1/1/11--or how dates really have no meaning

G-d I hate this time of year. I suppose it isn't enough that I have learned to LOATHE xmas with a passion. But now I have to listen to the inanities of 20-somethings and their attempts to change their life for 9 days before they realize they haven't got the backbone to really make a change on their own.

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm all for life -affirming change and reflection. It's exercise for the soul. I just hate these arbitrary days where one decides that a little less nicotine and a little more movement is a good choice. Wait. Lemme rephrase that. I actually prefer arbitrary days, because it usually means something happened to spur the decision or at least a deeper thought than, "I should do something for the new year." Changing a calendar page is hardly an event. Unless by event you mean writing the wrong date for 14 days.

So, as you may have cleverly inferred, I have not made any resolutions. Nor have I in some time. That includes the inane, "I make a resolution not to make a resolution." (wow, that one REALLY gets under my skin for some odd reason) I really don't treat the day any differently. My old man and I get our "respite" date tonight--because it just happens to fall on New Years' Day--not because it's a special occasion, other than some stores being closed. We opened a bottle of champagne last night--but that was instead of popping open the pull tab on a Natty light. Benji is the same kid this morning that he was last night--a little pissy and whiney as he works though the emotional trauma of being back home after a week away. I don't think he has any resolutions either.

I haven't asked my old man. He's not much of a resolution person either. His philosophy--if you wanna change something, well, change it. Don't wait around for a month. Unless the batteries are dead in his man groomer. Then it might take a few days (weeks) before he gets around to that.

I suppose I could make a list of how I could be a better parent. And boy, wouldn't THAT be a great trip down guilt road? Or I could contrive some ideas on how to be a better wife. Or I could just be selfish and figure out how to be better to me. But I don't feel like paving guilt road this week. Let's just say, when I wanna rest, I rest. When Benji needs more floor time, I give it, and when my Old Man craves attention, I point out that his man groomer needs batteries.

Now, I'm not trying to dissuade you from quitting smoking, or hiking more, or even trying to cut back on picking up strangers at local rest stops. These are all good things to either start or quit, depending on your own personal philosophy. I'm just sayin I will quit/begin stuff when I feel like it, not when I have to go to the office supply store to buy a reminder.

So, I hope you all enjoy getting up early and taking my parking place at the gym this week. To keep the world in balance, I'll be taking up the slack and committing those sins you've sworn off for now. Hey--SOMEONE has to keep the local liquor store in business...

Happy calendar changing!