New Year’s Resolutions 2012

I often complain that our society lacks originality, at least from an entertainment perspective. Movies from decades past, like Footloose, have been remade, television shows from the 70s have been modernized for today’s world, like Hawaii Five-O and the epic fail, Charlie’s Angels, and covers of older songs are created every year in the double digits. Under the presumption that my blog could also be considered “entertaining”, I am going to be a hypocrite, forsake creativity and do a remake of my first blog from 2011 – New Year’s Resolutions.

I opted to first read my list from last year to see if I actually stuck to any of my resolutions. Here is a representative progress report:

Finish my second novel – check

Really get into football and not just use it as a an excuse to drink beer on Sundays – Uh, nope. It is still just an excuse to drink beer (and sometimes do shots) on Sundays.

Live in the present and stop worrying about the “what-ifs” – partial check (work in progress.)

Stop taking everything so personally and let go of the things and people who have hurt me in the past – three quarters check -I am not holding any grudges currently, but I am still super-sensitive.

Become an awesome cook – Well, I did make a broccoli soufflΓ© for Chanukah Dinner. While it probably wasn’t “awesome”, it was more than “edible” and second helpings were had by all.

Not too shabby. So here’s what on the list for 2012 in no particular order:

Rather than regret the past and worry about the future, I resolve to focus on the present. (This one is particularly difficult for me.)

I resolve to run another half marathon.

I resolve to watch a baseball game at Wrigley Field in Chicago – live.

I resolve to finish the first draft of my 3rd novel.

I resolve to write more often. I am not going to put pressure on myself to write every day, but “more often.”

I resolve to cheer on the New York Yankees to their 28th World Series championship. Ok, I cannot really be of direct assistance to the Yankees but there are a handful of tricks I have up my sleeve to increase their chances of success. This includes, but is not limited to, doing topless jumping jacks during pivotal moments in a post season game. Yes, you read that correctly, topless jumping jacks. And while I am only a B cup, trust me, continuous jumping up and down without support hurts the girls. But I do it for my boys πŸ™‚ (By the way, I only do this when watching games at home by myself! I know it seems weird but it worked in 2009 and so I try it every year when I’m desperate. Don’t ask me why I tried it in the first place.) I can’t believe I just admitted that in writing.

I resolve to try to get to work on time, emphasis on try.

I resolve to strength train, take calcium and drink milk. Just because my grandmothers shrunk down to under 5”0′ doesn’t mean I have to!

I resolve to continue to grow up but not grow OLD. (Shout-out to my old roommate and sorority sister, Laurie Zaneski, for this one.)

I resolve to appreciate the people in my life who continue to love and support me and return the love and support in spades.

I resolve not to snap at my patient boss. Just because he’s put up with it for 15 years doesn’t mean he isn’t nearing his threshold level. And besides, he’s a great guy and doesn’t deserve my ‘tude. (most of the time.)

I resolve to stop putting unworthy people on pedestals. I actually resolve to stop putting anyone on a pedestal. No one deserves to be on a pedestal, except for my niece Sarah.

I resolve to make a brisket, with the help of my friend Abbe.

I resolve to mention my niece Sarah more often in my blogs as per her request. (See above.)

I resolve to mention my mother less often in my blogs as per her request, although I think she secretly loves to be my muse.

I resolve to stop selling myself short. I’m fabulous!! (Of course, now I feel conceited!)

I resolve to feel conceited more often.

So, there you have them – my resolutions for 2012. Wish me luck!

12 Comments

  1. Tracie on January 4, 2012 at 12:54 pm

    Topless jumping jacks? Oh my! πŸ™‚ I think you’ve got a great list of resolutions there, Meredith, and I wish you all the best in following through on them.

    You made a broccoli souffle? Color me impressed.

    • Meredith on January 4, 2012 at 2:11 pm

      Thanks, Tracie! The souffle only had five ingredients, but it was a start!

  2. Michelle on January 4, 2012 at 2:01 pm

    Cheer on those Yankees!!! I support that. The topless jumping jacks crack me up.

    Stop putting unworthy people on pedestals is such a hard thing to do. I wish you luck with that.

    I love your list. can’t wait to see you tick them off with a check on January 1, 2013.

    • Meredith on January 4, 2012 at 2:12 pm

      Thank you Michelle! I can use all the luck I can get πŸ™‚

      Go Yankees!!

  3. Ronni on January 4, 2012 at 3:25 pm

    I hope you close the blinds for those topless jumping jacks or you may end up on YouTube πŸ™‚

    • Meredith on January 4, 2012 at 3:32 pm

      Hmm, I’m not sure. But I’m on the 18th floor. I figure if someone wants to see my boobs so badly that he (or she…) would actually use binoculars, God bless him (or her)!

      That being said, I don’t do them by the window πŸ™‚ Don’t dissuade me, Red Sox fan…

  4. Natalie on January 4, 2012 at 4:57 pm

    That’s a good list! I resolve to make better New Year’s Resolution lists! Also glad to hear you are grudge-free can you help me with that, Obi-Wan?

    • Meredith on January 4, 2012 at 5:48 pm

      Thanks, Natalie!

      I don’t necessarily “turn the other cheek” but I try to just not care as much and move on. It’s not easy for me at all.

  5. Tiffany N. York on January 5, 2012 at 12:25 pm

    Wow, what a great list! I think you need to post your progress throughout the year.

    I also resolve to finish the first draft of my third novel, and regularly strength train.

    The cooking and the marathon running I think I’ll leave to you!

    • Meredith on January 5, 2012 at 12:28 pm

      Thanks Tiffany! Posting my progress is a nice idea – hadn’t thought about it, but thx!

      Good luck with your resolutions πŸ™‚

  6. Jeff Salter on January 5, 2012 at 2:15 pm

    You prob. think I’m gonna comment on the topless jumping jacks. But I won’t. Even though it’s cruel to put that image in my head.
    I want to talk about that brisket you’re going to make. I’m a semi-pro taster of briskets … and will travel.

    • Meredith on January 5, 2012 at 4:42 pm

      Jeff – not sure you’d want to try my first attempt at brisket. It might not be worth the cost of the commute. But I will surely let you know when my cooking skills improve!

      Thanks for stopping by πŸ™‚

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