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This Year, I Promise To...

It's that time of year again when we all either think about, or avoid making, New Year's resolutions. There's something about the end of one year and the beginning of another to get us in the spirit of reflection and rebirth. I suppose after spending 365 days not becoming the person we always wanted to be, we think that buying a new calendar and referring to a new year will somehow enable us with the power we need to be better people- or at least resolve ourselves to be. Andy and I certainly don't sit down as a couple to talk about how to make the most out of the upcoming year. I can't even get him to commit to telling me if we are able to carpool to work tomorrow, let alone having him write down how he's going to change his life by December 31, 2010.

Honestly, I've never written down any type of resolution just to keep to myself. Every year, as the holidays come to a close and another hectic year edges up on me I do take a moment to reflect on my life and how I might make improvements. I never want to write them down because I don't want to make any promises I can't keep. I like to follow through on my word and if I write down a resolution that means I have to go through with it.

For the first time ever I will officially write down my goals for the year and share with the world my personal resolutions for becoming a better human being.

The upcoming year is full of growth and change and I'd better be on my best to make the most of it. Here are some of my resolutions.

1. Be a fit mom during and after pregnancy. I practically broke the scale with Caroline and this time I hope to just tip it severely in one direction. And it's not because I'm vain. I'm not pretty enough to be so. I just want to be able to play with my kids. I want to be able to chase after them and not have my knees crack when I bend down to wash them in the bath tub. Hauling around 65 extra pounds isn't going to make me a better parent.

2. Read more and watch less television. I am fully aware that I lose brain cells every time I turn on the TV and I'm missing out on some really wonderful books because I'd rather flip channels for hours deciding between some lame reality or teeny bopper show. Watching Dancing with the Stars 30 hasn't made me any better of a ballroom dancer.

3. Be a better friend. I am so wrapped up in my own life that I forget to take the time to care for all of the people who have cared for me. Again, if I turned off the TV I could pick up the phone or write a letter.

4. Be a better mom and wife. Much of this involves being more patient, kind, understanding and willing to compromise, unfortunately, none of which come naturally to me.

5-7. (which are on the unofficial list every year) Learn another language. Travel. Learn to play a musical instrument.

Now, here's what I'm really going to follow-through on this year.

1. I will gain a ton of weight. I know this because I'm already on the track to looking like Violet Beauregarde when she ate Wonka's blueberry gum. And then I'll lose most of it after a year or two. I'll never look the same but yoga will help with the cracking.

2. I'll read while watching TV. That way the reading will counter-act the killing off of brain cells.

3. I'll check facebook more, possibly to the point of obsession. I'll send more text messages because it's pretty fun and I'll think about all of you often.

4. I'll leave the answer to this one with the hubby and kids. It's likely that I'll stomp my feet, swear and throw something at someone before the year is over.

5-7. I'll watch Baby Einstein in French. I'll play the tubby time water pipes Caroline got for Christmas. We'll travel to Massachusetts and hopefully at least make it to the lake in Cooperstown a couple of times.

Best of luck to all of you as you choose, and then ignore, your very own resolutions. Happy New Year!

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