If you want to know how I feel about New Year’s resolutions
in general, please see the above illustration. “Foo” says it all.
But I love the idea
of resolutions. What could be nicer than making a fresh start? Suddenly “next
year” becomes “this year,” and we have an entire nice expanse of time before
us, like a yardful of untrodden snow.
So let’s make us some resolutions!
1) Stop complaining.
Foo. No chance.
2) Be
healthy. Easier said than done, but there’s no way 2014 could be worse
than 2013 from a health point of view. If I can manage to keep my organs from
actually dropping out of my body this year, I will be doing okay
3) Appreciate
the good things more. This might actually be doable. Today’s bitterly
cold in Providence, for example, but the sky is a lovely blue. Why not
appreciate the lovely blue sky, even while cursing the weather?
4) Maximize
the love in the world. As a deeply flawed person, it amazes me that people
actually like me, and I try whenever I can to return the favor. I already tell
Partner several times a day how much I love him. I am also lucky enough to have
friends – Patricia and Apollonia – whom I truly love, and who express their
love for me in various oddball ways. I have always appreciated this, and after
my illness I appreciate it even more.
5) Work
on the family history. This has been going on for over twenty years; I
leave it and come back to it, mostly assembling records and keeping track of
marriages and deaths. It’s fun and instructional, which brings me back to it,
and incredibly tedious, which drives me away again.
6) Practice
my ukulele chords. Every day. I promise.
And finally:
7) Be a
better person.
Foo.
