It is about this time of year that I become heavily committed to morning talk show television. I like to embrace January by tuning into the likes of Regis and Kelly, Meredith and Matt, and even Robin and George, convincing myself that I too can be just like everyone on TV. I can become better organized, save more money and lose weight.
My favorite news stories are of people who hold up a pictures of their big fat pants next to their skinny selves.
Take Jared Fogle, the guy who only ate Subway sandwiches for lunch and dinner for a year and managed to lose 245 pounds. I see something like this and think, wow, what commitment!
The problem with these stories is my resulting inspiration is short-lived. By February, I have succumbed to the temptation of chocolate again and completely fallen off the wagon.
Thankfully, I am not alone in my lack of commitment. Turns out that even Jared packed on more than a few lb’s during the holiday season.
So what have we learned? Well, for starters, it is time for a change. This year, I’m done. No more inspirational stories. In fact, I have decided to move forward 180 degrees in the opposite direction. I decree that 2010 is all about:
Me.
Forget weight loss, forget financial security. What I need are resolutions that I can stick to. This year I’m determined to try harder and I plan to succeed.
To kick off my plan, I modified run-of-the-mill New Year’s resolutions. Feel free to join me. These ideas are sure to help you become a better, happier, and more fulfilled person in 2010 too.
1. Surprise others myself with a gift: And I’m not talking about a book on Amazon. No, a surprise should be substantial. Something like a gift basket or a spontaneous shopping spree should do the trick.
2. Spend more time with my kids: I can definitely follow up on this. And you should too. For me, I’ll be working on teaching my children to cook. Yes, they may be only 2 and 4 years old, but it is high time that they started earning their keep. I kicked off this little resolution early by buying them a cookbook for Christmas. I don’t think that Geoff will mind if we each peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for dinner a few nights a week. It is for a good cause.
3. Everything in moderation excess: Dieting, ugh. Limiting the consumption of alcohol? Even worse. I believe that a few libations throughout the day would vastly improve my parenting skills. I mean, is it ever too early for a Bloody Mary? It is practically a health drink after all.
4. Exercise regularly only when absolutely necessary: Example: One of your children runs away from you in a crowded parking lot. At that time, you should absolutely break out into a spontaneous sprint. Beyond that, don’t overdo it.
5. Learn something new: Learning does not necessarily mean that you must gain knowledge that you did not have previously. What if you reacquainted yourself with facts that you have forgotten? Case in point: I love daytime TNT television. It is filled with my favorite shows such as Law & Order, Charmed, and Las Vegas. Result? I will dedicate 2010 reminding myself why I love these shows and tuning in.
6. Go green greener: Thuy is going to kill me for this, but I must admit that I still ask for plastic bags at the check-out line in the grocery store. This year, I am planning to change my evil ways. When on my way to the store, I am going to try to remember to bring one of the 20 cloth grocery bags we have. (Baby steps, people.)
7. Stop swearing Swear more quietly: Something happened after I became a mom. My love of the “F” word increased exponentially. Terrible, but true. Sometimes, I find that there is only one word that can adequately capture what I’m thinking. This year, I am going to be a better person and limit my swearing to non-judgmental places. I find that swearing in church and at my kid’s school results in odd looks from people.
8. Read more and be better informed: I am all over this resolution. Just the other day I signed up for a subscription to US Weekly. After reading that Kate Gosselin’s extensions took 20 hours, how could I not? I want to be “in the know” in 2010.
There you have it. Eight small steps to a better and brighter year.
Now, who is ready to take the plunge with me?
totally awesome!!!!!
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I am loving your plan for a brighter year! I think you can do them all:)
He & Me + 3´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday-Got A Title? Because I Am Speechless.
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I am so excited that Taco Bell now has a new commercial, touting their food as healthy and that it should be part of my daily diet. I am all over the Taco Bell diet.
Guess I don’t need to use meth anymore!
Kristina P. ´s last blog ..In-N-Out
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Is this the first time you’ve written in 3 weeks, or is my blog roll really not working?
I love these resolutions. They’re so doable. But U.S. Weekly? Come on now… People!!!!
JUstine :O )
justine´s last blog ..Sunday Scramble
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Oh-that picture of Jared makes me so sad! Did he really gain that all back?
Barbara´s last blog ..I Hate Resoluations
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I’m on board with your resolutions. I admit to checking out the People with Kate’s 20 hour hair makeover at the check-out line. Crazy. Have you heard of the drivethrudiet? It’s taco bell’s answer to Jared. It cracks me up every time I see the ad.
Jen@ODBT´s last blog ..ww: the villa
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You put a lot of thought into these. That alone is a great achievement. I’m takin the plunge too
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Oh this made me laugh. I have always had a dog. I use to have two. When I started blogging I lost my first dog Sugar who was a dachshund. Now we have Timmy he has been with my husband for eight years. When I met my husband I met Timmy and I fell in love with him. We are buddies now. He is my baby..
Amy´s last blog ..The Gang is all here….
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Well, now I feel much better. And here I was kicking myself for saying, “WHATINTHEHELL!” at #2’s chruch preschool when some kid sprayed me with water a couple of weeks ago. I told them not to force me into planning and working at their silly little holiday party. I’m so not cut out for interaction with the holy, 5 and under set. Sheesh! Glad to see you back:)
parenting BY dummies´s last blog ..Snow Days Mean
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Love the post; i like that you were “real” about sticking to your resolutions
I actually just wrote a post on Springpad’s blog about how our application can help you stay organized enough to actually stick to some of those resolutions. Hope you can check the post, and Springpad, out! http://blog.springpadit.com/2010/01/springpad-as-the-ultimate-weight-loss-organizer/
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YAY! I love #1.
And as for #7, I do okay with that one until I drive home. Once I inhale that salty Jersey air, I curse like the girl I was born to be. But lowering my voice? Hmmmm….perhaps there’s hope for me yet.
CK´s last blog ..when food dye turns your kids into werewolves
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Oh boy, I feel I have missed out. Once your blog changed from it’s previous location, I got lost in translation
( I have found thee though!!! lol
Love your list!! What a great way to start the new year and especially love #1
)
Glad to be back! ;o)
Kimmy´s last blog ..Who’s Next, America?
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First of all. Bout time!
Second. Great resolutions. I’m going to start sending me gift baskets and flowers to work. It’ll not only helps my self esteem but also helps me accomplish my other resolution: Make all my female coworkers hate me.
And I think I’ll write myself a perscription for wine. Take regulary up to 8 glasses a day when needed. Yeah, that should do the trick.
I love you and miss your sarcastic ass!
Pooba´s last blog ..I Wasn’t Kidding, I Really Am A Sinner
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I most heartily concur with all of your resolutions. I have actually resolved to swear more but like you I will attempt to do it more quietly. No point alienating everyone around me. I like the idea of getting the toddlers to start cooking for you. Maybe teach them how to clean as well. I never understand why the house is still a mess when I come home and the dogs are just sleeping.
Jen´s last blog ..A Trip To Trader Joe’s
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I still use plastic bags too… shhh.
And I love your exercise one, I am so with you on that!
Emmy´s last blog ..Not Me Wednesday
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Lol! Love your list!
I love baking with the kids I nanny for.
And start using those reusable shopping bags!!!
Yaya´s last blog ..IT’S A BOY!!!
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Oh, it’s so good to read you guys again!! And what a great post to start with!
I’m happy to find a fellow TNT “Primetime in the Daytime” addict! LOL! It’s what gets me through folding all that laundry!
~ Jennifer
http://thetoyboxyears.blogspot.com
Jennifer´s last blog .."The One Day Way" – Book Review & Giveaway
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I love it. If I could, I would watch Law & Order all day long. I did that last week.
Deb´s last blog ..A Battle For the Ages
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I get my current events from homeless people at the Safeway checkout line. I didn’t know there was an earthquake in Haiti until the homeless man started talking about it.
I totally need to learn things I used to know.
Stop with the plastic; it’s so last decade!
Unknown Mami´s last blog ..The Useless Psychic is in!
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Now these I can totally stick to. I love them and I love you!
Jen @ buried with children´s last blog ..If I Wanted to Humiliate Myself, I Would Have Joined a Gym
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I dunno. I got tight in the chest just READING these commitments! It reminded me of when I was in Bible camp in 8th grade and the pastor said “Who is willing to commit their life over to Jesus and abstain from sex until marriage!!!”….and my heart heart beat fast and I broke into a cold sweat.
Whooo. I mean, I will consider thinking about maybe trying. How’s that?
kristin kaminski´s last blog ..it’s the "economy." The really bad "economy."
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LOL about the sprinting!! I had to do that one too many times. Well, when they were younger of course!
Alicia´s last blog ..WORDFUL WEDNESDAY
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OMG, what you wrote about the “F” word is SO true. I use it way more now as a parent. It’s really the only word that makes me feel better when I need to vent!
Love all these resolutions…you’re onto something here!
Helene´s last blog ..Time for a reality check, Mama….
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Finally! REAL Resolutions! Love them all.
And what is it about the swearing? Since I’ve had kids, I curse like a sailor once they’re in bed. I will make up conversations JUST SO I can pepper them with colorful language. Truth.
Sara´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday
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LOL, HILARIOUS!!
Muthering Heights´s last blog ..When The Potty Consumes You
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love them all!I like the swearing more quietly, I mean we have to vent right? And the picture of Jared, poor guy, it’s hard to stick to a diet, very hard,maybe he can find another restaurant to lose weight on that will really work, perhaps Souper Salad??
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Now this is a list I can adhere to. I will join you….is there a petition to sign?
Mama Kat´s last blog ..Blog Tips: How To Make Your Own Blog Button
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Love your list, & I’m so happy you are going to help me with my to-do list this year. So when, exactly, is our date at Zachary’s??
Keri ~ ForeverFoldingLaundry´s last blog ..My Space.
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Love the “Swear More Quietly”! ;O)
Hope you girls (and your lovely families) had a wonderful holiday season. Happy New Year!
theUngourmet´s last blog ..Cranberry orange and cardamom mini cakes
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Glad to see you guys are back! love the list!
I had to laugh on the swearing bit. Swear words are the “pepper” of the English language. Sometimes you just have to have a little spice.
Liz´s last blog ..To infinity and beyond…
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It’s never to early to start your children on taking over the housework completely. My 2 and 5 year old put away their own laundry. It’s WONDERFUL! I finally just washed all my grocery bags, so that’s a start. But I had never thought of giving myself gifts. That’s pure genius!
Lady of Perpetual Chaos´s last blog ..The Best of 2009-Picture Edition
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It’s NEVER too early for a Bloody Mary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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and I especially love #1.. think it was my favorite!!
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Fabulously funny! Love ‘em all!!!
Jeannie´s last blog ..De-Stress Thursday
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Love it! I can’t believe her hair took 20 hours…
Blond Duck´s last blog ..The war of Mac and Cheese
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I am all over this. Swearing quietly? Yeah, my resolution too.
And 20 hour hair extensions? That sounds like a vacation! Where do I sign up?
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Thank you! I thought I was the only one whose mouth got worse after having kids! It’s so bad my son frequently says “Oh Ffffff” which comes out as O-fa, because he heres me (and to be fair my husband) stop ourselves from blurting it out, ALL THE TIME!
MamaB´s last blog ..My God…
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My kids aren’t allowed to cook for me anymore. At ages 2 and 4 they ONLY want to shop at Whole Foods and prepare things like seared foie gras, lobster bisque and some gnarly souffle thing with truffles. Blech. McDonald’s every night tastes mighty fine to me.
As for swearing, I’m all over it like a motherf*cker. Done.
Great list!
Amanda @Brilliant Sulk´s last blog ..I’ve Been Outed
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Those are awesome resolutions! I’m in!
Julie´s last blog ..Paula Deen’s Banana Pudding
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Hey Francesca, Happy New Year! I am totally with you on the resolutions. Swear more quietly on one I’d never thought of.
Have a great year.
xo
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It’s been too long girl! I love your list and I think I’m stealing them all, especially #’s 3, 4, and 7!
joanofalltrades´s last blog ..Happy New Year!
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If someone doesn’t believe that a Bloody Mary counts for your daily vegetable, I simply cannot be friends with them.
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Ha! I am loving these resolutions. And, no, it’s never too early for a Bloody Mary. A good Bloody Mary is the equivalent of a cup of coffee…and I think it’s better for you, too. =)
-Aimee
Aimee @ Ain’t Yo Mama’s Blog´s last blog ..Foodie Friday: Lamb Ragu with Homemade Spinach Fettuccine
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How is it that I haven’t commented on this one?
Sign me up!
angie´s last blog ..Luck? Or Divine Intervention?
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