New Year's Resolutions

I know it's trendy to declare oneself anti New Year's Resolutions, but the truth is, I think it's a great tradition.  There's something about the idea of rebirth, of starting over, setting goals - I love it.  I've talked about New Year's Resolutions before, but just in case you weren't reading me 100 years ago, in the past I have made Resolutions to quit smoking (still successful, by the way, after all these years-i have the extra girth to prove it, MOM), to quit my desk job which I hated passionately (still no desk job), to start writing on a regular basis (obviously still doing that), get some things published (accomplished, although I don't really try to do it anymore like I probably should), and lose weight (accomplished, failed, accomplished, failed - currently on fail).  One year I resolved not to eat any fast food for a year.  Once I stopped saying "I'm Sorry" all the time.

I've had mixed success, and I suppose my triumphs are more memorable than my failures, but I love making resolutions.  I'm one of those people who will meander aimlessly without direction if I don't have a set goal, so it's good to set some and give myself accountability.

When I was giving away Garlic & Sapphires the other day, I was amazed by everyone's candidness with their resolutions, and how many of our resolutions are similar.  I thought maybe we could share our resolutions and have a monthly update to see how everyone is doing.  Or, if no one wants to, I'll do it myself.

They don't have to be food related, but of course I'm sure there will be some food related ones in the mix.  I know I have a few.

Here's my list:

1. Start using all the things which are "too nice" to use.  Pens, stationary, plates, blank books - you name it: I am a hoarder.  When I get something really nice, I don't use it.  I have sweaters I've only worn once because they're too nice.  I have socks I've never taken from their packaging.  I have tons of cards and paper, tablecloths and napkins, all going unused because they are too nice.  This one has been on my list for a few years, and since I have a tendency to be self-indulgent, it seems funny that it's one which is hard to overcome.  If I don't start using my "too nice" things, next year I'm going to start giving them away. 
2. The first one gives way to the second: start writing people notes on real paper, to be sent with a real stamp, via snail mail.  I love getting mail.  I absolutely love paper and paper products, yet I cannot remember the last time I sent a note.  I wrote a few thank you notes recently, but I don't do it nearly enough.  Chances are if I know you, I owe you a thank you note.  I'm really bad at it.  I received some really great notes this year, and I should return the favor.  
3. Those of you who follow me on Twitter already know that this year, I am going to stop apologizing to chefs when I haven't done anything wrong.  I'm not going to start fights, but if I didn't do anything wrong, you are only going to get an apology for your perception. 
4. *sigh* lose weight.  I know it's everyone's resolution, and I'm not going to make excuses, okay, maybe a few - this year my thyroid went kaput and I ate way too much late-night Hounddog's.  I also consumed far too many post-work beers with way too many empty calories.   
5. Get rid of all of my clutter.  Because I worked for a clothing retailer for so many years, I have tons and tons of clothing.  This might come as a surprise for my friends who have never seen me in anything but ill-fitting jeans, baggy tees, and cardigan sweaters, but once upon a time, I had to look reasonably cute on a daily basis.  Owing to #4 in this list, these clothes range from single to double-digit sizes, and I need to get rid of the things I'm never going to wear again.  I can never find anything to wear because it's covered by all the things I don't wear.  This is probably more than you wanted to know.    
6. Confront my fear of pie dough.  
7. Find my library card and start using the library.  Also, clean out my book collection. 
8. Record my radio spots in a timely manner  
9. Edit my podcasts and put them up in a timely manner. 
10. Answer emails in a timely manner!!!! 
11. Frame and hang the artwork I've been collecting, for the love of crumb cake! 
12. Continue to support local artists while finally decorating my house which I've lived in for 4 1/2 years without hanging more than 3 pictures up.  It's really pathetic. 
13. Get everything in my kitchen to fit in the cabinets.  I'm sure a lot of you out there can feel me here. 
14. Learn to draw. I'm sure my mom will think that's funny, because I used to draw, but I really want to write a comic book.  I might be terrible at it, but I've had this idea since I was 17, and I'd like to flesh it out. at least on paper   

So, what are your resolutions?  Would you like me to update them monthly? Would you be interested in having a newsletter sent out at the beginning of each month to remind you about your resolution? If so, just say "yes" or "no" in your comment, and I will add you to the list!