Rarely have I been one to make resolutions.
I applaud people who do - especially when they follow through - but resolutions have never really been my thing.
Sure, there was that one year when I resolved to learn to ski. I did get around to driving to Whistler, and even riding the chairlift. Problem was, it was July.
Another year, I resolved - on or about New Year's Day - to learn to play the banjo. I do not know where this resolution came from, but I suspect it had something to do with the love affair I was having with the Dixie Chicks at the time.
I did manage to make my way to a mall that had a music store, and I even walked by it. I did not happen to go in.
In spite of my less-than-satisfactory experience with past resolutions, I have resolved that in 2013, I'll have another go. This year, however, there will be a twist. I will not resolve to DO anything, but I will resolve NOT to do many things.
You know, like skiing or banjo plucking.
This year, I resolve NOT to over-indulge in choco-
late, pastries or French fries. I also resolve NOT to take a masters of electrical engineering or a PhD in economics.
The latter, I'm thinking, should be
easy, given that I don't have pre-requisites for either.
This year, I resolve NOT to watch more than 150 hours of television a week and NOT to abstain from exercise.
I also resolve NOT to take up skydiving or base jumping. This has nothing to do with the fear factor, of course, and everything to with the fact that my ears become plugged at higher altitudes.
This year, I will try NOT to become exasperated when confronted with issues beyond my control. I will also NOT dye my hair blonde and take to wearing mini skirts and stilettos.
High heels also bother my ears.
This year, I resolve NOT to allow my credit card debt to get away on me. I also resolve NOT to buy a 16bedroom home with an outdoor kitchen, eight-car garage, media room, greenhouse and saltwater lap pool on the waterfront in Maui. Too much upkeep, as far as I'm concerned.
This year, I will NOT take up mixed martial arts, extreme snowboarding or competitive cycling.
This year, I will also NOT learn how to ski.
Doesn't mean I won't go to Whistler, though. I kind of like it in July.
