Baby Steps

I think the reason so many people fail at New Year’s resolutions is the lists of things they try to do better are too extensive. I was guilty of that last year —  — and realized only moderate success. As one who learns from her mistakes, I deliberately kept my list of resolutions simple and straightforward this year, focusing all of my attention on only two things: 1) staying healthy and 2) returning to my job after the holidays with a renewed sense of purpose and enthusiasm.  

For those keeping track, as of January 2, 2012 — two days into the new year — I was zero for two.

Seriously?

On New Year’s Eve, I was sidelined with a terrible cold, one that prevented me from attending all three parties to which I had been invited over the holiday weekend. It was not a total loss. I did get to catch up on about 67 episodes of Phinneas and Ferb with my daughter while my husband selflessly handled our social obligations.

And the renewed sense of purpose for my job? I don’t know because instead of going back to work on January 3, I was summoned for jury duty. And for the first time, ever, was actually installed on a jury. This, even after I was certain I had failed the “voir dire” portion of the competition. (Voir dire is a legal term meaning “everything we French people say sounds pretentious and condescending.”) Just kidding. It means, “To speak the truth,” which I did thinking my honest answers to the nosey questions the attorneys asked would preclude me from serving.  

I was wrong. (That’s "I am an American" said with a haughty laugh for you Frenchies.)

Obviously, I have again erred in assuming the resolutions I made were in the realm of attainability. So in a final attempt at an achievable resolution, I will simplify it even further:            

• Updated 2012 resolution: Leave house with shoes on the correct feet every day.

It’s early in the year. I’ll keep you posted on how this goes.