Loose Ends
Just a few little resolutions
Susan Nienow

I am realistic. I don't have a chance of keeping the 10 resolutions I think I should make. No desserts? Really. The exceptions would take pages. Like pecan pie on Thanksgiving Day. And the leftover pie after that. Another wasted resolution is to clean my windows inside and out twice a year.

The third is all about cleaning. I would clean downstairs every two weeks - all in one day. What works now is the "Let's invite someone over for dinner" method. Then it has to be done, but takes some of the fun out of entertaining.

Fourth is the gym thing. You know, "I will go at least three times a week." Unfortunately, my exceptions have taken over. I will go except days I play tennis or work in the yard - or if I am too busy. That's my favorite excuse.

Five and six are aimed at challenging my brain - like taking up Sudoku as a daily exercise. Six is to take a class - and actually show up for every class until it ends.

Seven is to refrain from buying any craft supplies until I finish projects I already have materials for. Eight is to use or get rid of the completed craft projects. Nine is a big one and a yearly repeat: Go through all of my "stuff" and give away all of the things I don't need.

Ten refers to gardening: plant whatever I buy within four days of buying it. Some years I have planted daffodils in March, and two years ago, I just threw them away because they had gotten mushy.

Instead, I am substituting the resolutions I can accomplish. I will turn down any offers of "just one slice" of mincemeat pie. And I'll throw in rhubarb pie as well. As for those windows, I will take off my glasses in the house except when I am reading. When we get another pet, I promise to clean up the "nose" prints.

And cleaning…I will…well…whatever I decide, my fallback position will always be to have company so I have to clean. If I have company more often, I won't let the house get as dirty.

That exercise thing - I will not make any more excuses for missing gym time. Honesty will rule: "I didn't go today, this week, this month," and let the guilt fall where it may. To challenge my brain, I will try to remember where I left my other pair of glasses and learn how to take a picture with my cell phone - on purpose. I will also look for a class on speed shopping.

I won't buy any more craft sticks that look like popsicle sticks and promise to give my completed projects away in the next gift exchange. I will throw out all of my computer manuals published before 2005.

Last of all, I will never make 10 resolutions for New Year's again. I resolve to cut the list to one.