerest wish that this year be filled with lovely things for all of you. Happy 2006.
14 Comments
Simply adored this post. You have such a delightful way of phrasing so many of our common infertile/weight-challenged neuroses… that it almost seems FUN!
Well… perhaps not fun… but amusing at the very least.
I have to be honest and say I have NEVER made a New Year’s resolution; unless you count subconscously not lunging over my desk and strangling the next co-worker who asks me either an incredibly stupid or personal question.
That’s what I’m talkin’ ’bout.
I never make resolutions. I just try to do my *best* everyday. That’s really all you can do.
Hoping 2006 is good to you, Alexa.
That’s a perfect resolution. I need to remember that one myself.
Happy New Year!
Not being a big fan of the new year resolutions, I think this years is by far the best. I’ve just figured that my personality isn’t going to undergo any major shifts just because there’s a flip of the calendar. Besides isn’t it our “flaws” that make us unique and so darn lovable?!?
I’m mot a resolutions person either. I figure every day is a new dayso if I want to change something in my life I have pleny of opportunities.
I love your idea of “best” as a subjective concept. It lends itself to acceptance which is another concept I’m a big fan of.
All the best to you this year.
Your own inimitable style makes this post another triumph. I’m so pathetic this year at the resolutions that I spoke to my husband about one on new year’s eve and neither of us can now remember what it was! Good luck with yours, it sounds like the right thing to aim for.
Happy New Year, Alexa! As for me, I think I’d settle for “just don’t do my worst” as a resolution.
I’m on the “no resolutions” bandwagon too. Just a set up for failure if you know what I mean (and I think you do). And don’t beat yourself up if the scarf doesn’t match the outfit!
oh and congrats on quitting smoking - that’s a HUGE accomplishment.
I don’t make resolutions, per se. I have what I like to call “don’t do stupid shit anymore” issues.
That counts, right?
I laughed out loud at your “Huh. Oops,” which said it all. I propose Resolution #1,746: Never make lists of resolutions that you can check up on later. Much better to do it the Thalia way. Much less disappointment all around.
Happy New Year, Alexa! May great things happen for you this year. Oh and: Didja see I finally responded to your tag?
I was so proud of myself for quitting smoking before New Year’s last year, but now I have to do it all over again. My New Year’s resolution? Have more resolve, and less re-solving.
I’m in full support of #37!
Perfect.
Happy 2006 to you as well.