you say you want a resolution

Happy New Year :)
Well, almost. I wrote these down earlier this week and want to go ahead and transcribe them to the blog...

NYR#1: slow down
NYR#2: shut up
NYR#3: take time
NYR#4: drive safely(er)
NYR#5: go to work
NYR#6: don't overschedule
NYR#7: family time
NYR#8: maintenance
NYR#9: break bad habits


NYR#1: slow down
if I leave home 20 minutes later than I ought to, I will not run 80mph to try to make it to work on time (though it works), but will just face the fact that I'll be late. A 20-y-o van ought not have to work so hard just to save me ½ hours' pay.

NYR#2: shut up
if I don't have something nice to say, I shouldn't say anything, unless it's really necessary. Did pretty good in 2007 curbing the urge to blab my business; let's do even better this year. Not necessary to share my opinions on every subject.

NYR#3: take time
there may not be enough time in the day to do everything I want to. Multitasking is fine in some areas but texting while driving is a no-no. I may not be able to do everything I want to every day. Prioritize. Enough sleep is #1 necessity.

NYR#4: drive safely(er)
did good in 2007 wearing seatbelt 99% of the time; make it 100%. Slow down. Driving is not something multitaskable. Remove distractions and temptations. Practice pulling over to attend to other business. Fix what's wrong with the van right away (lights, wipers) when it first goes wrong. Wash the van at least monthly.

NYR#5: go to work
if tempted to take the day off work, go ahead and indulge the fantasy for five minutes, then get up and go to work. Schedule time off ahead of time, as necessary to take care of other business, including rest. Don't get mad & leave early without a really really good reason.

NYR#6: don't overschedule
there are only so many hours in a day. Don't fill them all up with plans. Although I may want to knit socks for a dozen people, I don't have time to. Make leisure time important. Reduce stress by reducing obligations.

NYR#7: family time
did good in 2007 phoning parents every weekend, now start writing to other family members. Try to schedule a letter per week.

NYR#8: maintenance
take care of my stuff: oil my boots, wash the van, fix things when they need it. Good rule of thumb is, if I'd be embarrassed to lend it out, then it needs maintenance.

NYR#9: break bad habits
stop chewing fingernails