the road ahead

Every year, I join the masses who make New Years resolutions and then watch lazily as those same resolutions fade away into the land of woulda/shoulda/coulda.

But not this year. My first resolution for 2009 is to only make resolutions I know I can keep. So . . .

I resolve to smother my beautiful, perfect grandson with hugs and kisses every chance I get, and to add in tickles and giggles and games of peek-a-boo.

I resolve to tell my children "I love you," and hug them as much as they'll let me.

I resolve not to butt into the planning of my son and prospective daughter-in-law's wedding and just do what I'm told. It will be good practice for being a great mother-in-law.

I resolve to appreciate my job more. In today's economic climate, just having a job is enough reason to appreciate one.

I resolve to make more time for the wonderful friends I'm blessed to have. Especially when it means having to plan ahead and coordinate days off and work schedules. I have great friends. They're worth it.

I resolve to spend less of my precious free time with people I don't like, respect, admire or enjoy being with. Thankfully, I only know a few of those and I pretty much do that already.

I resolve to gripe less about Billy Gillispie. This, too, will pass. Kentucky basketball is bigger than a bad coach.

I resolve to take the bus more, and drive less.

I resolve to decide the night before, what I'm going to wear the next day and in doing so, prevent early morning ironing!

I resolve to sing loudly in the car with my favorite songs.

I resolve to have ice cream for dinner every once in a while . . . . just because.

I resolve to make decisions that are right for me and my life, even if they're not popular choices or decisions.

I resolve to not apologize for who I am.