Leavitt-y
By Josie Leavitt,
January 26, 2012, page 16.....

Every New Year’s Eve I watch the ball come down in New York City and ponder what the coming year will bring and what will I do differently. So, here’s my list of things I’d like to do.
I don’t call them resolutions, because, well, my track record with resolutions has been fairly abysmal. I was thinking of calling them intentions, but that didn’t sound right either. “I intend to do this,” sounds to me like I’ve already given up. Intentions and actions are often two very different creatures. So I will keep my options open and just see what I can get done without pressure.  This kind of mind game is ridiculous, but somehow it makes a difference to me; it also can stave off disappointment next December. The thing that I’ve learned about these lists is that they start to feel punitive, because everything is about fixing something rather than celebrating, so I’m mixing it up.
I will try to say yes more. Saying no first is an easy habit to get into, and, while it gets me out of some things I don’t want to add, (“Can you help me move?” “No.”) Generally it just limits what I can experience and me. “Do you want to go to Spain in June?” “No” Before I’ve even had a chance to consider Spain, I’ve already said no. Absurd. And there’s a free place to stay. So, off to Spain I will go.
I will actually join a gym and go to it. I’ve resisted for so long, but as I hit the dark side of my 40s, it’s become clear to me that I need help bending. So, off to the gym I will go to meet with a trainer twice a week for strength training and increased range of motion.
I will become less obsessed with “Words with Friends.” (However, if you want to play, friend me on Facebook and we can start up a game.)
This is the year I’ve vowed to cook more. I love to cook, but I have massive gaps in my knowledge. To this end, I want to learn how to make real sauces – sauces that don’t have globs of flour in them, sauces that aren’t really just wine, stock and butter and honestly don’t add anything to the dish but a gluey taste.
I will not undertake any household projects without having thoroughly thought them through with a professional.
I will not use a caulking gun for any reason.
I will not stick my head in trees to see what damage the woodpeckers have wrought.
 I will not cut down any trees this year, although this might be a tough one to keep as there are three I see right now that could come down.
And last, I will write one Leavitty column every month without fail this year.