For the major part of six decades I’ve observed preparations for the new year including drunken debauchery (got to admit to participating a few times myself), major partying, and even doing some foolish things such as driving home when I really shouldn’t have. Knock on Formica covered particle board but those indiscretions on my part did not result in accidents, injuries or worse. That can only be attributed to luck and in order to keep the lucky streak intact I ceased from taking such chances in a vehicle. After all, New Years Eve and the first few hours of New Years Day are nothing less than the ultimate amateur night. End of sermonizing.
There is however one tradition I have taken more entertainment from than any other. That is listening to the New Years Resolutions so many make each year. Resolutions are overwhelming in their variety and scope but nearly all end up being two things:
1. Attempts to improve oneself.
2. Short lived.
Today is January 3, 2009 and I suspect I can safely bet 87% (how’s that for an arbitrary number) of all resolutions have gone by the wayside by now. Of course there are a few that make it longer, and even a few of those actually make it to the next year. And to those successful resolution makers I impart my hardiest congratulations and admiration.
Someone reading this is thinking: “OK, so do you make New Years Resolutions and how well do you do”. The answer is yes, I continue with the same resolution from year to year and thus far have never broken it since I began. You see, I’ve had many accomplishments and many failures, such is the nature of life but one thing I’ve observed: I have not failed or succeeded in something only because I started the practice at 12:00:01 AM, January 1st of any year. After coming to that realization I decided to resolve that I would make no other New Years Resolution but instead change things as needed or as I became aware of them. It has worked well, I have experienced no failed New Years Resolutions since.
So how’s everyone else doing?
