Ring Out the Old, Ring In the New: the Loveliness of Resolutions

I can’t say I’m one to make New Year’s resolutions.

I can talk about them, however, especially when the Loveliness Fair is at hand!

The fact is, I don’t need to write a list come January 1st because I’ve already been writing it all year long. I live my list of resolutions. They are my carrot on a stick.

For example, I am always trying to eat healthier; I am always trying to spend less; and I am always looking for ways to be more “well-rounded” (in the mental sense, I’m saying!).

Well, I’m not alone, it seems, and here’s the proof: this week’s New York Times best-seller list in the “paperback advice” department is as good an example as any of the way America’s pulse is beating. We are all looking to eat healthier, spend less (but earn way more!) and be a better, more interesting person.

And here I thought I was such a non-conformist! The fact of the matter is that I could probably spend a good hour with every single book on this week’s list and come away at least an idea or two richer.

For example, the number one book on the list this week is The World Almanac & Book of Facts 2007. The World Almanac is so cool. Leave it on the end table and then watch it disappear. I will probably get a copy of this book for our homeschool. Its perusal might come in handy during those moments of down-time that inevitably crop up.

Number two on the list is The South Beach Diet. Been there/tried that/sort of liked it. I am not on any kind of diet right now, let me assure you! But I do think that cutting back on the carbs can be an effective way to trim down, especially the white flour and the sugar. That demonic duo will be my demise during this pregnancy if I don’t watch it!

Third on the list is Rich Dad, Poor Dad. An interesting premise: the guy that wrote the book compares the success of his wealthy college-graduate father to the multimillionaire 8th grade drop-out father of his friend. It’s an “investment” type read–more down my husband’s alley than my own, I think. In fact, he just now passed by the computer and remarked that “I can get this book if I want to.” Surprise surprise. (I love you, Honey!)

Number 4 is What to Expect when You’re Expecting. I recently gave my copy of this book away, actually. I already know what to expect when I’m expecting: I’m going to eat a lot of salty junk food and get fatter. I’m happy to see people buying it, though. Yay! More babies!

Coming in at Number 5 and getting maybe 1 star of approval from this blogger is The Biggest Loser Cookbook. The cookbook part I like because I’m addicted to cookbooks. I never watched the program, though. Does that make me a big loser?

Number 6 is a book filled with those picture puzzles from Life magazine. You know, find all 8 differences, etc. My kids love these, except they are always doing them on the counter and leaving big Sharpie marker messes behind when they are finished.

Number 7 is 2, 4, 6, 8: Great Meals for Couples or Crowds by Rachael Ray. Now I just think she’s a cutie. Slightly annoying, but a cutie. And she can cook like nobody’s business! I would buy this book, had I the budget or the need, because as I have already said I am simply addicted to cookbooks.

Number 8 is Body Clutter by Marla Cilley and Leanne Ely (of Flylady and Saving Dinner fame; see my side bar). I have this book, actually, and I’m so happy to see these women doing so well with this. They are two of the biggest sweethearts that you’re ever going to meet via the written word, and they really care. Their goal is to help you put your thoughts in order, (and consequently your eating habits), and as such this book fits in perfectly with my New Year’ s resolutions (were I to make them).

Number 9 is Natural Cures that “They” Don’t Want You to Know About by Kevin Trudeau . Hmm, she says suspiciously, books like this often leave me feeling…well, slightly suspicious. I would be willing to browse through this book in a store, however, and would probably come away with the guilty resolution to stop eating anything processed. (That one is already on the list, truth be told. All things in moderation, of course, but do I really need an increase of artificial anything in my diet?)

Number 10 is Getting Things Done by David Allen. Okay, so I lied. I have made a New Year’s resolution this year, and it’s this: assemble my Home Management notebook! Flylady calls it a “control journal” and I am aching for said control. Many of you having been posting ideas and examples for months now; it’s time I got mine together.

Number 11 is The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. I was surprised to see that this book is still kicking around! It must be on order for all the many Marriage Encounter weekends slated for 2007! I’ve skimmed this book but have never gone into its philosophy in depth. I do know my husband and I speak different love languages; he speaks Urdu and I speak Portuguese.

Number 12 is The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey. I love love love the ideas that are in this book. I’ve been meaning to pull mine off my (messy) shelf in the office and review it, especially the section on “Putting First Things First.”

13 is 1,000 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz . Isn’t that just a fun title? I would buy this book; I love to travel. Windsor Castle & Zanzibar…Cairo & New Zealand… oh, to win the lottery and retire!

Number 14 is J.K. Lasser’s Your Income Tax 2007. How boring is that one? Some resolutions should be boring, I guess, like my own long-standing goal of keeping track of what I spend. In any case, income taxes are the domain of my son-of-two-accounts husband, John, and frankly I’m fine with that.

And finally, dum da dum: Number 15 is Healthy Aging by Andrew Weil. I’m going to have to pass on this one, as I think the author’s a fruitcake.

So there you have it.

Clearly I need a new resolution–to make less judgemental statements! (And where’s the fun or honesty in that, I ask you?)

Let’s end this post with one last goal: take care of yourself, dearest Mommy, and take those much-needed breaks as necessary! You are loved and you are needed! Now step away from the computer and put your feet up.

Have a blessed New Year, friend.