So today is New Year's Eve and while I would like to spend the evening at home, in my pajamas, going to bed early, I am actually heading out to an event at the family's house.  It doesn't start until 7 p.m., which is going to be tough for me.  I'm tired already thinking about having to stay up until midnight.  I am either a party pooper or an old fart.  New Year's Eve is just another night for me, not some awesome celebratory evening where magic happens at midnight.  When midnight finally comes the only thing I feel is grateful -- grateful that I can finally go to bed.  Yeah - I must be getting old.

New Year's Resolutions....should I bother?  I can't remember how last year's resolutions turned out so that must mean that they didn't work.  This morning on the Today Show, a segment done on New Year's resolutions and stated only 75% of people lasted more than 1 week with their resolutions.  So, do I try again?  Yes.  New Year's is like hitting an imaginary "reset" button, the one that allows you to start fresh.  Though I'm not sure how this is different from the fresh start we get every morning when the sun rises again and a new day has started.  I'll have to think about that one.

So, in this public forum (ha! ha!) I resolve to:  pray more and complain less, smile more and focus more on the beautiful aspects of my life.  I will take more time for myself and spend less time with the mundane tasks that make me crazy.  The dishes will still get done, but perhaps a bit less promptly.  If you could see my kitchen you would know that I started this resolution early!  I resolve to spend more time in silence so I can hear my thoughts and change them to be more positive and healthy.  I will relax more and spend more time recharging my spirit so my everyday experiences are healthier and I am a better mom and wife.  I will laugh more, cry less, and live every day with joy.  I have a blessed life and will be more conscious about cherishing it everyday.

I could go on but I won't.  I know in my heart what I want to do.  I now pray I will have the time and courage to persist with these resolutions.  Have I set the bar too high?  Perhaps...I guess we will find out next week.