Hello 2008!

When I was six years old, my list of New Year’s Resolutions began with the uber-important goal, “Always write my name like this:…” and then my name was spelled like something Hello Kitty would puke up with a pen – the “e”s in my name were rotated a quarter turn counter-clockwise and the “I” was dotted with a bubble heart. (If you’ve ever seen L.A. Story with Steve Martin, you’ll have an idea of what I’m talking about – Sarah Jessica Parker’s ditzy spokesmodel character spelled her name SanDeE* ).

Clearly, resolutions evolve.

Over the past years, I’ve written list after list, declaring my intent to:

Lose weight

Stop getting on the scale like a trained monkey

Stop picking my cuticles like an untrained monkey

Read more books (this one actually worked, to the point where my husband had to have a sit-down talk with me about the fact that I was always – and I do mean always – off in a huddled mass reading, in the car, before/during/after dinner, in bed…)

But a few years ago, I resolved to stop making these hopelessly futile lists, figuring that ‘tis better to constantly work on myself throughout the year as opposed to laying it all on the line come January 1. (Note to self: Stop yelling at Peter the Therapist. He’s just doing what you pay him to do.)

Ironically, now that shedding pounds is no longer a NYE resolution, I bet I’m losing at least a few pounds due to some freaking annoying and painful bug I picked up in Mexico. Actually, that’s why this blog is being posted so late –I’ve been curled up in the fetal position on my cranberry velvet chofa all day, softly mewling and intermittently running to the bathroom every 10 minutes. My NYE dinner? Sugar-free lemon Jell-o and dry Corn Pops.

This morning, before the internal GI clawing began, I was at the gym along with a large handful of other die-harders. I passed the pool and noticed an assortment of index cards posted up from children who take swim lessons there. Each boy and girl had scrawled their name in crayon, along with three goals for the season. One thing I learned: Mastering the Butterfly Stroke is right up there with getting a Wii this season for the under 10-set. Lots of these precocious youngsters (I’m talking to you Madison, Kimberly and Jacob) are also hellbent on swimming two laps without stopping.

But one girl’s swimteam resolution caught my eye. Written in red crayon, alongside her intent on treading water more efficiently and “learning to butterflie” was this goal:

“Become an athlete.”

God, I wish I could find that little Caty and hug her, slap her five and buy her a cool new pair of goggles. You go girl. Nice resolution.

I hope all of you are enjoying your last day of December, 2007 and psyched for a phenomenal 2008. May we all grow independently and together, be happy and healthy and push ourselves to be the best we can be...balancing that with our happiness, of course.

Please do share your resolutions here, whatever they may be. Post your whole list if the mood strikes!

PS T-minus five hours until Chicago goes smoke-free! Wee!!!

Comments

I cannot take resolutions seriously anymore.
However, I am every year putting "lose weight" at the top of my list. It's a tradition. It wouldn't be New Year's Eve without it...

I love martinis, too. Up, chilled, dry and dirty!!

Love your resolution about not sneaking out during meditation pose in yoga. I've been tempted, too (so I can get some crunches in) but now I love that last 7 minutes more than prettymuch anything - my body feels strong, relaxed and just melts into the floor.

PS You mean Ben & Jerry aren't really my friends? Crap. I'm going to go cry into my New York Super Fudge Chunk now...

Happy New Year, Fab Alex!!

My only New Years resolution ıs to shave 8 mınutes off my half-marathon tıme to under 2 hours 5 minutes. It ıs alot more measurable than lose weight, be more fit, eat better.

I think for the first time since, sadly, third grade, that "lose weight" and "exercise more" are not among my New Year's Resolutions. I have lost 25 pounds over the past year by just not putting so much pressure on myself to do it. In a moment of clarity last July, I realized that I had to develop a healthy relationship with food and exercise. Over the past six months, that is exactly what has happened. I do not obsess over food 24/7 and working out has become a part of my day that I look forward to rather than dread.

Yeah, there are moments of weakness but they are just moments and not the week long binges that they used to be. Learning to recover from these moments has been one of my greatest accomplishments of the past year.

I still have 15 pounds to lose to be in the medically defined "healthy weight" zone but I am going in to 2008 feeling healthier than I ever have. And it is fantastic to set resolutions that have nothing to do with weight!

Thanks so much for this blog! I love it!

I resolve to stop writing in shorthand. I'm so ADHD that by the time I get to the store all I can remember is that I've forgotten to remember that I can't read my own notes.

I resolve to learn to read upside down. That way I can practice Yoga inversions and be literary at the same time - two multitasking birds with one stone! Although I might be missing a point somewhere...hmmm...ah, well, it's left me!

I resolve to hide my curiousity better, at least to the point where I stop asking people embarrassing questions. In public, anyhow (gotta start small).

I also resolve to climb a 5.11 rock wall, master Scorpion pose, increase my spirituality and make a concerted effort to let those whom I love know how much I love and appreciate them (and I won't write it in shorthand!).

Lastly, I resolve to get something (anything!) published. This year's my year:)

Thanks Leslie!
PS> Rebecca - you are an inspiration, girl!
PPS> Alexandra - your blog rocks! I'm only sad I didn't discover it sooner.

I'm trying to lose 15 lbs by Spring break (I love being a teacher and still getting Spring break!). If I make it, my friend and I are getting our belly buttons pierced and going to Santa Cruz to celebrate. Yay!

I figure I can pull off the piercing until I'm 29, then on my 30th birthday I want a tatoo. :)

Great post. Balance and activity are definitely the keys.