The New Year's Resolve

Well, it's almost the end of another year. Some of you must be thanking the gods or the kraken or whatever you're into. You must be sighing in relief that another grueling year is over, and you can now strike another notch on the stick that measures how much time you have remaining in this cruel twisted world.


Or do you do that on your birthday?

The year 2012 is gone. I'm wondering where the year went. It seems like just yesterday I was watching the televised City Tv New Year's Eve Bash with my family. Huh. Now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure the television was just on and happened to be at that channel. We were congregated in the living room, discussing our resolutions.

I had planned to become a farmer this year. I had one plant. It died.

Oh well. The City Tv thing is entertaining. It takes place every year at Nathan Philips Square. I don't think I'll ever go. It's too cold this time of the year. Last year we, Torontonians, were lucky to see performances by Howie D and Anjulie... Not really. Calgary was lucky. They at least got Down with Webster.

It is customary to make resolutions at the start of every year. Why? Well, I guess a new year represents change - turning over a new leaf (see note at end)- and a chance for improvement - editing what's on the page.

The advent of a new year does something to people. It spurs them into action. It is similar to the way an energy drink keeps you awake and alert. Yet, just like the boost from an energy drink, it doesn't take long for the drive to change or improve to fade away.

I don't know how many people stick to their resolutions (really, you can't expect me to know that!) but from the people I have observed, I've come to the conclusion that a month is the longest most people tend to stick to their resolutions.

Now, remember, the results of my study do not indicate anything about the population of the world. Limitations to my study include a small sample size (approximately 7 people, including myself) and the fact that everyone in the control group is afflicted with some degree of stupidity.

I know everyone has their resolution plate full with plans of joining gyms and making vows to spend more time with the kids and other such cute stuff. However, there are a few other resolutions should also be considered.

Additional resolutions for Year 2013

1. Speak less. Listen more.
Social networking makes it so easy for people to voice their thoughts and opinions for others to see (whether they want to or not). There are lots of people who do this offline as well - with their mouths. Most people are blubbering none stop, being concerned with themselves and never really paying attention to anything. The result of this is crappy "trendy" pop music produced for the masses and a ridiculous amount self-centered... people.

2. Read children's books.
People don't have time for leisure. For adults, children's books could be a fast and amusing way to relax. People could buy them, enjoy them in the space of time they would have usually watched some random reality show and then donate them to schools or kids in need.

Yep, no one's ever going to do this. However, being more charitable is a good idea.

3. Take more walks.
Instead of taking your car to go to a store five blocks away, walk. Walk. Or bike. What I'm trying to say is be more active - outside.

4. Be Awesome.
Yes. Make an effort to be an awesome person. It's really easy. But I won't tell you how. You'll know you achieved this when someone points it out to you.

<Note>
I never understood the meaning of the idiom, "Turn a new leaf" until I was in grade 8. Prior to my realization I used to think the dumb thing had something to do with actual leaves. Yes, those things on trees. It's not like I didn't know a leaf was another term for page. I knew and yet I still didn't pick up the connection.

Sigh.
</Note>

Happy New Year's!