Thursday, December 31, 2009

New Years Eve

Well, its New Year's Eve; typically a time when people reflect on the events of year that has been and look forward to the opportunities of the year that is about to begin.

Many Americans make New Year's resolutions, of which I am a fan. I think there is power in making resolutions (or goals) for the year and stating them publicly so your friends can help you stick to them!

But many people speak disparagingly of New Year's resolutions, since most are not resolutions at all, but rather, wishful intentions that are quickly forgotten a few days later. Here are the top 10 most frequent New Year's resolutions:
  • Diet
  • Quit smoking
  • Exercise
  • Quit drinking
  • Quit procrastinating
  • Save money
  • Go to church
  • Wake up early
  • Quit cursing
  • Read the newspaper

I like to make a few New Year's resolutions that I will really work to achieve. I make sure my resolutions are measurable. "Diet" and "Exercise" are not good resolutions, as there is no real way to measure whether or not you've done them. "Eat more veggies" and "Exercise 3 times per week" are much better resolutions because you can track them.

One year my New Year's resolution was to entertain on a regular basis. Spouse & I picked a weekend in every month and invited friends over for dinner, both Fri and Sat nights. We did it and had a LOT of fun. The dinners weren't 'fancy'. Often we had casual meals like chili or homemade soup, and we ate in the kitchen instead of the formal dining room. Another year my New Year's resolution was to sort, throw away, organize and file several bags/boxes of paperwork (ie: bank statements, paystubs, real estate documents, insurance documents, etc.) we had accumulated over many years. We did this, too, and felt a real sense of accomplishment when finished.

This year my resolution is to re-invent my appearance! (Yeah, I know. Sounds crazy, right?) No, I'm not talking about plastic surgery to look like Taylor Lautner.

For a while now I've been kind of bored with the way I look. I've always had this kind of 'wholesome', 'goody two shoes' kind of look about me. This was taken about 12 years ago......and look how utterly BORING I looked! Don't you just want to vomit? To fight my inherent saccharine sweetness I've always been willing to try experimental or avant garde hairstyles. I got my current 'fauxhawk' hairstyle almost 5 years ago when nobody else had it... ...but now its simply too common for me. Every wannabe hipster has a fauxhawk now and I'm bored with it for me. So I'm letting my hair grow out for a while. That should give me more options for my new look. My stylist is currently wracking himself in search of the next hot look for me!

But a new hairstyle is not a re-invention of my appearance, it is just one element.

I also stopped shaving right after Christmas. Unfortunately my beard doesn't grow very fast and doesn't fill in evenly so I probably won't be able to sport that 'scruffy face' look I find so sexy on other men. But I'm letting it grow for a while to see how it looks and to give me options (like a goatee, van dyke, soul patch, etc).

But I'm not done.

I'm going to continue my weekly personal trainer visits, but I'm also going back to our local gym at least once a week. Hopefully more than once a week, but once a week is an attainable goal. I want to burn some calories on the treadmill and lift weights in order to sculpt my aging body into a less embarrassing sight.

But I'm still not done.

Starting on Mon Jan 4 I am going to eat smaller, more healthy meals. My aim is to make portions that will not 'fill me up', but rather, satisfy my hunger and nourish me. I really want to increase my fruit and veggie intake and decrease my processed food intake. So if you have tried-and-true, flavorful, healthy meal recipes please email them to me! I'll need all the help I can get.

So, there you have it: my 1 New Year's resolution is to re-invent my appearance by changing my hair, possibly doing something with my facial hair, exercising regularly and more often, and loosing weight through smaller, more healthful meals. It all starts on Mon.

Tonight Spouse & I are going to a New Year's Eve potluck at a friend's house at 7:30. I have a crockpot full of meatballs simmering away in my special sauce to take with us. Then around 10:00 the potluck gang is heading out to a local watering hole to socialize and ring in the new year.

Whatever your plans tonight, please do NOT drink and drive. Seriously, call a cab if you to 'celebrate' a little too much.

I wish you a SAFE and FUN New Year's Eve, and a new year overflowing with happiness!

Crush du Jour: Jeremy Scahill

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sounds like some very good resolutions. You have a very good view of what resoluations can be. I stuck with one of mine this year (my food reviews on my blog). It felt great to actually complete it! I'm working on fine tuning my resolutions for 2010. I want to get a few things done.

Bob said...

I don't do resolutions, but, like you, I opt to make small, manageable changes.
Have a fun safe night; as for us, we're celebrating at home with The Round The Way Gays, and then tomorrow we're headed to a New Years Day party with the Out Of The Way Gays.

Happy New Year, Mark, to you and Spouse!

MadeInScotland said...

I figure NYR are only made to be broken.

I may make them (in my mind), but I rarely publicise them. I quietly employ them.

And, sometimes, quiet employment makes for success.

But, I can only speak for myself!

We wish you well, and I look forward to many more enjoyable posts.

ahoj

MadeInScotland said...

ps. HNY

ahoj

Unknown said...

Sounds like a plan to me! Of course, I am going to take a pass on the resolutions, I hate setting myself up for failure.

But I do wish you and spouse the Happiest of New Years!

Java said...

I think making only one meaningful resolution is a good idea. Yours sounds like a very good one.

Yeah, you look pretty Casper Milquetoast / boy-next-door in that earlier photo.

Happy New Year to you and Spouse. Be safe!

Larry Ohio said...

Happy New Year Mark :-)

Mistress Maddie said...

Well hon, I wish you all the best of luck on your resolutions! I know you can do it! And I think you are adorable just the way you are. I hope you and spouse have a wonderful and Happy New Year! Give him a hug from the Mistress!

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOX-
Maddie

David Dust said...

Happy New Year!!

XOXOXOXOXO

Stephen said...

Happy New Decade!
Good luck with that Resolution list!
xxxooo
S

Lover Lady said...

Hi--Love your resolution about socializing more from last year. I make have to make an addendum to my goals! I found you through my BGFF Bobs (Bob Out!) and really like your blog. Here's to a great 2010!

behrmark said...

I say, if it ain't broke don't fix it. I think you're adorable. (I also think Spouse is hot, but you know that.) And being adorable gets high points. I understand about the whole "want to change my image" mindset. The key is to do what you want and if you like something, keep it, regardless of the negative comments.

Happy New Year! Behr Hugs!

Anonymous said...

Resolutions are for amateurs. Seriously, ask the cognitive psychs out there and they'll tell you it's useless.

cb said...

I think Resolutions are a great idea. I always make a list of them (with measureable timeframes) and post it on my fridge for the entire year.

tankmontreal said...

Facial hair facial hair facial hair: If you can pull it off without looking like a prepubescent teenager, I highly recommend it. Ten years ago I had a similar goal and it worked for me BIG TIME.