Bah Humbug New Years style

Truth be told, I detest New Years Eve. It's one of the most depressing times of the year (second only to that wicked pseudo-holiday, Valentine's Day.)

Every year I say to myself, "This time next year, I'm going to be dancing with a kind, fascinating man and I'm going to kiss him madly at midnight!"
And every year I find myself sitting at home, alone, comforting my dogs while the fireworks try to scare them to death.

Well, this year I kissed my dog, dang it!!

Don't worry, it was on the top of his silly little head. But he's the only male around and I'm no longer proud! I used to kid about not finding my Prince Charming. I'd say, "I told him to meet me in 1982 and he got confused and went to 1892!"

Somehow that's no longer as funny as it used to be.
So, here I am, stuck, living alone for another year. Blah.



or


This is the best!


OK, enough of that.

Here's what I'm going to do for my resolutions this year. (Nope, not going to tell you what they are, just how I'm going to do them.)

Do NOT Start On January 1st

Everyone starts at the same time, and that causes many problems.
a) Food related - heck, January 1st has left overs from two holiday, not to mention all those goodies associated with the Bowl games. There's no way to get a good clean start with that hanging over your head. Set January 1st aside for more partying, don't stress over it and start your diet on a day that you can be reasonably sure no one will be forcing three cheese nachos and German Chocolate Brownies onto your plate. And remember - the Bowl games run all the way through the 8th this year.
b) Exercise related - the sudden influx of people at the gym makes it crowded, and what's more, they're usually grumpy! I hate crowds and I don't need grumpy. Better to wait until everyone else has broken their resolutions or at least scaled back. Then I can waltz in and have a personal trainer all for myself (and no one staring when I hit the rowing machine).
c) Everything else. See a combination of a and b. Trust me on this.

Plan on starting somewhere around January 18th. Use the time between then and now to prepare yourself, your house and everything else so that you can effortlessly slide into your resolutions. That means you have to stop buying chocolate now, but you have two weeks to eat your backlog!

Make At Least Four Resolutions

The multi resolution tactic is not there to give you more to feel guilty about. It's there to give you an outlet.

If you flub up on one resolution, give it a break for a few days and concentrate on the success you are having with another resolution. And here's the kicker - make some of them FUN, not just work. You should have one "fun" resolution for every three "work" resolutions. These might be "Spend more time crafting" or "get a pedicure at least once a month". Come on - I know you can think of some fun ones!

Finally, Don't Do It Alone.

When gaming there is a spell called Resurrection (do not confuse this with real Resurrection. heh) Basically it means a friend can read a scroll or wave a wand and you get to come back to life and try it again! We need something like this for resolutions. But you'll notice that you can't do it alone. You need a friend to help.

Admittedly this one is the hardest one for me, but I really think it will be the key to my success. The idea is to find someone that you need to report to. It can be a friend, a support group, your blog, your Mom. You get the idea. Don't discount the option to report out to Heavenly Father on those resolutions that you need some extra support with. You know He will always have time to listen and will cheer you on!

That's it! Three steps to get me off to a good start!
Now I just have to think up the resolutions.
Yipes...

PS. We did have a nice time watching the New York Philharmonic's New Years broadcast. Any concert that features De Falla's "Ritual Fire Dance" and excerpts from "Carmen" has my vote for a ripping good party. It also drown out the real fireworks noise very well and the puppies only freaked out a few times. Thank goodness.