New Year Resolutions: Many folks do 'em. Most of them break 'em. And many strive for the same handful of goals. I've never made new year resolutions before, knowing I'll probably fail. So here goes nothin'!
Never one to set trends, I'll be endeavouring to set and keep a few of my own this year, and some of them are these really popular ones. However, I'm going to be more specific and realistic about my resolutions than most others. My self-discipline is terrible, so I need to set goals I can reasonably expect to keep if I'm to have any chance at all.
The One About Eating Healthier:
Okay, so I actually already eat pretty healthy. But I can do better. But the only thing I'm targeting is high fructose corn syrup. This stuff is probably as bad for you as it is ubiquitous, so dodging it will be tough. But I'll be giving it a go.
Will I refuse to consume anything with HFCS in it? No. But I won't buy anything with HFCS in it if there are other options. If HFCS-infused items can become an occasional treat rather than an everyday comestible, then I'll say I've met my goal. Also, Kate is joining me in this venture, so that should help a lot!
The One About Reading More:
I'm not sure that this is really a popular one. I'd say most readers read about as much as they want or they feel that, if anything, they should spend more time doing things other than reading. But I really like to read and almost never do. I have a stack of books that I really want to read, and it's growing. So, starting with a book I just got for Christmas, The Compleat Enchanter: The Magical Misadventures of Harold Shea (thanks, Mom!), I plan to read at least a couple hours each week, hopefully more as my schedule allows and especially if I can combine it with the next item on this list. After that, I'll read Bound By Iron to brush up on my Eberron lore. After that, probably something by China Miéville.
The One About Exercising:
I am inherently lazy. Yet I want to exercise more, (though anything would be an improvement from my current nonexistent regimen!) It's not about losing weight, though that would be a nice side effect (and a synergy with the avoidance of HFCS could actually make that happen!) All I really want to do is get some decent aerobic exercise--to get my heart going and give myself a bit of physical endurance and fitness. I've been in that sort of shape before and it feels really good. I like feeling really good.
I won't go to a gym because I'm too lazy to actually go. I won't go jogging locally because 1) the area I live in has no good place to jog, 2) I get shin splints, am prone ankle sprains, and get asthmatic when I run, and 3) I'm too lazy. And the last thing I want to do after standing on my feet at work all day is anything that involves not sitting on my ass. So, I plan to find and buy a used recumbent exercise bike and use it on a regular basis. I'm not yet sure how often, but something like three hours a week would be a good goal.
Why a bike? 1) I can sit on my ass, so even if I'm feeling pooped at the end of the day, there's still a chance I'll get that exercise. 2) It should be easy on my ankles, shins, and back. 3) I can more realistically expect to meet this goal if I can combine this resolution with The One About Reading More, and a stationary bike is the only thing I can think of that could allow me to do that.
The One About Not Watching So Much Damn TV:
Possibly also not a popular one, though it should be. And really, I don't watch all that much TV, at least not compared to most Americans. Still, I don't need to watch as much as I do, so cutting back would be good. I've got so many more important things I should be doing, but I often really just want to veg. Fortunately, the one thing I can think of that I could do while watching TV is The One About Exercising. Now that'd be winning combination!
So there. I've said it. It's on the record, publicly announced. Wish me luck. And feel free to pester me about my progress if you like. As I mentioned, my self-discipline leaves a lot to be desired, but accountability goes a long way for me.
But seriously, posting more is a cosmic decree from Zodak himself. I don't know how you intend to argue with that. You can bet it's a fair and balanced decision.
Whoa. Check it out. People are responding. I hadn't planned for that.... As some may have noticed, I don't tend to do this public talk-by-post thing—message boards or what have you. Feels weird.
A few responses then:
There's no point running from a ghost. It's going to get you anyway.
The great thing about TV is that it's mentally passive. Now, that's not a great thing for the hoi polloi because that's the mode many of them are stuck in anyway. But for the rest of us, our brains are working way too much in active mode. And I find it hard to switch it off at times. TV's great for that: Eyes half open, jaw slacked, drool dribbling from the corner of one's mouth. The downside is that your body also goes into stasis. And that's why I like this watch-TV-while-you-bike plan. It's a great way to "knock off a couple of birds.™"
Regarding yammering away on a (we)blog whether or not I've got something to say...that don't sit well with me. The way I see it, the world's got way too much of that going on as it is, and I don't feel compelled to exacerbate the problem. People just open their mouths and let just any old thing come blathering out, whether or not anyone (or even the speaker!) thinks it's important, relevant, even interesting. Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. I just don't roll that way. (However, as you can see, when I do feel like saying something, I don't keep it brief. I can be rather prolix, to a fault I'm sure.)
So while I can't resolve to post anything regularly, I can try to keep in mind that if I have something to say, I can maybe write it publicly rather than privately (via e-mail or whatever), if it makes sense to. Not that anyone knows about this hidden corner of the Internet...
Oh, and I have a new resolution to suggest to you:
Post on this weblog more. We need to know what's going on in the world of John. Plus, the more you say publicly, the more you "commit" to doing it. But even if you've got nothing solid to talk about, just ramble. I've got a lot of space on this website.
Also, doing so will help encourage Marisa to contribute, too.
Actually, Marisa and I are embarking on the One About Exercising, with a few nods at the One About Eating Healthier.
I don't think I have a problem relating to the One About Not Watching So Much Damn TV, and if anything, I should have One About Reading Less. :)
I exercised on both a tread mill and an exercise bike this morning, and I've been drinking only water all day. So far I'm feeling good enough about my "resolutions."
Good luck. And I just MAY pester you about this.
Running sucks... I seriously can't believe people do it! My joints start aching at the mere mention of it. The only good reason to run is if you're being chased by a ferocious beast, or perhaps a ghost.
Biking, however, rules!
I definitely want to watch much less TV as well. If I could get down to two hours a week (with maybe a little more veg time on Saturday) I would be very happy. TV saps my energy away.
Good luck with getting everything done— You'll feel better if you do!™