But now...with all the "umpff" that comes with anything new and shiny here we are in a new decade. The beginning of a new year. New energy, new opportunity, new sweaters and if you were good, maybe a new toothbrush from your stocking. I can't believe I never caught on to that one. It should have been a dead giveaway during those suspicious years when I wasn't too sure about Santa. Elves are in the toy business, not the oral hygiene business. Well, except for the dentist elf that hung around with Rudolf and the misfit toys. As much of a Christmas movie geek as I am I can't believe I can't rattle off the name...
I'd like to think though that the fresh feeling of the new year is more than just holiday trappings or a temporary high. I hope that unlike the decorated tree and the perpetually disapproving deer that is still ablaze on my front lawn* that 2010 and all the "new" it brings with it will stick beyond a season. I am optimistic that the coming year will be a start of something good. I'm hopeful that unlike the years in the late 80's, 2010 will be a year remembered on its own, and for good reasons. The start of a new decade seems like a great time to shake off the old habits, time to try a new view. Time to throw out the proverbial underwear of the past decade and tear open a brand new pack. Fitting to note that new underwear, apparently now only sold in bulk packs of 20 pairs, is the ONE thing that is not 70% off at the department stores right now...even they get it. We want fresh.
*My light-up deer whose head turns from side to side...I explain later that I am willing to help people catch up.
I for one have some things I am kicking off for this new year. I wouldn't necessarily call them resolutions...but here they are. Enjoy.
1. I will no longer let the few naysayers in my life control the volume of my voice or the level of my enthusiasm.
2. I will utilize my resources and not feel a damn bit guilty for it.
3. I will not dummy myself down for the benefit of those around me. I will gladly catch up those who fall behind, that's different.
4. I will drink more water, more wine and less of anything that has more than four ingredients.
5. I will respect the people around me and remind myself daily that even though some are challenging...God didn't really create them on an "off"day. God has no "off" days.
6. I will get back down to the weight I was when I married my wife. I'm not sure she will let me wear my old clothes once they fit again, but that is really not the point. I guess. Now that I am closer to 40 than 30 it is decreasingly pleasant to look 10 years older than I am. In the words of the Mike Meyers SNL skit "Middle Aged Man"..."I'm working on it!"
7. I will start spending time alone. With myself, with my thoughts, with God. It isn't that God doesn't speak to us anymore, it's that we have forgotten how to listen.
8. I will be a more focused and more intentional father. Spontaneous drum sessions are fantastic, but so is teaching my 6 year old to catch a pop fly.
9. I will be a better friend to those I am fortunate enough to have around me. This will take some sacrifice I know...going golfing instead of cleaning the garage or sharing a couple of beers or a concert with someone instead of reorganizing the attic...it will be a challenge, but I think I can do it.
10. I will write about my life. I will sit down and write about the crazy things that happen in my life and the crazy thoughts that go through my head. And if I am really lucky someday I will look at this and laugh.
Let's make this a great new decade!
Happy New Year!!!
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