I just want you to know how much I enjoy your blog. I love how honest you are, how willing to laugh at yourself, and how you seek to grow as a person. I can identify with you in many ways as I am a Texan gal, have a constant love/hate relationship with stuff, and love knitting and cats!
My list for this year is a little interesting as I am moving to Africa to teach at a mission school. So far my list looks something like this:
1. Don't die!
2. Don't be afraid--take every chance and carpe every diem.
3. Get healthier and more active--if that results in weight loss, so much the better!
4. Learn to be more flexible and not be afraid to be creative.
5. Learn to be more patient with people inside, not only to their face.

Happy New Year!

Oh my gosh Lina, that is an adventure!! I am so excited for you. Also, #1 would be my same resolution if I were in your shoes!! LOL

I hope it's even better than you can imagine!!!

sign me up for the "get really healthy" one, certainly, but the main one for me is to get off my butt, stop worrying (or even really thinking) about what-ifs, and to apply to my grad school choices. I know what my heart wants to do, and it's scary, but it won't be the end of the world if I do it and the worst case scenario comes true (what? you want me to pay you to do what? *guffaw*) and I end up back where I started. I will have done it.

I agree with Lina! I love reading your blog everyday. It's nice to know other people aren't prefect and are okay with it. As a matter of fact, that plays a big roll in my resolutions.

1. Stop worrying about what other people thing of me & my choices. (i.e. I don't have to be perfect.)

2. Live in the present more.

3. Let things go that make me feel bad.

4. Stick to my budget. (oh! Thanks Laurie for the spreadsheet!)

I'm a little intimidated by written lists. I just feel I'm going to fail anyway and having a list staring back at me just makes me feel bad. Yet, in my head I keep a vague sort of list - lose weight, get in shape etc. Maybe my 1st resolution of the year will be to "not fear the list".
I'm going to be 46 soon, so it's time to become (finally) the person I want to be, to be more positive (begone the self-inflicted Debbie Downer!!) and to be nicer to myself.
Self reflection, but in a good way, not as a way to kick myself, is my watch word for the new year.
Laurie, your writings inspire me. Thank you.

I don't have any new year's resolutions... but I always like and look forward to reading yours.

Here's a completely different take on being positive: http://publicspeaker.quickanddirtytips.com/Positive-Language-Yes-But-And.aspx

I have to post a comment just because they are open!! Happy day!! :)
I wanted to say that YOU are the person that inspires me to stop judging others and telling them what to do with their lives. I am one of those people and have surrounded myself with those types of people over the years and have come quite far in shutting my big trap lately thanks to your inspiring words.
So, even though you might find yourself yammering away about how annoying some lady is in your office, know that you are at least AWARE that you do it and are trying to fix it and that is about 75.6% of the battle (that's an official statistical calculation).

I with the others who say how much they love reading your blog. I have to add that next year is my year to turn 40 and I'm going through my crisis right now. 2009 was not a good year full of fluff and constant happiness, it was rough but I got rid of a lot of baggage that was just bringing me down! I'm so glad that 2010 is right around the corner.

My list:
1. Lose weight
2. Be more social
3. Let my creative energies flow
4. Travel
5. Enjoy at least one thing each day no matter how tiny, even if it's just hearing my cats purr
6. Enjoy my midlife crisis as I'm going through it... I'm with you, 40 is definitely midlife even though my parents are going strong at 72 and I hope to be just like them when I get there

Hugs to you, Laurie. You are an inspiration to me :D

Thanks for the glimpse of your world via your blog entries. I have so enjoyed reading your blog (and your first book). I look forward to reading your new book!

2009 has been a difficult year in my life. Some of the changes have been positive, some were just inevitable losses, and some changes put me in very uncomfortable situations. In 2010 I hope and plan to master my daily fears and doubts, and live with a more open attitude. I am gradually learning that this is my one life and it is up to me to make the most of it.

Happy New Year, Laurie, and I will look forward to reading your posts in 2010.

Yes, keep posting your traffic stories, they make me laugh! I live in Minnesota and don't believe we would make it through the winter if we weren't allowed to complain about it!
As for New Year's resolutions, I never really make any. Hmm...wonder what that says about me? I will consider 2010 a successful year if my mom is able to ring in 2011. That's all I want.

What a great post! I love it! Fabulous Lorraine always says "Make it good," which is a great attitude I aspire to...one day.

Meanwhile my ambitions are pretty pragmatic. 30 minutes a day NOT spent being a potato, and half of every meal is non-starchy vegetables. Half! I suck at math but I can certainly figure out *half*!

Man oh man, you would not believe how much better I feel already doing both of those things. Starting resolutions early is my sneaky way of acting like I was doing it already!

Also, Laurie, consider a mini trampoline. It feels so completely absurd and hilarious to be bouncing or jogging on a trampoline, I swear I feel a million times better even jumping on there for a minute. It's the world's goofiest exercise! Less than $40 at KMart for a really good, sturdy one. Which I need. Ahem. For now!

Thanks again for your awesomely positive and funny attitude about things!

Happy New Year!
Maggie

I am really hoping for the "get healthier" thing. I've gotten better about portion size, but the portions are still of Taco Bell and such. Eating more fruits and vegetables and cooking at home more would be a step in the right direction.

Hi Laurie,

I am glad you have the comments on! Sometimes I feel like your blog is my penpal, because even though you have no idea who I am, I love reading about what your up to, it makes me feel like we're old friends. Also, I'm glad that everybody in the comments so far is nice. Yay nice.

I don't have any specific new years resolutions yet. 2009 was a really crummy year, so I am bound and determined that 2010 will be better, but I don't want to jinx it be getting to specific.

Happy new year, and give your cats a hug for me.

I will make some move to get closer to family and friends who've drifted away either geographically or emotionally--everyone's so freaking busy anymore. I've already begun (thank God for Christmas), so I know everyone's still alive, at least --that's a plus. Apart from that, in 2010 I'm going to go fishing, I'm going to go on a whale watch at last, and I'm going to publish this stinkin' poetry book (I need to leave the kids something besides the house, and I don't want anyone to write [or read] the obit as, "She loved her grandchildren and chocolate." True, but pathetic.)
:-) Happy New Year!

Oh Laurie. I check your blog every day and am so happy when you have a new post up. Every blog entry makes me laugh and nod my head in agreement. Thank you for making me smile.

So my resolutions for 2010? Well, I lost quite a bit of weight this year and my goal for next year is to maintain the weight loss. Nothing scares me more than failing and putting the weight back on. I also want to travel more. I've been reading with interest your stories on traveling alone and I think I need to consider it. Not only for the experience of travel, but for the knowledge that I can do it on my own. After reading this post, I think I'm going to copy your resolution of "coming from a place of yes" - I hope you don't mind. I hope you'll do updates on how your resolutions are coming along.

Hope you have a wonderful New Year. Thanks for sharing your posts.

-Michelle

Hi Laurie, I'm glad 2009 is getting done, too. No specific reason - usually, I'm always glad when a year is ending just because a new year is always filled with that hope you won't do the same silly things you did the year before and before and before.....

Like you, I'd also like to get healthy in 2010. I even got a head start on it! For the past few days I've been doing Qi Gong (Chi Gong) to a DVD by Lee Holden (saw him on PBS). It's so easy to do that perhaps I'll actually stick with it.

Just finished your new book two nights ago. I really liked it, some parts are so funny yet all of it is very touching, too.

I hope you do well on keeping making 2010 exactly the sort of year you want it to be.

Sammie

I do not normally make resolutions, but this time, the new year is coinciding with a new phase I seem to be ready for. I still only have two:
1. I am going to have/be fun in 2010. That means I will not worry so much about doing things that might call attention to myself and/or cause other people laugh at me. This includes, but is not limited to, dancing, wearing interesting clothing and singing along to my iPod in mixed company. Aren't the most interesting people at parties or in public the ones who can do stuff like that?
2. I am going to be more creative. More new knitting and sewing projects. My brain is overflowing with them and this year I will make time and focus and see them into being.

I am excited for 2010! On an unrelated note, my roommate recently gifted me a freebie from the store she works at, and I cannot quite find an occasion to use it-- a giant sheer silk scarf (like at least 3' square) with Al Gore's face screened onto it, in addition to an Al Gore quote. I have no idea if you would have a use for it, but if you do, email me and I'll happily take and send photos. :) (I help people declutter, so "I don't want more STUFF" is a completely viable and indeed admirable and appropriate statement here.)

My husband is a lovely man, and the most upbeat man in his family. But I still tell him he can find a cloud for every silver lining.

Do you know Christine Kane? http://christinekane.com/blog/
On each new year, she selects one word to focus on all year and it really brings about changes. I think you have done that with the word Yes. My word is going to be exciting. I love that feeling when something great happens. Excited in a good way, of course.

yay! I'm so happy that the comments are open that I'm going to post just to tell you that you are such a wonderfully bright spot when I see there is a new post up!
I usually give myself a couple weeks into January to come up with my resolutions, so I haven't decided what mine are going to be yet.

I love your resolution about "coming from a place of yes." Reading it helped me clarify my own resolution to be more positive about life, work and love stuff.
I also want to learn new skills this year...more Spanish, and the guitar. Maybe I'll spend some time learning to crochet those little squares. That way I can do something useful with my yarn scraps.

I hope that we all have a great 2010!

Happy New Year! Good luck in working on your goals for next year, you can totally do it! While I have some to accomplish this coming year (Graduate College, Finish Latin and Go to England-first trip out of the us!), I'm mostly following the Day Zero Project (thewench over there if you care to see). I really like the concept.

But I'm going to goto England in 2010!!! And GRADUATE COLLEGE! WOoooooooOOOOo!

Sky Canoli! In 2010 I resolve to eat more pastries especially if they hover in the air! Cloud eclair, don't mind if I do. Yes, I would love a flying donut.
In 2010 I resolve to knit something difficult and I will declutter my yarn/office space. If I am eating a floating Napoleon while doing it MORE BETTER!

Happy New Year!

Love your work!

For all different reasons it seems, so many of us will be happy to see the back of 2010! As much as I love a list, I hate resolutions, but I am carrying around a couple of thoughts that also include

1/be healthy
2/stop procrastinating

Gosh if I could do those two things I'm sure life will be all the sweeter!

Happy New Year from Australia - we're first!

First of all, I want to say how much I enjoy your blog and the way you encourage me with your writing. Moving on... I am with you on being relieved that 2009 is almost over; it's a year that has had really GREAT things happen and some really AWFUL things too. Sometimes it seems like the awful has outweighed the good and I am still waking up looking at each day with an attitude of hope.

So for New Years Eve, as I work in the tax industry and get kidnapped by the "tax police" from Jan. 2 until Apr. 16, I am most likely to go to a friends house for a small gathering and spend the night; a good way to avoid drunk drivers on wintery roads in Michigan while having maximum fun with friends. :)

My resolutions are in no specific order: 1. make ME happy this will include some get healthier stuff like finding a workout I can stand to do when the weather is lousy, yoga maybe? (still determining what else that means, something specific or if it's fluid in the course of each day) 2. express more appreciation, especially for good friends AND good yarn! I think the next one will be challenging for me (because I am VERY critical of myself)
3. to graciously accept EVERY compliment I am given and not argue with myself about it 4. make additional progress on my educational goals, finally... 5. to save as much money as I reasonably can, so I am able to travel/ attend things I want that are fun outside of work.

Hmm, looking at this, I wonder if I am setting my sights too high, but if I don't set them at all then I don't have something to work toward, right?

I would like to encourage you to "get your crazypants" on as I have already turned 40 (we won't say how long ago *ahem!*) and speaking from my experience, this part of life can be some of the best... since I turned 40, I have done these things:

1. flown for the first time, no kidding!

2. sung in my first opera, that was Sep. 2009

3. found things about myself I had forgotten and some new ones too

4. AND I decided to get BRACES, yes indeed, braces in my 40's!
... well I think you get the idea. Get your crazypants on and celebrate being a "woman of a certain age."

AND you live in California where IF you choose a party for your birthday, the worst "weather" you may get is the dreaded rain, horror!! However, I live in Michigan where "weather" is something that changes faster than a woman's mind in a shoe store AND having the misfortune of a January birthday, I avoid having a party due to some combination of: freezing rain, sleet, snow, ice, blizzard, etc. and the fact that this means driving is a matter of taking life into your own hands... definitely not something that is recommended for the faint of heart.

Here's to the end of 2009, good bye!

Happy New Year 2010, may this year be better than the one that just got done.

Thank you for opening your comments -- I'm so glad to have a chance to tell you how much I love your blog! Your observations often make me smile, and you've often given me new perspectives on things in my own life. So, thanks!

I'm glad to see 2009 come to a close. Strangely, it has been a combination of some of the most difficult challenges I've faced in years, along with seeing some lifelong dreams come true. The challenges somehow made the realized dreams that much sweeter. Such is the rollercoaster that is life!

I'm hoping to make 2010 the year I get out of my own way.

Laurie - Love You - Seriously.
Oh, and in my head you're Laurie is pronounced the same way that Laurie in Oklamaha! is pronounced, if I'm wrong please don't correct me. Life, it's the little things.
This year, as God is my witness I'll never go hungry...no wait that's Scarlet - Me I want to stop procrastinating. I'm big with putting things on hold, it's really time to stop that nonsense.

Sometimes I feel you are my voice! You speak out for the hermits of the world! Is anyone else doing that right now? We are so misunderstood. You have literally brought tears to my eyes on many occasions for writing about situations and feelings I don't have the words to express. It helps me communicate with "the people" who don't understand that I am living a very satisfying and interesting life even though it may not be what they perceive to be the way to live. One thing I would hope is that you keep doing your blog! All the best for 2010!

Hi Laurie

Like the others I love your blog and can identify in so many ways with your experiences, but you put it so more eloquently than I. At the end of 2008 family commented on how well (slimmer) I was looking and this to me equalled "well if I look OK then I can have that extra biscuit, sadly this self dillusion carried on throughout the year which ended in my having to go up a size in the pants department which was a surprise and shock to me (where did all this extra poundage come from?). Therefore weightloss/getting healthy makes the top of my list:

1. Getting healthy/weightloss
2. Play more with my kids (instead of vaccing around them)
3. Not be afraid of the motorway so I can see my family more. (It's not the motorway itself that scares me but the other idiots that use it.)

Maybe I should add an agressive driving course to that list - I drive defensively.

I hope 2010 is all you want it to be and more, can't wait to read the new book I've put it on my birthday wish list.

1st resolution, keep my comment short.

2nd Get Medicaid. I take care of my Mom and Dad and I've been doing so well but this year saw Dementia and vein mapping for dialysis and I can finally admit I can't do it by myself anymore!

3rd: stop thinking so hard about what did happen, what that parson did and what was said and think more about what can be. Stop obsessing over the old wounds and move on.

4th: spend more time with my cats. With my two previous cats, I spent a lot of time busy and just ignored them from time to time. I don't want to do that with these cats. It hurts too much to remember after they're gone.

5th: determine to be take my health seriously. I need to lose about 30 to 40 pounds to get rid of or diminish my type two diabetes. I need to do it sooner rather than later. That is why my Dad needs the vein mapping so he can start dialysis in a year or two.

6th stop worrying about my future. It's there, I'll deal it with when it gets here and hopefully my life will be better because of the time I invested now in helping my parents to grow old gracefully. Hopefully someone will do that for me one day.

Laurie, well put. My only New Year's Resolution is to act thoughtfully throughout 2010. That way, if I'm going to be a b*tch about something, then at least I'll have worked out the consequences first. :o)

Seriously, though, "acting thoughtfully" encompasses working towards my goals, being kind to people and being conscientious about my commitments.

- Pam

PS: Thanks for turning back on the comments.

I've tried the place of yes and sometimes it is just really difficult to come out of a negative funk. I wonder if you or anyone else on here has some suggestions? How do you "make" yourself feel positive, when the powers that be are beating you down?

I hope everyone has had a good 2009 and that 2010 will be even better. I also love a new year, even after a good old one. Everyone likes a shiney new coin, even if they can't buy anything with it!

I was just thinking this morning about 40 being mid-life (my '0' birthday looms imminently) and figuring 80 wouldn't be too bad. Bags I also not being someone who ends up at a hundred and elevntytwelve.

Glad the comments are open.
You Rock.
Don't listen to the haters, they're just jealous.
Your blog is awesome, I couldn't live without it. Oops, didn't mean to pressure you or anything, I meant that I enjoy your blog and would miss it very much if it were not here.
Sometimes it's nice to know that you are not the only one who feels like they are going to lose it every once in a while.
Hang in there!

The very happiest of New Years to you, Laurie!!! You are a wonderful person with a unique voice and view on the world!!! Embrace it!!!

I, too, am a divorced woman with 5 cats! Been divorced a long time, but that is a choice I have made, being single for life. As for New Year's resolutions, not really resolutions as much as a desire to incorporate some things into my life:

Craft something every day-I am my happiest when making something and it has been months since I did.

Take daily pictures of my cats- my oldest is 12y/o..she won't be with me forever.

Continue to follow my budget- it's an easy one, but I tend to spend extra money left..gotta learn to save.

And the biggest one for me...

embrace fully my solitary lifestyle to include not apologizing for preferring to be alone, not just without a mate, but also not being a social butterfly.

Have a great New Year!!! I'll be keeping up with all your shenanigans!!!!!

One resolution, just be cause my name is Debbie doesn't mean it has to be Debbie Downer. 2009 was a hard year for me so I need to look toward something more positive. I am 48 and went through my midlife crisis ten years ago. I think it is time to have a second mid-life crisis at 50 so I am planning for that and yes, it would be nice to have that midlife crisis in cute clothes so I hope to get out of the stretch pants and into a pair of cute old lady jeans. I also would like to be less fearful. I would like to conquer my fear of flying as I have two European trips planned next year but world events are not helping much on that front.

Really excellent post! As for me, I'm going to the of Word for the Year route. Last year was "Simplify" which had an amazing effect on all parts of my life. For 2010 it's "Expand" which means saying yes more to life and new experiences.

Happy New Year to you and your gang of purring fur!

I love your blog -- your perspective on life. Thanks for being part of mine, even if you don't know me ;)

Wrt resolutions: I'm thinking about this more than usual this year. My sister was almost killed at the end of 2008 and I'm just not sure where 2009 went. (She's fine.) I'm with a wonderful guy - something I never expected to happen. Ever. And I made a major (good) change at work.

I'm trying to distill all these changes into something I can work with and I keep coming up with: Simplify! Does it make my life easier, happier, healthier? If yes, then o.k. If not, then figure out how to stop/get rid of/avoid whatever it is.

(Please note: this has been written by a middle-aged woman with a boy-cat with a UTI. Nothing simple here.)

My goals this year are to join a gym and start working out (Ok ... it's a Curves but I can still call it the gym). I'm going to quit worrying about my weight and just aim to get really fit and healthy. I'm also going to aim to quit worrying about everything in general and just LIVE AND DO.

My life is pretty simple now and I also call my myself a hermit so this year I'm going to try and actually get out more and maybe join a club or something (shudder!). I'm only 45 and I had a really tough year last year when my youngest had the nerve to go to college. I'm really OK with that now and ready to work on myself and finding out what I want to be when I grow up.

I love your blog and I loved your book. Very inspirational to me because we both went through some major life changes even though they were different changes. Really helped me laugh about it and know that I was in good company. I can't wait to read the next one!!

Very good resolution! I've been working on a very similar one myself. After being divorced after a 30 year marriage and never having had a job(!!!!) I had to work on my outlook to say the least. My resolution was to not be BITTER. Bitter is ugly, it's aging, and it's not who I want to be. I'll be 50 this year (I choose that as my middle age) and I'm making great progress!

Good for you opening the comments! I miss being able to leave you a little note.

I feel like I'm the only person who had a good 2009. It was, personally, a very good year for me for so many reasons I can't even begin to list them here. I'm not sad to see it ending, but it will go down as one of the best years of my life.

I also have a ton of goals for 2010. Lose weight, open an Etsy shop, learning how to use Photoshop...I could go on!

I hope you have a very Happy New Years and this coming year is extremely good to you!

Hi Laurie,
You really summed my gloomy winter attitude for me. I have gotten pretty sick of hearing myself think crappy thoughts. I am officially joining you in coming from yes in 2010. Thanks a million. I needed this today. Happy New Year!

2009 was kind of a "meh" year. Lots of plans scrapped and garden flopped due to crappy summer weather. For 2010, I put new batteries in my pedometer to aim for the 10,000 steps a day. Increase my yoga practice to build strength. Spend less time on the computer and more time reading, and being creative. Viva la vida!

So glad comments are open for a bit - there are many times I would like to tell you how much I love your blog.

For 2010 my goal is going to be to find what makes me happy. My 29 year marriage ended in 2009, but I am done with grieving that and will be going on to making MY life. I have already started by signing up for a knitting weekend with classes with Cookie A. and Sally Melville!! And, inspired by you, I am planning a trip alone.

So, thanks for the inspiration.

I really enjoy your blog. People who "keep it real" are a big thumbs-up in this woman's book (the one that's not published, unlike yours).

I don't do resolutions. I just try to do better and be better and kinder and all that good stuff we're supposed to do, that makes me happy when I actually do it.

I am having some skin tags taken off because (A) they bug me and (B) there might be a honeymoon in my future. I am not of the we-kick-the-tires-before-we-buy-the-car persuasion, so nobody but my doctor gets to see me in my birthday suit before then, so mostly this is just for *me*. And if I survive that, I think I will start saving to have my stray eyebrows (the ones that have migrated to my chin) lasered to oblivion.

Happy New Year!

Lovity, love, love your blog! Thank you for all the giggles (and sighs) that you've given me through this year.

And now you've given me what will probably be my best resolution of the year. In 2010 I resolve to "shrug off the icky." You said it perfectly.

Happy New Year, Laurie!

My number one resolution also is to become healthier and fitter,( a goal that always declines with the ending of a year). However, as a self-confessed, contented hermit, (who has no intentions of leaving the warmth and comfort of home and cats on New Year's Eve) I have resolved to venture out into society in 2010 and join a pattern-drafting class. I love to sew and see that as my next goal.

Finally Laurie, please don't give up "having a gripe"; they are ALWAYS amusing, and please if you can, more pics of your feline friends, with your associated comments they too inevitably raise a smile. Thank you for 2009.
Laura UK

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am going to print out your post and read it whenever I need to (to remind myself!). One of the best things I did this year was your idea - to stop listening to the bad news (recession, foreclosures, job losses....). I've actually been able to sleep at night - thanks to you!

Laurie,

I love your blog. Thank you so much for it.

My resolutions are also small:

1. Learn to stress less. Had a health scare this month so I need to stress less.

2. Get healthier. My kids are going to help--they are going to join the same gym as me so we can work out together.

3. Enjoy life more.

Fantastic resolutions! They work when used as affirmations too even though I'm sure I'm the only one around still doing affirmations (but that's because they work!)

Never liked to go out on New Years Eve either. Like to watch movies (when harry met sally specifically.) Reflecting is good.

Then getting on with it is even better!

Laurie - you're da bomb (gosh I miss the 80s sometimes)! Best of luck with your resolutions - I think they're perfect!

Mine are similar - acceptance for myself and others, trust in the big guys plan, and better focus on what's important. And then a non-resolution - more of a challenge - to become that skinny bitch who fits into a size 8 at my brother's wedding at the end of July. I have a dress that I love and I intend to lose the weight so I can wear it!

Thanks for comments, because I really do want to respond to things you say sometimes. The fitness thing? I really love my hula hoop. Just a $5 one from Target. Sense of fun and accomplishment as the times around increase from day to day. Without dropping it, I mean. And then, there's all the stooping to pick it up. Happy New Year. My new Christmas copy of "Crazy Aunt Purl, DDACWCH" got me through a day of stomach flu (sorry if TMI) during my Christmas with my precious and wonderful family. Thanks.

Your resolutions are great! ...and timeless! I can sometimes relate to being a Debbie Downer, too...

My goals: 1.) Eat healthier; 2.) Exercise three times/week; 3.) "Respond" instead of "react" to things/people in my environment.

Have a great year, Laurie!

Yay comments! This new year's eve I am staying in with my best friend. We plan to cook a huge seafood feast and drink tons of wine. I can't wait! I have never gone out on new year's eve. For some reason it just isn't what I want to do that night. Growing up, it was always a night to get "snowed in", light candles, eat yummy food, and watch movies and Dick Clark.

Your resolutions, especially the yes place one, are inspiring. I have recently realized how negative I have become regarding a particular brother-in-law who DRIVES ME UP A WALL. My husband is really close to this brother, so we interact with him often, and I just need to get over it. It is making me sound like a b*tch. It's weird though, because I kind of like being a b*tch.

But it is unhealthy and I need to stop!

Thanks!

Mary Jane

Thank you! That was a wonderful post. I hope you don't mind, but I'm going to borrow your resolutions for myself - even though I normally don't make any. Being firmly ensconced in middle age (48 - how did that happen and when did I become an actual adult?), I am setting sail on a new course next year. Scary, yet exciting and hopefully fun, sort of like a roller coaster.

Good luck to us both!

Thanks for writing your blog--I really enjoy it!

I think it's inspiring to put your goals out there for all to see. Thank you for sharing! in 2010 i also want to become more healthy - get to the gym more, eat better, etc. i also want to "refind" myself. i had a challenging end of 2008 and part of 2009 with a lot of change in my life and i realized i lost my "spark". i've started reclaiming it by taking more time for myself, not always saying yes, and distancing myself from unproductive friendships, but i still have a ways to go. but my goal is to make 2010 a great year, no matter what is thrown my way!

Hi Laurie! Happy New Year!

2009 has not been a great year. All too common job and money woes. Put on more weight and lost muscle tone--had to quit the gym and stress-eating is my new hobby. Putting all my energy into trying to stay positive, and that leaves little room for anything else. BUT, there are bright sides. We don't have insurance, but we haven't gotten sick or hurt, either. We have added three wonderful kitties to the household for a total of four, and they are all healthy and happy. Crappy things are happening to friends and family, but they are all handling them OK.
SO, for 2010:
1) Exercise. Exercise some more.
2) Be there for the above-mentioned friends and family without getting so involved I neglect myself or husband.
3) Play more with the kitties.
4) And oh yeah, find a job. THAT little thing.

Here's to a great 2010, for all of us!

Laurie, LOVE your new book! Santa brought it for me after I ordered it as soon as I read your post.

I also love your blog, and as a southern woman living in california I can really relate to to much of your writing and viewpoints. I also am a planner and I love being that way.

This is my 'year of purpose'. I'm turning 50 and have decided not to waste any more time with negativity. 2011 will be my 'year of abundance' so I have work to do this year to get ready for it.

1. pay off my credit card debt

2. get healthy

3. clear off the top of my dresser and no more using it as a dumping ground.

4. use facebook which many in my family who live away from me are driving me crazy to do. Why they want to know I'm running to the store I have no idea but it will at least ease that one stress and evidently be relatively simple.

5. Laugh alot more, every day preferably. This might need to move to #1.

6. Let more of ME shine through. I've been so much of a mother and wife, I'm not really sure anyone knows ME. gasp..I'm in a midlife crisis! Fun!
7. Learn how to make breaks in lines so the next time I post a comment it doesnt end up in one big block of text. I hate that.

Wait...Sorry for the second post but I just realized that any crazy zany thing I do or say this year I can blame on my midlife crisis. I am going to have a Blast with a capital B and am sure to hit my laugh everyday goal. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to realize what a gem this year will be!

Laurie~ I love your resolutions! I think I might borrow your second one for my list. I'm with you - I say no to a lot of things because I "just know" they won't work. It is high time I let life tell me no after I've tried something rather than never finding out what might happen.

For me, 2010 is all about possibilities. What would be possible if I just moved through things instead of analyzing every freaking thing to death (and remaining stuck)?

I don't celebrate NYE either...I'd rather be hanging out with my boys reflecting and doing family stuff than, well, whatever those crazy kids get up to these days. =)

Hi Laurie. I don't make New Year's resolutions. I do, howver, plan to stay close to my family and live each day to the fullest.

At age 68, I've yet to have a mid-life crisis, so I guess I'm one of those who plans to live to be 120!!!! I'm always happy I wake up on this side of the dirt each day! Ha.

Keep writing & share your wonderful humor with us.

New Years Resolutions:

1. Walk on treadmill for 1.5 hours 5 days a week (unless ill).
2. Very carefully watch where my money goes and take control by better planning and monitoring.
3. Work to better my relationships with friends and family.

Good luck to all on your New Year Resolutions!

Hi,
Another vote for loving your blog. And I think I'm going to steal your resolutions! Actually last year was probably my best yet, I'm hoping that next year will be even better. I'm 46 (yes, sometimes life does get better after 40). My major pet peeve is when a stranger walks by and says to me "smile". I want to say to them Why don't YOU give me something to smile about? I guess some people like to see everyone walking around like a smiling head never looking like you're thinking or in a bad mood. Anyway, keep up with the knitting (I'm a knitter) and stories about the cats (I have one brat cat) and I look forward to reading your posts.
Happy New Year

Laurie, I love your blog and your writing! I just finished your new book and it was wonderful. Thank you for being honest and putting the stuff that we don't always like to admit out there. I also love making lists, outlines and charts. Last year was supposed to be my Project Transformation year, but somehow that didn't happen. I feel that this is the year for me to stop making excuses and live my life. I, too, am trying to let go of the little annoyances, not to let things bother me so much, and to be more positive. It's hard, but I am much happier when I am in a mood to believe in the infiniteness of possibility instead of being a curmudgeoney grumpasaurus. I don't want to be a Ms. Crankypants, and I think that's the way I've been heading for too long.
Anyway, enough of my rambling. I'm excited to see what the new year holds for all of us.
Happy New Year!

Laurie, I absolutely love your blog. I read it every day and love your cats (we have 6).

I am so glad 2009 is over and I truly hope for a more positive 2010. I'm hoping my husband finally finds a full-time job to replace the one he lost this year. And I hope to keep mine. LOL.

I'm resolving to NOT fall off the 'healthy-body' bandwagon again like I did over this holiday. I'm borderline diabetic and I KNOW the importance of eating healthy. Guess I should tatoo it on my forehead.

Happy New Year.

I am really looking forward to 2010! I don't usually feel that way about the new year, but this one seems so hopeful somehow. 2010!

I also don't normally make resolutions, but I have a ton this year! Mostly involving living a healthier lifestyle. Physically and mentally.

I am so totally looking forward to my midlife crisis now. I used to dread it, but you're right. What an opportunity for fun!

Good luck everyone! And Happy New Year!

I love your blog and check in each day to see if you have posted something new. Like you, I like seeing the inside of others homes (HGTV is a great channel). Thanks for giving us peeks into yours. I look forward to reading about your getting ready for your ladycrisis. Please Please Please blog through your ladycrisis! I want to live vicariously through you on that.

Laurie - I love your blogs. I love your resolutions! I have the same #1, and I think I might steal #2. I'm 58 yrs. and in good shape but decided early this month that I want to get in really good shape again, so I've already started training to walk a marathon (this is my second week -yay!). I love to walk so I figure I can do it unless some kind of serious physical condition arises (blisters don't count). My daughter has already volunteered to walk a half-marathon with me so that's my first goal. I'm alternately excited and skeptical. Happy New Year, Aunt Purl.

I think I may have my mid life crisis in 2010 (yes, I.am.turning.40.YIKES). But anyhoo, I also want to get healthier (eat less, exercise more) and I want to stop being an impulsive shopper-shoes and bags are my weakness! So no new shoes or bags in 2010. Well, we'll see how long THAT lasts! Have a great new year!

Hurray for comments! Love your blog Laurie...i check it everyday and get happy when I see a new post!

I make resolutions and forget them but i really need to in the broader sense that you've done so here we go...

Stay on top of my budget and cut out the impulse spending...specifically yarn for the stash.

Be more organized

Get healthy...BIG one...I don't need to lose weight but I am a 2 time breast cancer survivor and my drs. have said the best preventive for recurrence is exercise...

So I'm ready for 2010...2009 wasn't so bad, but better things are in the future!

Loved this post, in a weird "OMG she is talking about ME!" sort of way. 2009 has been one of my toughest years ever and I have been so negative I can't stand being around myself. I know most of it is grief (my husband passed away January 2009), but I really do need to make more of an effort to improve my attitude. So my theme for 2010 is Hope. Thanks so much for being real and here is to a better 2010!

1. Get healthier! Get moving!
2. Start to learn to relax and try to get a little control over my panic attacks so that I can wean off the fog inducing meds.
3. Pay off credit card bill and try not to overspend in 2010.

Those are my hopes for the new year. Hope you have a great 2010!

First, (echoing everyone else)... love your blog. I love when I sit down after work for my selfish "everyone leave me alone for two minutes" time and you have a new post. I can totally relate to the hermit aspect of your life- that's me as well. It doesn't help that I have a hubby and a son who are the same way and don't see a problem with it. Must get out more!
I also relate to the place of yes. I need to get there, too. I've got some big challenges coming up at work, and it will take all I've got not to run off the few friends I have with the bitching. It is so easy to let the negativity roll over everything else.
We're not big NYE celebrators here- my main activity will be trying to keep the dog from barking her face off as our stupid (oops, negative!)neighbors set off firecrackers at 12:00.
Have a very Happy New Year, Laurie.

Oh, I forgot to add that I am going to Japan, by myself, to visit my daughter. She's living there for a year. I am excited and pretty nervous about the language thing. It's been a while since I've done international travel without my husband. I'm a bit rusty at being in that adventurous lone traveler mode. I am also 6'2" with red hair so am imagining I won't exactly be invisible. It feels a bit like jumping off a cliff. My resolution is to reaccess that world traveler I was in my 20's and have the trip of a lifetime.

Your blog is my first stop every morning. Keep it up, girl! Love to hear about the knitting and cats.
I think I will have a Word of the Month-a year is too long for my attention span. For example; Simplify, Gratitude, Engage. (Thank you, Captain Picard!) I want to lose 3 pounds a month until my summer birthday. A new job would be nice, but it won't fall into my lap, will it?

One thing that has made my life easier the last few years is to live by Hanlon's Razor (which I only recently found out had a name): Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.

I try to remember that when people do things that seem to be "against" me, sometimes (maybe most of the time) they're not really thinking about me, that it's nothing personal - oddly enough, I'm not the center of everyone else's universe!

Happy New Year!

P.S. I ordered your new book from Amazon yesterday.

I tend to be a pretty optimistic person, but 2009 has been the Year of Suck. I am so glad to see it move on I cannot tell you! I am praying 2010 is much better. I am still making my list (love lists!) of resolutions...but I too am pretty introspective about this stuff and want 2010 to be about relationships and friends and happy. I'm not sure how to work that into an action item list, but that's part of the fun!

I ordered your book last night. Can't wait to get it!

Love your blog! I don't make resolutions I just try to be positive. Like you, I quit smoking several years ago so I already began exercising to keep the weight gain at bay. Now I try to work out 5-7 days a week and I'm doing it! I feel so much better! Now I have to work on the healthy eating portion of my plan. May your 2010 be zen!

Happy New Year and Good Luck... here is a suggestion for your New Years plans. My daughter and I LOVE the Jim Carey movie, "Yes Man"...if you havent seen it, i think you might enjoy it, given your resolution. :) Funny comedy, happy ending...perfect new years pep talk. :)

I made 2009 my "Year of Action" wherein I tried to avoid procrastination and just do stuff the moment stuff needed doing. It went really well. My other big resolution was to travel more and I went on four major trips and you know what I learned? I HATE to travel.

I understand what so many other people get out of travel but the benefits just don't outweigh the costs for me. I hate being away from home, hate having to board my dogs, I hate eating out every meal, I hate airports. The only thing I like about travel are taxis. I LOVE taxis. But that's not enough to make up for all that I hate.

I'm a total homebody, happiest having adventures near my home. I'm not going to travel overnight anymore (unless necessary) and that's been the best resolution ever.

On that same note, in 2010 I'm going to try to honor more about myself that may not jive with what "most people" do. I like being alone and hate crowds, so I'm not going to force myself to go to parties anymore. I'm just going to politely decline invites. And I'm not going to feel guilty about doing so.

your last two posts have been pure gold. i love how you make lists, take a hard look at your life, are determined to make changes. i had given up doing those things because it's too hard, but your writing has made me take a second look.

so: my NYR:
lose some serious weight
quitting smoking
putting down my books and being more social.

there! that wasn't so hard!

happy new year, CAP!

Hey Laurie - amen to the resolutions. Mine are simple - make exercise & healthy eating a priority for ME not just making sure my husband & child do it - I'll be 40 in April & don't want to feel like a slug. #2: stop flying by the seat of my pants so much in my classes. Plan better discussions etc. Good luck (although it's not about luck is it?) !

Happy New Year! I hope your Christmas was a good one, cute picture of Bob in the hat. I'm not one for a lot of resolutions, I figure I don't need to beat myself of over any more stuff I don't get done than I already don't get done. As far a planning for a midlife crisis at 40, for me, it's too late to begin planning one for age 50. I look forward to reading your plans for yours!

I don't really do resolutions, but I am definitely aiming to make 2010 the year of optimism and self-belief. I damn well CAN do it.

I love your blog. I've never posted a comment before, but I read you nearly every day and felt compelled to finally respond. First off, don't fear the Forties. They're great. By then, you are what you are (or the Popeye mantra as I like to call it), and while the fifties are great too, they do begin to kick your ass a bit healthwise. All told, the forties are the best decade. Go for it!

Second, instead of resolutions, I do something called The Burning Bowl. It's great. Write down all the crap you want to get rid of--behaviors, grudges, etc. and burn the list. It cracks me up every New Year's Eve when we have friends over and they dutifully march to our fireplace with their lists. Very cleansing.

Third, keep writing. There is a lot of stuff out there not worth reading. But your output is fantastic. As for the not reading the negative stuff, I hear you. I have been called "moody,", "bitchy" and worse on open sites about my shop. I stopped reading the comments once I realized that the internet rarely provides a forum for compliments--rather it becomes a place for people who are too non-confrontational to vent.

Have a wonderful new year. If your book tour takes you to the Mid-Atlantic, please let me know.

Laurie, I agree about New Year's being a time of looking forwards and back. Just finished reading your first book and loved it; will need to pick up your second book now, too.

I don't usually make resolutions, but this time around, I am resolving to be less sad about my personal life and push forward into a new place of happiness.

Cheers!

I LOVE this: Wake up, say yes to the day, let it unfold, be a part of it, and choose the better-feeling thought.

Because first of all, it means you're still alive to wake up. And the rest is a balance of choice, acceptance, participation, and riding the waves instead of struggling under them. Surf on into 2010!

(and I've never ever considered even touching a surfboard!)

2009 was not necessarily a good year with lots of family issues. I'm not sure 2010 will be much different but here is what I hope to do:
Not be so reactive. When in doubt about this, do nothing.
Make more and more "I" statements: I will not have that in my house.
Continue to look for ways of doing random acts of kindness which always make me feel so much better about everything.

It cracked me up to read about your planned midlife crisis! I also laughed about the people planning to live to 120. I told all my friends that this year was going to be my midlife crisis... at 25. (Surprisingly few argued with me, since I have a long history of my body hating me for fun.)

Anyway, I really look forward to reading your blog in 2010 and seeing how your life continues to change! =) I realized recently that I actually had a pretty good 2009 and I'm getting scared to death about 2010 coming. This is the first time I've actually stopped to think about my plan for the next year though, so maybe having one will help take away the scary??

Resolution #1: Simplify/reduce. I have far too much loved stuff that I don't appreciate or use because I simply have too many things. Need to pare down, donate, and avoid the vein of hoarding that runs so strongly in my family.

Resolution #2: Accept help more and stop pretending that I know everything. I need to be far more gracious when other people try to help me, even if I think what I'm doing is the best way.

Thanks for letting us share, Laurie. It's so much fun to read other people's comments about resolutions and life too! =)

I cannot wait for 2009 to go away. It started (Jan 2nd) with my 66 year old father passing away suddenly, and that has rocked my world. It ended with my 89 yo grandfather passing away. In between was crappy too. I've gained so much weight from my world being turned upside down, that I have to make a change.
My resolutions:
1) lose weight in a healthy way
2) get a budget and follow it and make a dent in debt
3) try to be neater, more organized....clean out my life (hopefully that will lead to cleaning out my body too)

Thank you for a year of blog posts. Have enjoyed reading what you have to say and look forward to more in 2010.
My new year's resolution runs to: earn a living; keep on keeping on; and write more blog posts!

It seems I can't stop spinning long enough to write or even conceive of what the right resolutions would be. I just try to take one day at a time. But, I do so appreciate your writing talent -- the baring of your soul, your "wry sense of humor and astonishing wit" along with your cat, cleaning, cooking, and traveling advice to name just a few. I wish you love, happiness, and health in the New Year!
P.S. Everyone's comments are so enjoyable to read too :)

No resolutions yet, but I love yours. Maybe I'll do that too.

Love the blog. Do delete the Debbie and Donny Downers. It's about them sharing their fears, not really about helping you.

Happy New Year!

My resolution list:
1) eat less
2) knit more
3) blog more

I embraced the "yes" thing a few years ago. I realized my default answer to things was "no, but" and it would turn into a yes - but the first thing out of my mouth was "no." I successfully switched to saying "yes but" especially at work. At home with the kids, it is a little more difficult to not say "no" to everything. I tend to have a pretty positive attitude about everything but no one would ever call me pollyanna. I can't stand to be around exteremely positive peoople or extremely negative people - they are very annoying and cost way too much energy (I am very intraverted).

Thanks for your blog, it is so much fun reading it. Also, thanks for the books I am looking forward to reading your new one.

I'm the opposite of you, I tend to see the good in people no matter how evil they are. Many times it's gotten me hurt. But you know, I don't care. My kids say its a character flaw, I say it's a character trait. I like being able to look deep down inside someone and seeing that one thing about them, that makes them good. True, some people don't have that. Some people are just basically bad. such is life! but i'm ok with who I am.

1) i too plan to get healthy. at 42, I'll never weight 130 with a 26 inch waist again. I'm going to be realistic. I just want to be healthy. no more war-dieting! dieting has done nothing but made me fatter! I will eat intuitively, and make healthy choices 80% of the time. and a light exercise and walking regimine to complement that!

2) since i am Christian, I want to be the best, most caring, loving, forgiving, kindest person I can be. Walk away from some of my vices. And live the best "Christ-like" life I can.

3) Since I am basically debt-free, save my mortgage ( I owe less than $12,000 on my house, yipeeee!!! not one penny of credit card debt!) I don't have any pay-down-debt goals. However, I am the worst saver of all time. money literally burns holes in my purse. I want to start beefing up my savings account this year.

ok! those are my goals for 2010!! Happy New Year Laurie!!

Oh Yay! I have always wanted to comment on your blog. I like your writing SO much.

I have the same resolution as you. Decided to think positive and expect good things rather than the bad things. Worrying about bad things that may happen ahead of time will just spoil my present.

I'm also going to try the tried and true favorites of be healthier and lots of other goals that are always on my backburner.

Also, Magic Eraser Foaming Pads - No good. Just wanted to add that.

Yeah for you!!! Those are really great goals for the New Year. I am still putting my goals (I've never liked the word resolution, weird, I know) into focus. I've just re-arranged my office and I think that a posting of my list would be a good daily reminder.

You are so right when it comes to the easiness of being a Debbie Downer. I think that I will ponder the 'coming from a place of yes' in my own life.

Take care and knit well in your new year.

First, what an awesome buy on Veuve Cliquot. That's my favorite champagne!

I've thought on and off about a prior post you had regarding 2009 feeling like a 'placeholder' year that we just need to get through it and hopefully 2010 will be better. While my 2009 was pretty good, I'm definitely looking forward to next year.

The come from a place of yes is a lovely, positive thing to do, and I hope it's everything you want/need it to be.

Best wishes to you in 2010 Laurie, and hopefully many happy travels (I love reading your travel posts!)

Laurie, I'm so glad you made this post. I too, have been very negative about anything and everything. Name a topic and I will tell you umpteen million things wrong with it! I have half-assed tried to stop with the negativity...but it's so hard to break a bad habit.
I have read about how we deal with things around us that we don't like or that are negative. If you get angry, upset or negative about that stuff or those people, then they have succeeded. It is HOW you deal with the bad things that come your way, and the bad people that get all in-your-face, that matters. If you choose to let them get under your skin, you will always be miserable. If you just let them roll off your back (easier said than done!), and then just go on about your business...you are so much better for it. You cannot please everyone. And not everyone can please you.
I am going to try so much harder with this attitude...even though the job I have is pretty stressful and full of negativity. Then maybe my blood pressure will go down a few notches. (I work with juvenile delinquent teens in high school.)
Thanks so much for reminding me of what I really need to work on 24/7. :o)

My resolutions:
- Make healthy eating and exercise a priority.
- Be mindful of how I spend my time. (Sometimes I waste a lot of time doing things just because I usually do them.)

Happy new year!

hi! came to comment, because i can. :) 2009 here had some really great moments and some really bad ones, just like any year. maybe a little scarier than other years, but we got through it. for 2010 i'm going to say no a little more. i often say yes, then am crabby for having to do more. thinking if i don't do it, who will? i need to let it go. glad the comments were on for a little bit!! happy new year! enjoy the looking backwards and forwards. thanks for writing!!

Hi Laurie,

I've been reading your blog for some time now, but never said hello before (Thank you for your roll brim hat recipe. Thankyou thankyou thankyou! I could never figure those damn things out, now everyone I know has at least two. They might not be grateful, but I am!), and you've always brightened up my little corner of north east England. Again, thank you!

Good luck with the resolutions, they're good ones to have, articulate & succinct. My only weight loss tip is this: don't deny yourself the treats, just try to have them in moderation (this was the one that got me to finally lose weight over the last 6 months. It makes the whole thing more of a life-change than a relentless-grind)

yeah comments open:)
I love the idea of Yes:)
My resolutions( or revolutions as my daughter always called them as a child)
1/ Live in the now. Don't worry over what has gone or what is to come that way you don't experience the now.
2/ stay as healthy as I can with my mobility stuff
3/ Get a moggie, I miss having cats in my life
4/ Spin more
5/ work out what on earth my year of knitting for the hospice will be this year, my fourth

Hi, Laurie!

Yes, I am ELATED that 2009 is coming to an end, and with you, I am ENTHUSIASTICALLY welcoming 2010! '09 was an incredibly tough year, losing my Mom to cancer on Jan 24, after losing my grandmother (to old age) Feb 28, 2008. Buh bye 2009- don't let the screen door hit you on the way out!

I have one resolution for 2010- learn to play! I don't quite get this "play" thing, which my psychologist says is "doing something fun with no intended outcome." ?? He says knitting does not count bcs I end up with a sweater or other item, etc. So, my dogs are getting more attention (tug of war is play; I don't care if I win or not, just soaking up the expression of pure joy on Rebel's hound dog face)and I want to ride my ATV, which I don't think saw any action in 2009.

LOVE your blog, keep the humor and photos and transparency going, girl!

I am looking forward to your next book- I hope it will be available on Kindle, and I hope you come through Atlanta on a book tour!
Eleanor

Hi Laurie. I was reading through all the comments and was not so amazed to see how many wonderful women whose lives you have touched. Mine included. You have that special something that resonates. And so I just wanted to add my wish to you for a very Happy New Year. My resolutions are not unlike all those above. To be happy, to be healthy, to be nicer and more positive - seems a common thread these days. I wish us all the best in 2010.

Hi, Laurie!

Yes, I am ELATED that 2009 is coming to an end, and with you, I am ENTHUSIASTICALLY welcoming 2010! '09 was an incredibly tough year, losing my Mom to cancer on Jan 24, after losing my grandmother (to old age) Feb 28, 2008. Buh bye 2009- don't let the screen door hit you on the way out!

I have one resolution for 2010- learn to play! I don't quite get this "play" thing, which my psychologist says is "doing something fun with no intended outcome." ?? He says knitting does not count bcs I end up with a sweater or other item, etc. So, my dogs are getting more attention (tug of war is play; I don't care if I win or not, just soaking up the expression of pure joy on Rebel's hound dog face)and I want to ride my ATV, which I don't think saw any action in 2009.

LOVE your blog, keep the humor and photos and transparency going, girl!

I am looking forward to your next book- I hope it will be available on Kindle, and I hope you come through Atlanta on a book tour!
Eleanor

Well, I sent you one email already talking about DIVORCE and BLAH and TERRIBLE THINGS, so when I made my resolutions I decided to keep them simple and self-satisfying. Would losing weight be something to please me or someone else? I want my resolutions to be all about making me happy because I have enough AWFUL right now, lol.

1. Buy a proper purse.
2. Knit myself some stuff.
3. Save (an undisclosed amount of) money.
4. Pay off my truck.

There it is. Simple, completely do-able, and self-satisfying. Happy New Year and Auld Lang Syne, and all that jazz.

Laurie, thanks so much for writing your posts--it's such a bright spot in my day, even when your posts make me cry. And thanks for opening the comments every so often so that we can reflect back to you all the good things you're doing.

2009 wasn't a good year for me, but it allowed me to get my feet under myself again so I can start building healthy habits. I know I feel my absolute best when I'm following the advice of Marla Cilley (flylady.net) and the Sidetracked Home Executives sisters...they help me make the day-to-day things (paying bills, maintaining budgets, having enough good food in the house that I can cook healthy things at home and not scarf down pizza) get done without my having to make decisions about them. I find I can very easily get sidetracked by stupid things..."urgh, should I go get groceries before I vacuum or after I deal with the dozen reports I brought home from the office?"...when I'd much rather be spending my energy making choices about what I want to do with the next chunk of my life.

So my resolutions for 2010 are:

1. Set and maintain habits for cooking, exercise, and home maintenance--keep myself healthy and strong.

2. Leave work at the office--it'll still be there tomorrow: I don't need to bring it home to keep an eye on it! LOL.

3. Start building my business on the side so I can eventually leave my current job.

4. Read Crazy Aunt Purl every day!

Happy crazypants new year to you and the kitties.

Me, again. Not that this has anything to do with the content of your blog, but I have to tell you that your story about the time your skirt split and you crab walked to the bathroom and stapled it back together makes me laugh every time I think about it!

How about some "favorite things" columns this year about your fave wines and great finds? I love red zin, pinot noir,shiraz and viognier, and am always up for a good buy!
Happy New Year!

Happy New Year a bit early to you, Bob, Soba and the other kitties.
Just one suggestion for the getting in shape part of your resolutions if I may. Maybe you could take the stairs each day or start out slow maybe once a week and then work your way up.

My resolutions are to stop being such a pain in the back side as much as possible and my other resolution is to stop buying everything except food, drink, and personal items. Not sure if I will be able to keep this last one but am willing to try. To live a more simple life and get rid of the clutter in my life as much as possible.

I like how you term it "coming from a place of yes." Basically that's my goal for 2010 also, but I didn't have a great label to slap on it (until now!). I read a book called "Infinite Possibilities" by Mike Dooley this fall and it has helped me re-frame how I see each day (and longer term). While I'm not much on implementing every last thing someone recommends, I may try to put a few of his suggestions into action and take them for a whirl.

Happy New Year!

Thank you for opening your comments. I've been wanting to tell you for a long time how much I enjoy your blog. I look forward to every new post. You're always so bright and shiny and I admire how you can examine yourself and your feelings and resolve to improve. I'm much older than you, but I want to be just like you when I grow up.

Comments are open???!!! Hi - Happy New Year. I like your resolutions too and also, I just wanted to say, even when you thought you sounded negative, you didn't to me. You always give me inspiration and/or a chuckle (if not outright laugh!). Need more cat pics in 2010 though please. :-) My Nicky hangs his arms over the cat tree like Bob - it's so cute!

Just want to thank you for being one of the bright spots in my day. You're part of my "getting trapped in the computer vortex" routine.

Hmmmm, I wasn't good about keeping last year's resolution: a 5 minute self foot massage daily. But I'm hopeful about this year's:

1. Sign up for a swing dancing class
2. "Run" a 5K (okay, that's been a running resolution for many years .... one year it'll happen)

Have a wonderful New Year's Eve of cocooning at home.

Mine is to live simply. Very similar in my head to yours of coming from a place of yes... basically, I want to acknowledge and love what I have and not worry about what others think about me. It's a simple resolution in general, but is comprised of lots of details relating to my life which will make it challenging to get the hang of. I'm really good at complaining and being (k)nit picky and am getting to the point of not wanting to hang out with myself sometimes, too!

Ditto! Become healthy in mind and body. I am also an excellent seer of the negative. It truly is a skill. However my goal for this next year is not only to see the positive, but BE the positive. I just lost my job of 5 years and I am truly relieved! I look forward to this new year as a huge opportunity with all the doors wide open for me. I just have to suck it up and walk through them.

Love your writings! Please don't stop because they are a big brights spot in many people's day.

Hey Laurie,

My goals this year are:

1) Stop indulging in the negative about work and concentrate on things that make me happy.
2) Focus my creativity. I am all over the map with stuff I like to do. This year I am going to choose one craft (knitting) and learn how to do it properly.
3) Work with my husband and our writing partner on getting our project-in-progress out there to the right people and sell it!
4) Start eating better food and exercising more. If I happen to lose weight in the process that's a bonus. The health is the important part.

I wish you all the best and hope 2010 is all that you want it to be. And I am with you about New Year's Eve. I hate the calendar mandating when I should feel festive. I'm a notorious homebody with hermit tendencies anyway.

What you said. I lost my Mom in 2009 and the line between grief and self-pity is a very fine line. I have started working on the complaining/whining already and it makes all the difference in my world. Of course, I'm not quite as eloquent as you!

Dear Laurie,

Like everyone here, I also love reading your blog. It's weird, but I often refer to you in conversation with others (oh, this woman whose blog I'm reading...).

Anyway, sometimes when I read your blog, like today's, it feels like something I could've written. It's nice knowing that someone else feels strange/silly/bad about certain stuff. It makes me feel less foolish. Thank you so much for sharing!

My goals for 2010 are:
1) get healthier and in better shape
2) not take so many things at work personally (I'm a teacher)
3) spend more quality time with my husband and pets
4) spend more quality time with me :)

I hope you have a great New Year coming from your yes place! I find that I am happier since I decided to be happy and friendly. I hope it works for you too.

My goals this year are to find more things to do with my kids and maybe manage to get them to Newfoundland. Even if it is just to keep my in-laws from descending on my house en mass.

Laurie,
I know many people have said it, so I'm sure it's nothing new to hear, but... I love your blog. I love reading what you have to say. I subscribe to a lot of feeds (too many really) but yours is one of the few I always look forward to reading. I like your openness and honesty. I like your humor. I like getting a little glimpse into what's going on in your brain. Basically, I think you rock. :)

Ok... so enough with the fan business... and on to my 2010 goals. I actually made my goals on my birthday back in September. It makes more sense to me that goals for a new year of my life should begin when another year of *my* life begins. I am approaching the big 3-0 in 2010, so I wanted some pretty significant, yet reachable, goals.

- Treat my body better. It's that whole get healthy thing. I have set no number goals for this as number goals don't work for me. I get too obssessed with them or I fail at keeping track of them so then I get discouraged and give up. I just want to be healthier and have some respect for my body.
- To be frugal with spending. Less money spent on "stuff" means more money in the bank and less "stuff" to manage, physically and mentally.
- Start back to school. I go back and forth on what I want to go back for. But my goal is simply to go back... no matter what my official course of study is. I feel like once I get started it'll all come together. It's the getting back there that I struggle with.

(Dear Kelly, It's a blog comment NOT a blog post... shut up already.)

Ok, that's all. :)

I am not a resolution maker, but my thoughts on the new year sound exactly like yours, I just didn't know how to put them into words. So I will also come from a place of yes. That sounds so positive and new agey-it's sure to drive some people crazy!
Glad to see 2009 go. Everything feels shiny and new in twenty ten!

Hi Laurie, so glad you opened the comments so I can add my little voice to the chorus of "we love you"!

I am not a knitter, nor am I divorced, and I only have two (really spoiled) cats, but I love your writing and you were a big inspiration to me in starting my own blog early this year. Mine is mostly (semi) professional but you may find yourself mentioned there a few times.

My goals for 2010 are already posted at www.ombailamos.com, but the big ones are all "start doing --- again." There are so many thing I haven't made time for!

Congrats on "YES" and if you ever want a free dance or yoga lesson, look me up. I work right down the street from you.
Best wishes,
Alexandra

Laurie, I love your blog so much! And yet I've never ever left you a comment before, because you get so many dang comments I felt intimidated. Like, what if my comment is the lamest comment out of 500? Or whatever. That has precisely nothing to do with anything but I must be in confession mode right now.

Anyway, this year I've decided not to make resolutions or even exactly a list of goals. Instead I am choosing a word to be the theme for my year, and that word is Nourish. Essentially, I want to learn everything I can about nourishing myself in every way--physically, mentally, spiritually, etc.--and incorporate what I learn in to my life to the best of my ability.

Happy New Year to you and thanks for being your awesome self!

Inappropriate Hugs,
Michelle

Happy New Year to everyone! I also eagerly look forward to a new post from you. Sometimes I think you are looking through my window because some of the things you write about sound exactly like some of the stuff I do!

My resolutions include (1) getting a handle on the budget - I need to increase our bottom line because hubby is disabled and this living on a fixed income crap is the pits! (2)Choose to make better decisions and (3) say 'no' more. I tend to overbook myself in true Southern Belle fashion (I'm a native Virginian) because I just can't say no. I'm going to learn how.

Happy New Year to you and the kitties! I loved your second book. It was great. The kids looked at me like I had two heads because I was laughing out loud. And 40 isn't so bad - I did that a couple of years ago. Have fun with the midlife crisis!

My list for this year is simple.
Be healther. Eat more fruit and veggies. Eat less whatever is in the drive thru.
Play with my dogs more. They are so fun to play with.
Quit beating me up for things I can't change. Past is gone and try as I might I can't fix and/or change past.
Smile as much and as often as I can.
And dance!

For 2010, I resolve to go out and listen to more live music!

I love your blog and I do not think you are cranky. I hope you enjoy your contemplations of the new year and your bottle of Veuve Cliquot!

Thanks for opening the comments, Laurie!

Like so many other commenters, I love your writing and look forward to your posts. I'm amazed at your authenticity and courage.

I don't usually make lists of resolutions. But after I read your post yesterday, it hit me just how much I need to stop trying to change the things that are completely outside my control. You summed it up well when you said in 2009 you picked your battles more carefully. And that is my goal for 2010.

The comments are back! The comments are back! (Don't say ANYTHING negative, Kat™, or they will disappear again.)

Laurie - I wrote you that I am filled with dread about my 40th coming in 2011 as well, so you might chuckle when I tell you that my resolution this year is to live more in the present.

So maybe I'll make friends with the "dread"... and maybe get dreads! Who knows what the present may show me?!?

btw, I laughed out loud at the "spewing resolutions" image. Priceless!

2009 was the year that I made the huge decision to end a 6 year relationship that was going nowhere and put myself out there (eHarmony, waaay out of my comfort zone but overall a good experience)and I met someone I could never have imagined or asked for in a million years. Not sure where it's going but I'm sure enjoying the ride. I can only hope 2010 is half as thrilling. For New Year's Eve we are staying in. I don't really do resolutions but I need to get serious about saving money and I would like to shake up my professional life next...who knows?

Oh, HELL YES! I have never been so happy to see the ass end of a year. 2009 was brutal for me. You bought shoes, I bought an electric bike...both will only get us so far, but at least we're in motion. Here's to 2010!!! My list is short this year - just be a happier and healthier.

Thanks so much for your blog, Laurie; it's brought me much entertainment and helped me view events in my own life in a healthier light--particularly being ok with being an introvert, and ignoring the extroverts who say it's not healthy. Morons. I especially love the fact that you believe in personal renewal, and have in fact successfully reinvented yourself--without being perfect (or pretending to be), which would have just annoyed me.

I am going to attempt to renew my erotic haiku-a-day habit. And start doing yoga again. And quit drinking liquor sometime in 2010 (wine will still be permitted). Which will hopefully lead to being healthier. Maybe some more fresh vegetable juice, too, but that's not an official resolution.

I like the Hanlon's razor idea; thanks Janna.

I want to make my way back from the edge and find center again. My father died suddenly after us not speaking for about 3 years, his choice, and I have really had a lot of problems dealing with it.

I need to get healthier and loose weight. I gained an insane amount of weight in 2009.

I want to pay off debt.

I want to figure out just who in the hell am I.

I want to not cry all year. My 17 is graduating, moving out and getting married. My 5 is starting school. It's going to be a rough year.

Love to you and the fur bearers!! Hope Soba is feeling better.

Angie

My gosh, this post is me!! I don't make New Year's lists, per se, but I go thru my head all the things I want/need to improve upon/take care of. My number one BIG thing is not to be reactionary to people, not to take things personally. I've had some trials in that regard this year and I must say it was very hard and I struggled within myself but I did NOT react like a martyr!! Yay me!!! lol!! Seriously, life is so much easier if I only quit absorbing certain incidents and remarks as an affront to my sense of self-worth and my attitude of "this is how it should be, this is what so and so is supposed to say and do".

No more! What others do/say or don't do/don't say is their reality, not mine. I need to set aside my judginess because often I don't know the whole story or what's really going on inside someone.

Hope that made sense! Thank you for posting, Laurie, and I hope this next year is a positive learning experience for all of us!

I like your resolutions. I like that you made only two. I want only two.

So they would have to be:

1. Work hard. (I know, I know, but I'm naturally mellow and good to myself and I actually would like to do stuff this year that take discipline like finish grad school, get a job, feed my family real meals with vegetables, etc... Stuff that involves hunkering down and really working at it.)

2. Be present with the kids. (I love the kids and I try to be present, but I'm recommitting myself to being really, really present--not surfing the internet while they make collages, but you know, talking and listening and making collages too.)

Love reading everyone's resolutions.

I wrote about this last night and these were my resolutions for 2010:

I want to continue doing more of the good things I started doing and less of the bad things. I want to be a little less scatterbrained, and be nicer, save more money especially to buy another bike to carry a surfboard, be more audacious, be a little less of a doormat, take another long bicycle trip (week long...maybe?), paint at least one painting, buy a guitar and make some music, love myself a little bit more by silencing the self-critic more often (this is my biggest challenge as I find it easier to love everyone else except myself), learn how to swim, learn how to say 'no' more often and maybe finally put up some goddamn curtains over the windows!

Nothing too profound. I just want to be more open to life's possibilities.

Thank you for taking a chance on us "commenters"! I love reading the little notes that other CAP readers post. :)

I feel a little like a "last-minute Sally" this year - I don't have my full list of goals for 2010 yet.
But to start off:
1. Get Healthier. This includes quitting smoking. Again. For good this time.
2. Go on a "real" vacation. (I've been using most of my time off the last few years to do home-remodeling and on my annual 2.5 week mission trip to Kenya)
3. Start running again, and do at least a 1/2 marathon. (I broke my foot during my training this summer, and just got out of my cast!)
4. Make time for quiet in my life, and for more creative outlets (writing, crafts).

Also, @Lina: Good luck! What an exciting adventure in a beautiful land, filled with beatiful people!

Good luck to everyone in 2010 - and may you have a safe, and fun New Years!!

Just read your first book, which my DD got for me for Christmas because I am always showing her hilarious posts on your blog. Thanks for the many laughs outloud (the first biggest one was at the Jingle Lady/John Wayne Gacy biography line!) Your introspection and willingness to share the roller coaster ride after your lout left was inspiring. I'd like to think that you have weathered all the scary ups and downs of the roller coaster and are now just enjoying the fun curves and twists!

I have a resolution list I renew every year with the same old same old, but this year is a little different: Being somewhat hermitlike myself, I aim to become more social. Quilting is my thing so hanging out with other quilters at the local shop or joining a guild (gulp) is at the top of my list. Plus I am no longer working 3 jobs so I should theoretically have more free time. Also I'd like to spend more quality time with my husband now that we are practically empty nesters after 25 years.

Like most everyone else, I want to comment just because I can and because I want to tell you that your posts have added some bright moments to my days.It's a great gift for a writer to know her readers love her, so wallow in all the love!! (While the comments are open) :)
Resolutions? Just one. To see people for who they are, and try to love on them, regardless if they are loveable or not.

and where are my manners?

Happy New Year!

SO glad 2009 is over. Really looking forward to 2010. Love the new, the potential, the surprise. I resolve to be more positive. 2009 has fed the negative until I can't stand its fat arse any longer! To help me remember, I'm making one of those friendship bracelets in happy yellow to tie around my wrist night and day. Thats what I will be doing New Years. I also resolve to stop and revel in what I have, not bemoan what I don't. This one might be a little hard since I just lost my mom 2 weeks ago, but I'm going to give it a shot. Thank you Laurie, for the laughs, for the groans, and for being brave enough to let us into your world, oh and of course, thank you for the kittie pictures. Love love love the kitties pictures!!!

Good bye 2009, Good bye Probate court, Good bye Cancer, Good bye Landlord, Hello 2010 in my new house. It's got to be better than 2009! I see long walks with my dog, travel over the Atlantic, travel over the highways, quilting, friends, and fresh veggies from the garden I'm going to plant in my backyard!

happy new year to you and the furry roommates!

no resolutions from here.

looking forward to purchasing your new book, reading your blog, beginning new knitting projects. LOVING LIFE!

Less grind, more joy. And more of your blog.

Metoo! Metoo! Metoo! I am going to come from a place of yes also. I have realized, with the not very loveable words from others, that I complain all the time and I am negative. I guess that I've been that way so much that I don't even see it. Now I do, and it's no fun to be here. So I am going to the land of possibility with you, to think the positive rather than the negative.

Thanks for the post, Laurie!

Just got your book from my Amazon pre-order the other day! So far, so good!

My resolution this year is to get a grip! I mean, in reading through everyone's resolutions, we all seem to have themes! I want to look great and feel great, and this is the year I recognize that I deserve it just as much as anyone else! So, no more excuses and no more feeling badly about myself! (Plus, I resolve to knit more and learn some new techniques).

Thanks for your blog - also love the pictures!

First let me say that your writing is freakin' hilarious. I just discovered your blog the other day and I think I worship you.. now enough of the creepiness...

"Some people say it's all about being grateful (and that is true, too) but it's also about being less freaking fearful. Live it up a little! Stop looking for all the ways it won't work out and think of a few ways it will work out!"
This pretty much sums it up for me. My guy has a tendency to be a Debbie Downer. And when a mini crisis pops up does I always look him in the eye and say "Stop. This isn't the end of the world. Life will go on, we can handle this."
People often ask while I'm so calm in the midst of chaos - first I have REALLY low blood pressure.. I think it helps, second - I work for a newspaper - next to being on a trading floor it's probably one of the most stressful jobs going, and thirdly I look at it this way - what's done is done, freaking out about it doesn't change it and isn't going to solve it, so why freak out - why not devote my energy to dealing with it and move on!

All in all i like your resolutions. They are realistic and meaningful. Get healthy is one of mine too - I'm huffing and puffy after going up the one flight of stairs at work - and I've taken it every day for the past two and a half years.. might be an issue.
The other is to get financially healthy and learn that I can live without another pair of shoes or that realy cute top... at least until I get so healthy I have to buy a whole new wardrobe consisting of the belly shirts and low-rise jeans that have been denied me since my late teens.

All the best in the new year!

Me TOO! I am determined to get healthy this year and have already made a start on SparkPeople (awesome site which I am sure you already know about, but just in case you don't, it's www.sparkpeople.com and it's free). Elsewise, it's about letting go of bad habits, assuming control, talking not listening, fixing people, etc. In short, all of the habits that lead to excess eating, drinking and worrying. Is it possible? Why of course -- all things are possible when the New Year comes and a fresh sheet of history is laid before us. Good Luck and Happy New Year!

Laurie - your second book just arrived in my mail! YAY!

I'm not a big partier on NYEve. But I have been thinking about how this is the end of a DECADE! And how many changes the last 10 years has brought!

I have no real resolutions except to want the things I always want: more exercise, less weight. And as a friend put it on her blog, "Just take it one day at a time." Instead of worrying about the whole CHANGE YOUR LIFE, I make the decision every day "Today, I am going to do X"

for a planner, this is very very hard. I have Plans. Big Ones. Great Ones. That require Planning! And Stress! And Knowing Where I Am Going.

Improvisation is hard.
Happy New Year to you, Laurie! Your blog brightens my day.
-Suzi

Wow, this is a perfect way to start the day, I am loving reading all the comments. Plus the fact they're so damn nice doesn't hurt any... though my ego may have to ride shotgun on the way home...

Janna, that Hanlon's Razor thing is brilliant!

Happy New Year, Laurie, and thanks for your blog, which I can always count on for a laugh, something to think about, and cute pictures!

Remember, by the time you "turn" 40 you will have lived your 40th year and you'll be headed into your 41st!

My only resolution so far is to try a new [healthy] non-chicken recipe every week instead of just cooking the same 10 things I know my family likes. If one or more of them would rather have pbj they can go that route, but I'm branching out! If only 1/2 the things I try are "keepers" I'll have 25 new things in the dinner arsenal and they won't all be chicken! This will have the side effect of getting me to open all those cookbooks on my shelves, some of which I don't even remember buying. :)

Yay, comments! Thanks for turning them on, even if only temporarily; I always love to read people's responses to your wonderful writing.

2010 will definitely be a year of change for me: my husband has just retired, and my daughter will be going away to college in the fall. I guess my New Year's resolution will be to learn to welcome this new chapter in my life, and to embrace all the opportunities it offers.

I do something different each year for my New Year. I let someone go. Meaning...I let go of an unhealthy obsession or grudge. I started this years ago when I had those high school crushes that took over. You know. Now, it seems that I give up anger towards a person. It is really good. I choose the person, and go throw rocks in the river until I'm through with them. I usually have to remind myself throughout the year about my letting go, but that's okay.

This year I did decide to go with the resolutions as well:
-Go back to school (on track for this one!).
-work out twice a week (low expecations work for me).
-Lose 8 lbs and keep them off.
-Learn to do needlework.

The workout one will be the toughest, of course.

Best of luck to everyone! Happy good 2010!

Love you!!!
New Year is my favourite holiday, too, for the same reasons and in the same way as you. (Go Hermits!) Clean slate time - love it!
My resolutions for 2010 are much the same as 2009's - crochet more, read more, eat more veg/ less sugar, stop thinking I must get everything done yesterday, in fact, stop thinking I must get everything done, period.

I love reading your blog - its like holding up a mirror and seeing a better, more honest, more well written and humorous version of myself, most of the time. I approve of the mid-life crisis at 40 plan, btw. I also like your resolutions, mind are:

1. Follow a real budget, with or without employment
2. It was 'lose 50 lbs' but I will steal your 'be really healthy' instead, it sounds better and more realistic. :)
3. Knit/spin at least 1/3 of the 'wall of stash'
4. Declutter - inside and out

And that's the first write-up, thanks for making me do that.

Laurie, I've said it before and I'll say it again -- thank you SO much for sharing your blog with us. New posts are always a highlight of my day!

As for resolutions, nope, don't make them. However I'm considering making a bucket list of things like skydyving, swimming with dolphins,learning Spanish, re-visiting Japan (exchange rates be damned), etc. At least with a bucket list I won't feel pressure to do everything in one year!

Happy 2010 to you!

Hi Laurie! I love your blog too, and boooo to all the people who make you sad enough to keep closing coments. What do they know?

My one resolution for New Years is typically: Drink More Beer. Sets you up to succeed, and it's a win win for everyone. This year I also resolve not to stab anymore (more winning!) and to keep not smoking (quit 3/26/01).

The one thing I do want to do however.. is unplug. I had a crazy/stressful/omg-make-it-stop kind of 2009, and found myself on my laptop a lot at the end of the day. Not a productive use of my time when I could be knitting or reading or doing pilates so my back isn't so cranky. I also want to do less complaining. There's something so refreshing about complaining.. but I think maybe I do it too much. So more positive speaking/thinking here.

Happy 2010!!!!

* edited to add.. that should say I resolve not to stab ANYONE, not anymore. What kind of person will ya'll think I am?!

While I am a champion listmaker, I don't do resolutions other than the general attempt to be, and do, better. I'm jumping in while comments are open to thank you for making me think as much as you make me laugh. All the best to you and your furry family for a bright twenty ten. Happy knitting!

hmmm...was trying to be more productive with these this year as well as make them obtainable. So here is a rough draft:

1. Get healthy
2. Find the positive
3. start a blog
4. Make a reading list
5. Clean out the WIPs
6. Walk the dog(s) daily and visit the dog beach
7. Make a travel plan
8. Purge the house - get down to the simple.
9. Start a garden
10. Live

My only major resolution for 2010 is to finish every project that I start!

my day is not complete without a check for your blog! being invited into your adventures, and struggles, is such a gift.
i find that i'm continuing with my resolutions from 2009, not because i didn't complete them, but because they are worth repeating.
i want to see the glass half full. looking at the entire situation from all sides and choosing to embrace the positive while dealing with the not-so-positive. striving to be a better me.... kinder, more tactful, a better friend, mom, knitter.
and i may just make that marathon run this year!
thanks laurie.... happiest of new years!

I truly love your "Getting Healthy" idea...and that is also my big #1.

I also use New Year's Day as my big list day, and my big #2 is to be realistic with the list and be able to power through them!

I am so looking forward to 2010!!

xoxo
Beth in Austin
PS...Love, love loving your new book!!!

Have you seen Penelope Trunk's suggestion for a resolution? Drive to the gym. That's where I'm starting. It's only like 4 minutes from my house. If there were a sidewalk, I could walk. In 2009 I learned that I really enjoy laughing at myself - there are 2 friends who are really good at setting me up for this. So more of that and being with friends who make me laugh. And inspired by you I am traveling to Costa Rica by myself - well actually with a group of 16 that accepts singles at no extra charge. It's a start. Love, love, love you and your cats and your blog!

Love your blog.

My list includes in no real order
1 Living in the present and being present
2 Living on a budget and focusing on paying off credit card debt. This is key! Why do I continue to suck at this simple task????
3 Continue my triathlon quests
4 Keep up my knitting - knit from the stash
5 eating healthier avoiding artificial anything where possible

The next few days I will give more thought to what I want from the New Year but I too want to also be more positive, less negative - there has to be a balance. Read more. Watch less TV. Travel more. Get things on the perpetual TO DO List actually "Done".
Happy New Year!

My resolutions for 2010 were to not make resolutions, but "goals" to reach for in 2010. The goals are in categories such as: Personal (maybe dating a bit?): Financial (socking away some cash so I can update my circa 1950s kitchen someday); Fitness (lose 20 lbs by going to the gym 4 days a week and eating more fruits and veg). Thanks for your blog, I look forward to reading it all year long.. Happy 2010!

I love the New Year because it is New. I get a New one whether I finished the Old one correctly or not. I get to scrape the Old one off my shoes and canter straight into the New one without any plans, even, if I want to! So refreshing and empowering.

I'm sorry to see so many of your commenters have weight loss as their first resolution, though. I'm 60 years old and a size 14 (12 sometimes; i.e., average), and I'm here to tell you there are more important things for women to concern ourselves with. Weight for health, yes, of course. But wishing we looked different is just coming from a place of NO right off the bat.

So I say yes to pleasurable exercise, which for me is walking my micro-dog every morning while listening to Stephanie Miller on my little radio that straps on my arm. I hope you find something you enjoy at least as much, Laurie! and keep WRITING. You're marvelous!

"Wake up, say yes to the day, let it unfold, be a part of it..." That pretty much says it all.

Thanks, Laurie, for your wonderful blog (and for opening up the comments!).

Renata

Laurie, you always make me smile/laugh/nod appreciatively, and I adore your kitties almost as much as my own. I'll be 50 this year.I'm not big on resolutions but last year I changed back to my maiden name - 14 years after my divorce. That was a big accomplishment. This year I'm going to learn to play the mandolin.

Laurie -
My only major resolution is to definitely, positively dump PC/Windows forever.
My quick calculation comes up with 8 windows-based pcs purchased over abt 18 yrs and all were total, crashing diasters. Total time-sucking, ctl-alt-deleting, "download this critical update" garbage. I've had it.
And this is me being positive for 2010.
Happy Computing to You, too!

Oh...Need to add 1 to my list but I like even numbers so change #10 to "Swim 100 miles". If I strive to meet these goals then I should be living so still good to go....

Happy New Year (almost), Laurie!

Besides the usual of losing weight and exercising more and eat better, here are my other resolutions:

1. Tell everyone who I care for that they are special in my life. (This could take some time)!
2. When faced with a decision, make my choice from the perspective of "I choose to be happy" (as opposed to angry or crabby).
3. Spontaneously hug my husband everyday (it is easy to forget, sometimes).
4. Help my youngest to "launch" into the world if he will accept my help.
5. Try to keep the house cleaner. Really. It is nice to feel good about friends dropping by!
6. Remember to have a mammogram and keep my doctor appointments. (I am doctor phobic).
7. Start my new garden in my new yard! Flowers, veggies and lots of catnip!

I can tell this will be a great year!

Thank you for blogging! You make the interwebs so much more interesting by being here!

My Resolutions:
1) RUN! A! 5K! without walking any of it. April 25th, all registered.
2) Grow garden where all vegetables are actually edible. (Long story)
3) Eat more locally.
4) Obligatory lose a few pounds - hopefully simply as a result of 1) - 3)
5) Live within my means (this will lead to paying of cc debt)

This New Years we're going to a party. I haven't been to one since...NYE99/00?? That's an event in itself.

Happy 2010!

Yes, I'm glad 2009 is just shy of being over.

I don't make New Year's resolutions...that way I don't have to feel guilty when I break them.

I enjoy your posts, whether you are bitching about something or not. Sometimes ya just have to bitch, ya know??? It's a sanity thing.

who are these people who email you such crap? why do they do so? ugggh.

thanks for persevering in spite of dealing with that all the time!

delete delete = mantra

I love your writing. You are always so honest and not afraid to let everyone know how you feel. My 2010 resolutions are very similar to yours: 1. Go to the gym (not just pay for the gym), 2. Be more social (could be interesting since I too am a hermit)

Thanks for all you have to say. Happy New Year!!!

Some of the airlines used to have a round-the-world ticket. You bought the ticket, had to stop in 5 cities, always moving west, until you got home again. Friends did this years ago (ok, I think it was in the 80's) and they went standby and it wasn't that expensive. I think they stopped in Hawaii, Japan, Singapore, India and France (the last stop had to be in Europe). I've always envied them this trip. Maybe some airline still offers it. Other friends did a walkabout around the world for a year -- similar plan, but they worked it out themselves.

Have a great time! Send e-postcards!

LOVE this post! I am SO ready for the new year. Something about 2009 makes me just want to be finished with it. I have made some personal decisions for 2010 and am ready to start living them. I like your resolutions. They are simple, yet profound. I think I will "steal" them. You could have been writing about me in this post. Thank you. Here's to 2010!!!

I love the idea of the place of yes. I get the same way every so many months when I fall into the vat of stress and forget how to crawl out. It turns me into this beast of a woman, who I know is very unpleasant to be around.

My New Year's plans are to finish making cake (tonight), so I can present my friend with his Ghost Rider birthday cake tomorrow. After that, just trying to make it to the gym at least 3 days a week. I forgot how to go to the gym in October, and this will help make me less sluglike.

I started making New Years Lists (not resolutions, just lists) when you talked about it here three years ago. I love lists, too, and definitely like these lists. I was very happy to get some "scary" stuff checked off on my 2009 list, including having overnight visitors at my house and visiting other people in their houses (maybe scary's the wrong word ... just out of my comfort zone). My number one resolution this year is scarily like yours: "Respect the body I have." That includes eating better, exercising more consistently, losing some weight I recently gained, and also things like remembering to wash my face at night and using good face cream....'cause I'm nearly 50 and NOBODY thinks that's the new 30. Second item: Stay in touch with friends from my old job (and, oh yeah, GET A NEW JOB). And scary #3: Go on a trip all by myself. Not a big expensive one (see GET A NEW JOB, above), so maybe New York, but it's a good baby step for when I HAVE A NEW JOB and thus money to go somewhere bigger.

Thank you, Laurie, as ALWAYS, for your willingness to share with us. You do much more good than you can possibly know. You give good counsel, and I'm in a good place to hear it.

New Year's hugs!!!

MaryB

Hey Laurie! My first time to comment! Yay! I have read all your entries from the beginning in only the past few months and I am so happy to be "caught up." Ditto to all who love love love your blog. You are an amazing and powerful woman. xx

My resolutions... I have two kids with medical challenges that have me being a full time Mum. We just moved 1300 Kilometres to be closer to better health care and family support. It's all good but I need to find a way to get "me" time back! I have spent the past five years at Doctors, living in sweat pants with dirty hair, etc. Doing nothing for myself...

1) Learn to find the joy and beauty in the smallest of things. My new telescope, having 10 quiet minutes to read your blog, knitting, evening yoga, etc.

2) get healthy again! no smoking as of the 8th, have cut down a huge amount already.

3) actually make it out for a dinner date with my husband

4) enjoy my kids no matter what and stop focusing on all the medical hoo ha.

5) take my daughter to Disneyland!

You're the best Laurie. Happy New Year and thanks for all you do!

Sharon in Canada (p.s. I am about to turn 42 and the 40's really are great! )

I dont normally do resolutions, but one thing I would like to do this year is convince my damn doctor to give me a specific medication for treating my MS. (it's an off label use for the drug and my doctor is being too cautious in not giving it to me. 60,000 MS patients cant be wrong!)

I would also like to get a job (if the MS trolls dont get jealous and screw around with my brain and nerves)

Laurie, I've been 40 for almost 6 months. I dont feel all that much older than I did when I was 30. My vision isnt as great, and parts of my body are numb now, but mentally, I still feel like I'm 20. (sometimes 10yrs old)

I'm hoping to live to be 120. My parents are both pushing 70yrs now, and neither one of them looks 70. They both look like they're 20yrs younger than they are...even with my mom having physical problems. I hope I look as good as they do when I'm 70. I'm just hoping that my MS cooperates and allows me to enjoy growing older. (being numb in various places is torture, and makes the whole crochet and knitting experience quite sucky)

I like the idea of a mid-life crisis. I'd like to have one myself, just cant decide what to have the crisis about.

Comments! Yes!
Happy New Year!
2010 will be great. Yes, indeedee. I am joining you in the yes place. It's gotta be way more fun than noplace.

:D

resolute list of resolutions:
1. live in the moment, as literally as possible
2. do not live in fear
3. tell others what I appreciate in them.

#3. Dear Crazy Aunt Purl,
You seriously rock. You give me hope. Thank you.

Oh my goodness, look at all these comments Laurie! It must be nice to know that there are all these folks rooting for you and learning along with you. What wonderful people.
Thanks for your blog...I follow it faithfully.
As for my resolutions:
-I'm going to learn some new knitting skills in 2010. Cabling is calling to me.
-I'm going to walk outdoors more. Just a little walking every day to get fresh air and stay fit without worrying about being the tightest, most ripped looking chick on the block. I want to remain huggable. :)
-I'm going to endeavour to spend even more quality time with the people that I love the most, because you never know.

I am so happy to see 2009 over... I have one New Year's resolution this year. It is a quote from Henry David Thoreau: "Live the Life You've Imagined." I have this quote on a pendent that I wear on a necklace 24/7 to remind myself that this is my life and it can be whatever I imagine/choose it to be.

Hi Laurie and Happy New Year!
A big thank you for your blog. I'm not a "writer". I so admire you for being so honest, funny, and willing to share your life with us. The good and the bad make us feel like we know you in some way. I don't make NY resolutions - not my favorite holiday - but I have an ongoing one to become healthy. My first grandchild is coming in July and I hope to be able to keep up with that grandchild and any more in the future.

Just received your new book yesterday and am looking forward to curling up soon and having a great time with it!
Happy 2010!!

Welcome to the Happy Side! :)

It ain't perfect, but it's fun!

Thank you for sharing with us all here. I smile every time I read your blog.

Also, Yeay, crock-pot pot roast!

Laurie,

2009 has been a year of great ups and a few minor downs for me. I started the year off by walking away from a nine year relationship. I was sure doing so would bring my world crashing down around me but other than some weight gain from the resulting change in lifestyle everything has gone better than I could imagine. I just didn't realize how much of a drain the relationship was on me, emotionally, physically, financially. I have re-found the flow of the universe though so things are finally working out well for me again.

There are two things I want to do in 2010.
1. Get my house unpacked and organized from my move in August.
2. Push myself to meet new people.

Overall, while things are going well for me, it has been a scary world to live in this year so for that reason I will be glad it is over with.

Laurie, I really love your "place of yes." 2009 was not a good year for me overall with a lot of 'no's' and barely any "yes's" in trying to find work and exhibit opportunities. It has provoked me into being a Debbie Downer and even I don't enjoy me when I get like this.
So, *clink* here's to a more positive 2010!
Rebecca

I also prefer New Year's as a time of reflection rather than partying. Then again, I've never been much for parties.

Whenever I start whining and complaining some part of my brain replays that line from Joe Walsh's "Life's Been Good". The line that says "Can't complain, but sometimes I still do." For some reason that always makes me laugh a little and pull back to a more objective viewpoint. But I still have my days--we all do.

I tend to be more of an optimist. I charge straight ahead into things, just assuming I'll work things out somehow when I get to them.

My husband tends to hang back and is more cautious and pessimistic. In coming up with reasons I should think twice (not a bad thing) he sometimes comes up with things I think are so far-fetched, I just look at him and say, "Do you sit up nights thinking up that stuff?"

Somehow we find a middle ground. With me dragging him forward and him pulling me back.

Personally I've given up on weight loss goals of any sort. I am working at my fitness levels (I learned to ride a pedal bike for the first time this year--at 45--yay!), getting more sleep, and eating properly.

I think your resolutions are very good ones, and good things to keep in mind over the coming year.

Have a lovely 2010, and I'll keep reading as long as you keep posting. You (and Franklin Habit) are real bright spots in my blog reading.

Hi Laurie, love your blog!

Plan to exercise more, knit more, and be happier more in 2010. 2009 was a bit of a downer financially speaking and I am still trying to get over that...i.e. spend less or spend smarter. Be happier with what I have rather than what I want. As for New Years eve a small group of freinds are getting together for merriment and lead casting! (I bet I am the only one posting here who is doing that on NYE :)

I've decided to just have a 'key word' for the year rather than a whole resolution. Life has been bordering on insane in my world lately so for 2010 the word will be CALM. I want to make the choices that help lead our house to calm. With 4 kids and 4 dogs adopted from the shelter within the last 6 months, calm will surely be something that will have to be worked at.

I hope you have a wonderful 2010 and I look forward to having enough calm to read your new book.

What a generous gift! Thank you for opening comments and, of course, for sharing yourself.

My first successful resolution was after reading a local columnist food writer say that January is a bad time to make resolutions. Resolutions ought to be made in July when it is nice out and we are cheerful. He suggested that the type of resolution we need to make in the dark, cold, rainy days of January is something like 'Eat more beans'. So I did just that. I succeeded that year in eating more beans and I have continued to.

Last year my resolution was to meditate every day. It became clear to me that any behaviour I wanted to change would need to come from a firm foundation and the only way I can see to strengthen my foundation is to meditate. I did not meditate every single solitary day. I did meditate far more than I ordinarily would. After the 3rd or 4th time I could have meditated every single day of a particular week, I sat myself down to face why I did not wish to succeed. I finally succeeded in meditating every single day of three weeks in the year.

I write pretty much every day (the old way, you know, with a ball point pen on that wood product called 'paper'?).

So the resolutions I am considering run like this:
1. Continue to write every day.
2. Continue to meditate every day.
3. Do a half hour of some kind of exercise every day.

I have become convinced that if I concentrate on becomming more positive (meditating) based on some reflection of where my head is at(writing), that I can learn to care for myself with kindness and joy, which will not include graphs of weights and measures with the attendant guilt and self-flagellation.

I'll let you know how it turns out!

Goody! Just when I was getting ready to email you, I get to the end of today's blog entry and it's comment day. On my birthday, too!

My NYE plans: Every season of Sex & the City is on sale at Target right now for $9.99. I really really really miss the S&TC marathons on HBO, so I just bought seasons one through four which I will watch in a marathon session, while drinking Cosmopolitans and eating spinach and artichoke dip.

Coming from a place of yes is something I'm working on too. Been talking with my friends lately about fear-based action and love-based action, and I am aware I come from the fear place instead of the love place way too much.

What I try to remind myself and my friends when one of us gets into worst case scenario mode is that pretty much everything has a 50/50 shot at working out or going horribly wrong. Why stay in the place of assuming everything is going to be a disaster, when it's just as likely everything could work out great?

Hi Laurie,

I love your blog, although I never comment - i never really figured out how people seem to develop relationships this way. Anyway, so much of what you say in so many dimensions resonates with me, and I love your writing style.

Your comments on Yes and how you see the flaws in people - I share this challenge, but came across this book several years ago now that was really powerful for me in shifting my critical tendencies about other people. It's called Leadership and Self Deception, and it sort of comes across as a Who Moved My Cheese sort of simplistic parable of management, but I found that my perspective really changed, and instead of feeling critical and annoyed and sometimes angry about coworkers and bosses and clients, I can bring much more empathy to the situation, which helps me be more positive. Not a cure-all, but it tones down my crazy a bit.

I'll be looking forward to the getting healthy journey - I thought I had that one all figured out in my 20s and 30s, then it all went to heck in a handbag...

Be a better dog mom, aunt, and friend. The first one will help all the others as it encompasses walking and playing--really, what more do you need?

Glad this horrendous year is over, and 2010, you can't scare me!

Great blog, look forward to your new book.

Take care!

You have hit upon the best one yet: quit living in fear. I have recently come to realize fear keeps me from living up to my potential, living life to the fullest and having the most meaningful relationships. that's the one thing I will focus on.

An no, you are not middle aged. 40 is no big deal. I'm a bit older in you, in fact old enough to be your mother in law. Which is a really great idea. My son needs a wife (I think) and I need a new pal. Can you help us out? :)

Love your blog.

Before the recession, I had lots of self confidence and life was great. During the recession I thought I was handling it fine, but now at the end of it I'm tired and drained. So my one and only resolution for 2010 is to get 'me' back. There might be a blog in there somewhere too...

Keep writing Laurie. As you can see people love you.

Seriously, I broke a sweat trying on lace-up shoes.

That made me laugh so hard I cried. Still working on resolution list so it will probably be short. Thanks for being a bright spot on the internets.

I also want to say that I love your blog--I love your tales of travel, of living in southern California,and your lists (a love I also share... my husband calls me the keeper of the lists, LOL). I hope that you have a great 2010!

My new years eve plans are to relax with friends, maybe play some games, or watch a movie, and at some point probably switch to watching New Years Eve coverage on the television. Alcoholic drinks may or may not be drunk, but really the point is to relax and ring in the New Year with some good friends.

I also find the New Year a good time for contemplation about my life and what I like and what I want to change, though I tend to this just after the new year, as we are still in the middle of Holiday Madness here. So I haven't really sat down and thought through my resolutions yet. But as a starting point:

1) Get healthier, which means eating better, getting back into shape, etc., and if I lose a few pounds a long the way all the better *grin*

2) De-clutter my home, even if it means reclaiming one room at a time.

3) Reduce stress in my life

I am going to 'chill' in 2010.

Especially about work ... changes are coming in 2010 and I was in panic mode for a month, but a couple of weeks ago a psychic told me I'm going to be a media star, so I'm feeling much better!

Thank you for this entry. And for opening comments because I wanted the chance to thank you. I too am a little marshmallowy and resolve to be a little less chocolate covered in the coming year. But what I loved most was the place of yes.

I've been working on my own blog entry on just about the same topic for days now. Being in this place can be very lonely and it's nice to know I'm not the only one out there who feels like this. I no longer want to be this person either. I don't know when Negative Nelly moved into my head, but she needs to clear out her things. I've been trying to find ways to be more positive, happy, less demanding, less judgemental, etc.

I watched a training video for work the other day and the speaker was talking about how to be positive. I don't know if his "menu" is realistically for me, but I may sample some suggestions (getting up and going walking will help with the muffin top anyway).

One thing did stick, "it's not how you act, but how you REACT". I've been repeating that in my head over and over again for 3 days. My choice (at work anyway, where things are the worst) is to not react at all because the mood monsters feed on that. You've said it best - just let it go.

Financially, I am reacting. I may be one of the rare creatures who hates living in the state of California and want to be out by the summer. To do that, my husband and I need to overcome a mountain of debt. I don't honestly think it can be totally accomplished by summer, but it's a goal and halfway is better than where we're at now. Plus, I think taking care of debt *and* moving out of this state will greatly contribute the happiness factor.

My reaction to the rest of life ... well, we'll just have to see. But I think that if I'm consciously aware of my reaction, I'll be more likely to try to turn a negative into a positive - or at least something to laugh about!

Anyway ... thanks again

I think the reason I love "A Room With a View" is for that moment when he replaces his question mark with a "YES". Yes is a great word.

Thank you for opening comments today!! I love your blog and read it every day. I check back several times a day when I don't see a new post in the am...I am addicted....

Have a Happy New Year Laurie..don't let those cats get out of control!!

OMG your comments are back! Yay. Happy New Year Laurie! I'm gonna try some of your resolutions for myself.

I always find inspiration from your blog posts, and I did again from this one: "Come from a place of yes."

I have found myself feeling SO negative and depressed this past year, mostly due to family issues (some health issues, and a very painful divorce)(NO, not me and Mr. Dizzy!)that have really gotten me down. But that one phrase is really resonating with me. I need to decide to greet each day as the gift it is, and strive to be a part of it.

Thank you once again, Laurie!

Another suggestion--listen to Jimmy Buffet. I know his stuff gets dismissed by people who have only ever heard "Margaritaville" or "Cheeseburger in Paradise" but I love his stuff and it helps me stay cheerful.

Also, when I get fearful about the future, I think of this verse from his "Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes":

"If it suddenly ended tomorrow
I could somehow adjust to the fall
Good times and riches
and sonofabitches
I've seen more than I can recall."

That's when I remember I've coped in the past with what gets thrown at me and will again in the future. It'll work out somehow.

I'm glad to be closing the door on 2009 too and will also be trying to be less of a freak-out scaredy cat. Here's to better times in 2010! Your blog is one of the bright spots in my day. Thank you for sharing your ups and downs in such a friendly, funny, open way. I wish you all the best in life.
xx

happy 2010 to you! i enjoy your point of view; thank you for sharing!

How funny that you say you are negative! Your writing is simply joyous, even when things are frustrating or dull. That's why I love your blog.

My new year's reso is just one thing: get enough sleep. I think everything follows from that - the urge to exersise and eat well, the energy to get out and do fun things, and so on.

Also, I had my mid life crisis in my 20s.Quit the job, sat up a tree, etc. And I think you have had yours, too, in your 30s. Look at all the barriers you have crossed, and the changes in how you view the world.

Hi Laurie~
I too am looking forward to the New Year. It will be my hubby, my 9 cats, my dog, my knitting and some tv! The perfect evening! You have inspired me to knit more, be more patient with my knitting, try entrelac (very tricky-still trying though). Love laughing at your posts, your cat pics, your gardens, your recipes...etc. I only found your blog a short time ago and have been reading all the back posts because it's so darn funny and I can really relate to so many things. You are a fantastic writer and generally all around good person! Happy New Year to you and the kitties! :-)

I love to stay home with a bottle of bubbly (Korbel Chardonnay Sparkling Wine is more in my price range, we don't have the $20 OFF VC unfortunately) and my furball. Parties with lots of "woo hoos" and kissing people I normally wouldn't is not my idea of a good time. Hugging's okay but somebody always wants to zero in for a smacker. I'm really looking forward to 2010 because I'm buying my first home (condo). Yep, at 54, I decided that if everyone else in the world can make that kind of committment, so can I. I guess I'm leaping into that year of YES early!

Thank you - that is all I have, but it is heartfelt.
A very Happy New Year to you x

Wow. Your post made me laugh out loud (the living to 120 comment) *and* I get to leave a comment!

Happy New Year! I feel blessed to be able to read your blog.

Thank you.

I'm really looking forward to 2010, 2009 was the worst for us. I just want to say Happy New Year, and thankyou for your blog, no matter what, I always feel better after I read it.

Yea! Comments!
Happy 2010 to you Crazy Aunt Purl and all the other commenters! I hope it is your best year ever!

I love reading your blog and never considered you to be cranky. I also did have a problem with negativity for a good portion of 2009, but had not given it a name---I hope you don't mind if I share your "Debbie Downer" name. One of my 2010 resolutions is to not be a Debbie Downer (prior to reading your blog today I called it "stop being so negative & cranky), I also want to put more money in my savings account and pay off one loan that has been hanging around wayyy tooo looong. That's all for me just 3 short little things, surely 3 short little things will be doable!.??

Laurie,

Good for you. I am 56 and know I am past midlife but hey, I still plan to have fun, travel, and try new things. I keep fit so I can go to those places I want to go and so I feel good. I celebrate any day that qualifies as a "good hair day". New Year's resolution like you: keep the carping down and find more good out there

best of luck to you !!!!

Those are great resolutions! My year is going to focus somewhat on getting healthy also. Not only do I need to loose 15-20 pounds, I'm getting both hips replaced (and yes, it does happen even to us middle-aged -42- people, not just the seniors) and so I'm really looking forward to being able to stand and walk without pain. I love your "place of yes" thoughts - my mom is a champion Debbie Downer, and loves to tell me what I can't do. I really don't want to be that person and yet complaining is so easy sometimes. I should probably reread this post regularly. Another resolution for me: learn to play chess!

jumping on the gotta post while possible wagon:
1) Hubby gifted me your new book for Christmas- almost through and it is GREAT!
2) I think our cats may have the same favorite, and now discontinued, food. We are in the research and development phase of finding a new one, and it is NOT going well.
3) YES! is a great one- I'm going with Grateful next year though- so much has gone so well in spite of so much... so I'm feeling very grateful!
Happy 2010 to All!!

I can’t miss this opening to say thank you and let you know how much I enjoy your blog. I’ve been checking in at your website for a couple of years, but just recently started to work my way through the archives. You have come to feel like a friend (even though I’m Abstemious, Married for 26 Years, and Only Lightly Coated in Dog Hair). I’m a knitter, so I guess that counts for a lot! And I'm Canadian, so I know you would like me. :o)

As for resolutions ... like you, getting really healthy is #1, and that includes a number of physical and emotional components.

Happy 2010!

WooHoo, comments! love ya.
I lost my husband this year, so 2010 has got to be a better year for me.

also 2 resolutions.

1. Get Healthy. Amen.
2. Use up stuff---pantry cleansing and no new items unless it's fresh groceries/paper product necessities.

Pulling in my belt on #2, and hopefully soon on #1.

Happy 2010!

This is in response to PipneyJane's request about how to stay positive when a funk sets in- I learned this skimming a book I won't name, but it seems really effective- you find a place (nice journal, flash cards, something like that) to record what they called "shifters"- things that can lift you up. For me it's things like wonderful memories of trips, something loving that my husband said, sweet things my kitties do; stuff like that. You write these things down (I add to my list all the time,) and keep them where you can find them fast. Just reading through my book of wonderful things is often all I need to turn me in the right direction.
I wish you inner joy!
-Lynne

I have so enjoyed reading your blog this year, Laurie. Thank you for it. And I am so relating to your new year resolutions - let go, let go, let go of the old crap and see what lovely things might then have a chance to emerge. Have a wonderful 2010.

Love your resolutions, they sound like good ones, I think they are things many of us could or should take on board!
I also love the way you write, and good luck with your planned mid-life crisis :).
My own resolutions I think shall be hoping for a better and more positive new year after a few family-related dramas. To get fitter, see new places and meet new friends would be mine I think.

Hope you have a happy new year and good luck with your resolutions.

My resolution is simple - I'm going to take 5 graduate level classes and one undergraduate class this year. I'm starting graduate school again on January 7th for another master's degree and since I'm only going part time (working full time still) I can only take 2 classes at a time. I'm math deficient (anyone who knows me can tell you that!) so I eventually have to take a college level math class and I figure if I do that this summer, it'll be over and done with faster than if I took it during a normal semester.

I think this will be the first time in 36 years I'll be keeping my resolution!

Have a happy, healthy and safe 2010 Laurie! I'm looking forward to your new book.

Heidi P.

Hiya,

Yes, I am glad 2009 has ended. It was a horrible year involving spinal surgery and a house move within 3 weeks of each other.

In 2010, I want to get my life back :) That sounds like a massive task but will be in small steps with a gradual incline upwards - hopefully. By September I want to be working again, and be able to afford flooring in my new house!! LOL

first: i love your blog!
second: Comments!!! I havne't made my list yet, but i wanted to comment becuase i can! yay! now all you bad negative people who write bad negative comments: GO AWAY!!! :o)

i will have a list, it'll probably include some version fo get healthy. last years was try a new chinese food place every 2 weeks. i tried 6 new places total. not 26 like planned, but more than none! :o)

and your book is good. i have not been able to finish it and actually tell you this becuase my cats keep laying on it while i'm reading it because it makes me laugh and so obviously, your book must be squashed. have a great 2010!

After many, many months away, what a great post to welcome me back. Yes, I have had enough of 2009, already. My 2010 goals are a lot like yours. Stop being afraid all the time. Be a little less like a hermit. Choose positive over negative. Let the negative go.

I don't really make resolutions, but on my goal list for 2010 is:

To touch every single thing I own and make a conscious decision about what to do with it. All this crap is strangling me (I'm pretty sure this was my 2009 goal, too...).

To start my own blog.

To be more patient (written as I just finish shrieking at my kids like a harridan).

To get my daughter potty trained. And be nice about it. Because I hate potty training with the fire of a thousand suns.

Here's to a great 2010!

Oh, and I think we are almost the same age. My plan for my 40th is to do a girl weekend in Las Vegas. Probably I should change it to that health thing.

Oh Laurie, I just love to read your blog! I've been awfully reflective the past few days thinking about the new coming year, and I also want to be less fearful....I also would like to get healthy. I also want to be more present in my life, not always thinking about how I should have done things differently, or how things should be done in 15 years. I want to stop "wanting it all"and just be appreciative of what I have, and as always, to tame the chaos and clutter! I can't wait to go out and buy your new book! Happy New Year Laurie!

I love your blog! Positive or negative you always write something that makes me laugh - thank you.

On to the 2010 list...hmmm, let's see.

1. Become a better listener - I tried this in 2009, it didn't work so I'm going to try it again.

2. Declutter - my life, my home, my mind.

I'm fairly sure that two resolutions are all I can handle but time will tell.

For New Year's Eve--having the BF over for tapas and drinking sparkling wine.

Resolutions:

1. Exercise more--losing weight would be fantastic, but I just plain feel better when I do--even if I kind of hate it while I'm doing it.

2. Live in the present; get out of my own head more.

3. Learn to stop being so hard on myself. I've done it for 40 years--if it was going to make me a better person, it should have worked by now.

I too admire you and the way you live your life. I think you are so courageous to put it all out there.

I came upon this quote: "Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand—and melting like a snowflake.”

I have always been meaning to try painting. Like for 30 years. Thought I'd do it "when I had time". Well guess what - now is the time. I bought paints, got some library books to help me with the basics, and signed up for a class.

We'll find out if I have any creativity left after 30+ years working in IT!

I wish you success in your goals for the new year. $20 off Veuve Clicquot? I wish! One of my last year's res' was to drink more champagne. I did! Veuve Clicquot Demi Sec--YUM. I consider it money well spent.
I'm so glad to put this decade behind me. Me and the world!
I'm going to continue 30 minutes a day on my recumbent bike, watch sugar/carbs, tell family and friends I love them and the hardest...finish some UFOs. For real! And finish my degree..finally
I look forward to seeing that star telling me there's a new post, YAY!
Have a YES New Year!

I just bought your new book on Amazon! Can't wait to read it. I have been following your blog for 2 years...you got me through my divorce last year!

My only focus for next year is to get healthy! Body and mind and spirit!

I'm afraid I'm back to get healthy and lose weight, always my plan. I'm having a hip replacement in three weeks, and I'm trying to get in shape for it. When I'm able to walk and exercise again, I am swearing to myself that I'll work out, do some mild weights, and eat better. (Until then, yahoo, chocolate here I come).

I want you to be a happy and positive person, but don't give up your wry observations of the world around you. That's not negative, it's entertainment.

We'll spend New Years Eve at home, a fire, the Christmas tree still beautiful, DH asnore on the couch, me knitting. No furry critters, alas, but I'm working on my DH to get a cat. I miss having one.

Can I visit the Land Of YES? I like the way it sounds! I promise I wont be a bother, (I'm a hermit as well) you won't even notice I'm there.
I'll leave my pet bird at home in case you bring your furry friends...LOL.

Happy new year, Laurie! Thanks for your blog...positive or negative, your writing always puts a smile on my face. And the mid-life thing? Well, I passed that milestone years ago along with a friend of mine who, when she turned 40, decided that she's going to stay 40 for the rest of her life. So her birthdays after 40 have been her second 40th birthday, her third 40th birthday, her fourth 40th birthday,you get the idea. Whatever the new year brings, I wish you the happiest, most fulfilling days life has to offer!

Laurie - I just want to thank you for your columns and books (yes I have both). I've never figured out why anyone would have issue with your columns. You have helped me at odd times by just letting us know what you are going thru (particularly Roy). I'm not making any resolutions for the year, instead I am taking it day by day. Basically this means treating myself in a way that results in good health both mentally and physically. The other is to live each day as if the rest of my life depends on it. Sounds silly perhaps - my point being to stop and pay attention to what I am doing and asking if that has a positive result. Stop the fear and anger and look for the good.

Laurie
I LOVE your second resolution. You put into words what I have been feeling.....I want to be less negative, more hopeful. I have already been working on feeling gratitude every day. It helps to a degree. It's a process. What I really want is to find a place of joy again. I feel that somehow I have watched that disappear from my life. I don't mean a temporary joy....the kind that comes from things, events or people. I mean a joy that defines who I am, that comes within me Anyway, I'm hoping that 2010 will be a better year for all of us!

Just wanted to say, first, I love your blog. I check it every day. Second, LOVED that photo of Bob in the Santa hat. How'd you do it? Did you drug him with catnip? No, wait, that usually winds them up... Anyway, best of luck in the New Year, and I hope you succeed in everything you wish to. Let 2010 be the year of positive!

I just read your new book (40th bday present) and LOVED IT! The best part about it is how true it is - the good, the not so good, and everything in between. I appreaciate your honesty and admire you! Thank you for sharing a bit of your life and what you have learned with the rest of us.

I am in New Zealand and its only 7 1/2 hours till the New Year arrives here.
I have some resolutions, which is something I don't usually do. But this coming year is going to be a big one for me. Firstly I am going to be turning 50 and secondly I am going to be having mt stomach stapled in a bid to loose my weight and keep it off forever.
Both of these things make me excited and nervous , all in one.
I hope you have a great New Year. I love to read your blog.

L - I get a kick out of reading your blog! I laugh when you describe describe the people and the situations in your life, because I have seen those people, and those situations, in my own life, but certainly lack the flair and skill which you have in spades to describe their characteristics and the situations so amusingly! I don't want to discourage your resolution at all, but your viewpoint is always so refreshing and so well put. Thanks so much for all of your hard work.

I agree with Janna - I can't wait to see the end of 2009! I expect much better things in 2010 - I don't know what, exactly, but better. I don't make a list of formal, individual resolutions for New Year's, but I do make a written evaluation of the areas of my life, personal, religious, financial, work, etc., and then, look for ways to improve each area. After I find a place that needs work, I will write that down as a plan and try to focus on that during the New Year, reviewing as I go. For me, the key has been to simplify the irritations as they arise. If the co-worker is irritating to me, do I want to allow that to intrude into my life and upset me for the rest of my day? Or, do I let that irritation slide off my back and slither away to continue to bother her? This concept has absolutely changed my life for the better and is really, really hard to apply because I'm stuck in the middle of living it. My mom calls that, "can't see the forest for the trees." How an act as simple as throwing the pen that doesn't write into the garbage instead of putting it back into the pen holder to be picked up again and again and still not write ... can reduce the irritation factor in your life immediately is astounding to me. Fighting irritation on a day-to-day, item-by-item level seems tiny, but at the end of the week, the month, the year, the gains are amazing. I no longer walk into a dark room at home or at the office; I no longer have pots without lids in the kitchen; I no longer have stacks of plastic cups taking up cupboard space; clothes in the closet that don't fit; well, you see what I mean, one irritation handled at a time adds up!

Thanks for sharing with us - and it's been so fun to see everyone's viewpoint in the comments. Have Happy and Prosperous New Year. Hugs, Zanne.

I am right there with you that my own personal to do list is so huge, I'm just going for the Big Few resolutions this year. It's very meta. I'll write them tomorrow.

And you are SOOOOO not alone in wanting for this year to be over and just anxious and excited and resolved for a better year in 2010.

2009: Let us not speak of it again.

Man, are you sure we weren't separated at birth? Both Frank and I gained weight this year instead of losing it, and while I did accomplish some things (14 pairs of socks, re-learned to crochet) I just kind of feel like this year was the year of "nothing much." Happily employed, wonderful husband, nobody died, but just feeling kind of "meh" these days. And I spent wayyyyyyyyy too much on yarn. Kind of like Imelda Marcos - only with yarn. Yeah. That bad.

So - Frank and I are going to really stick to our diets in 2010, and I'm going to take a hard look at my personal finances, and try to be more realistic about my free time and how I use it.

2010 will be lots better. And you DID write a very good second book, so there! Hugs to you and keep writing - you inspire a lot of us out here.

I love spending New Years Eve getting a good night's sleep so I can wake up early and greet the new year, take a look at where I am and where I want to go...reflect, drink coffee, etc :-)

My Resolution this year is to live clutter free. No stuff in my home that I don't need/want/love. The goal is to live in a home that the FBI could come search and I would not be embarrassed!

I also would like to thank you. Although I've never left a comment or written to you, here at the end of 2009, I wanted to let you know how much I enjoy reading your wonderful blog. I also loved your first book and am definitely planning on buying the second one too. You have been an inspiration to me to try to live my life more fearlessly. Your writings have helped me get through some huge life changes in the past couple years, including a divorce after 27 years of marriage and a few other major life upheavals. I also wanted to tell you that I felt very badly for you when your poor innocent garden was murdered this past summer. That’s something I could totally relate to, as an old neighbor of mine where I used to live murdered not one, but two of my gardens, once by dumping a huge load of dirt (totally without my permission) on my poor herb garden that was outlined very nicely with bricks, and I thought, safe in my own backyard. The second time, a year later, he actually drove a bulldozer into my backyard (also totally without permission) and ran over my new fenced-in herb garden that I had set up at what I thought was a safer site after the first debacle. So, I could totally relate! As for me, I also like being a hermit and have always preferred celebrating New Year’s Eve quietly, at home with my Christmas tree lit and my cats and dogs for company. I don’t usually make New Year's resolutions as I know that I would probably never keep them, or even remember them, being very easily sidetracked, but you have got me thinking. I have decided that 2010 will be for me "The Year of Living Fearlessly!" So, here's my list: To figure out what it is I really want to do/be “when I grow up,” and not be afraid to take steps in that direction. To stop repeatedly banging my head against all the brick walls of my life that will never change, and to find detours around them instead. To fearlessly stand up for myself and what I want. To do something creative and crafty every day. And, to at least TRY to significantly reduce the inventory in my own private yarn store (aka my stash) before succumbing to the temptation of more marvelous yarn! THANK YOU LAURIE! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I gotta tell you, 2009 has been the Year of Suck for my family. We've had cancer, Chapter 11s, car accidents, two fires, more cancer, lay offs, a burglary.... But here we are on December 30 and everybody's going to make it across the finish line to 2010. Some of us are hobbling along, slung across the backs of others, but we've made it. And that is a very good thing. So as a group, we've decided that 2010 will be the Year of Suck Less. We will make it so.

I'm going to relax more and panic less and remember that not only do I not Control the World, I don't have to. It's not my job. I'm going to knit more, and actually knit for me for once. Hubster and I are going to get healthier, and I'm going to continue to grow Zombie Tomatoes in my spare time.

We're going to laugh more and cry less and keep on taking care of each other. There's a lot of Kitty Spoiling planned (and Puppy Spoiling for those of us who have puppies... How's that little brother of yours doing anyway?) and a lot less freaking out.

So I don't have any big huge plans this year, just a few smaller ones.

Oh! and... Happy New Year Laurie! Thanks for being so smart and funny and amazing.

I love your resolution to come from a yes place, particularly about not being fearful. I've become quite the fear monger over the last few months (thankfully only to myself and not others but still not a fun way to be).

My New Years resolutions are actually goals and I'm going to be writing about them on my blog on Jan. 1st. But this year I'm actually taking a look at my past resolutions and analyzing why I haven't been able to keep them. 2010's goals are going to be more realistic and more "me." Baby steps to betterness as opposed to a leap off the cliff.

Oh, Laurie! I so agree about New Year's Eve. It's a great time for reflections and looking forward. I'll be at home, working on my Master Plan....which isn't as evil as it sounds: health, in all ways. Especially attitude.
Thanks for writing your blog; I enjoy your stories so much.
And yes, I'm very glad 2009 is coming to an end!
Anne

Your blog manages to be amusing and thought provoking. It keeps me interested, and makes me feel that I know you. You have such a gift, thanks for sharing it with all of us!

I am sharing your first resolution - just got my first treatment today that is intended to "fix" my feet so I can walk comfortably again, here's to walking every day in 2010!

My second resolution is to be open to change in 2010, and to hope that I can find the good in it.

Happy New Year!

Woot to you Laurie. I've read your new book and loved it; love you to bits. You're a gift to the world. And a gift to you and the world, if you haven't seen it already, go to www.storyofstuff.org. Hugs for 2010.

Hey Laurie! I'd like to thank you for your blog too. I always enjoy your writing, loved your first book and I'm looking forward to your second. Your outlook always cheers me up, and I enjoy reading whatever you decide to put out there.
I hope to come from a more positive place this coming year as well. 2009 has indeed been the Year of the General Crappiness for my family, myself and several friends as well, but we're still here and have each other, so I think we're all hopeful for the new year. And attitude is half of it, I think!
Cathy

You rock!

NYR:

Be thankful and appreciative for those in my life...my kids, my mom and Dad and my good friends

Lose some weight. I need to lose alot, but I'll start with some!

Get my house organized. 1 room at a time

Work on my finances. (Thanks for your spreadsheet.)

And I vote Yes to ladycrisis escapades!

Thanks for all you do!

Hi Laurie,
Can I copy you? Your resolutions are right on! I work at a place now where I'm on my own most of the day and without all the "comiseration" I thought was so helpful at my former place of employment, I'm so amazingly happy! I never realized what all that gossip was doing to me. Now, I just mind my own business and worry about no one but myself and it is so freeing. I hope it works for you, too.
I turned forty this past Thanksgiving and I think this is going to be my year! (I had my freakout at thirty so I'm cool for now) But I'm through with letting life pass me by. Scary but exciting too.
Finished your new book last night, so much fun! I laughed out loud several times and I felt like it was over too soon. You are such a joy, I'm looking forward to number three. We have your blog to tide us over until then.
Lift a cup of kindness once for me and I'll do the same for you, best wishes to you and the kitties in the new year!

Love your blog, your humour, how you constantly grow and evolve and teach us how to do the same. Enjoyed your first book so much and looking forward to the new one. As for resolutions,I'm waiting for my library request to come in for "Your Best Year Yet!" by Jinny S. Ditzler. I went through her list-making process at the end of 2003 and 2004 did turn out to be my best year yet. Don't know why I didn't do it every year. I think that book would really appeal to your analytical, listmaking side. Turning 40 is good, but my oh my 50 is just awesome! So look forward to it - it's a kind of freedom. Keep on with it Laurie - we love you out here in cyberspace. Ignore the loony haters! You are great!

My resolution? To live more, laugh longer, and supply more heat to the cat resting on my lap.
Thanks for the years of laughter, Laurie! I once said you should write a book, now you have written *two*! I can't wait to read it, or to hear you read from it, in front of your multitude of fans.

Hi Laurie!

I only have a few resolutions this year:
1) Only do things because I want to do them and that are good for me. Not because anyone else wants me to. This may seem obvious, but this past year I have gotten into a couple of situations where people were taking advantage of me.
2) Get a job.
3) Be healthy.

Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us! Happy New Year!

Thanks for sharing yourself on this blog. It has meant a lot to me and I can't wait to read your new book!!

My resolution is to strive do these things each day. DO:
1. Something creative (cooking or crafting)
2. Something spiritual
(be grateful/reflective/pray)
3. Something healthy
4. Something small for someone else.
I hope these things will help me to be more balanced and positive.

First, thank you for your writing, books and blog. It makes me laugh, cry, think, grow.
Second, for the new year?
Word for the year: Home.
Resolutions:
1: Try and live on the same continent as my family and same house as my husband.
2: Declutter life, garage, house, brain.
3: Ride my motorcycle when I'm stressed, instead of sitting in front of the computer, which doesn't help.
4:Go back to school on new GI bill.

I don't "do" New Year's resolutions, but I do plan to do my best to stay alive and well and to keep knitting in 2010 and beyond!

I'm with you on New Year's Eve. I'll also be spending it with my cats, a beer or two, and the hat I'm knitting for my new great-nephew.

Love your blog - it's the first one I read in the morning. Thanks for unknowingly turning me into a knitter!

First, thank you for your blog, it is a joy.

I love the re-boot a new year brings, too. I am soaking the black-eyed peas for the Hoppin' John tomorrow, because I once lived in the South. I also love to make lists and purchased a new notebook/journal to make the lists easy to find.

My resolutions:
Unclutter, a little each day.
Work on my health and wellness.
Stop being so hard on myself (I am my worst critic and can never measure up to my very high, way too high standards - I need to stop that, it takes up too much energy and time.)
Try to be really present, not always thinking about the future or the past...

That is enough to start, now I need to make the lists of the things I am going to do to attain those resolutions.

Hi Laurie! I also will be by myself (except for my 2 black cats and my bottle of wine - and maybe CSI) for New Years. So CHEERS! :)

I have the same ol' resolutions as always: lose weight, save more money, get published more, learn new crafting skills.

This year though, my biggest resolution is to quit spending so much time on ENVY. I have a really bad habit of looking at other people's blogs and sighing and being all melodramatic about how successful they are in comparison to me. So my resolution is to stop looking at so many of those blogs (although yours is an exception, of course!) and consciously stop myself when I start to feel so envious of other people's successes. It doesn't get me anywhere except Miserable Land and full of self-pity and apathy.

Thanks for the wonderful blog! Please tell your kitties that Poe and Loki wish them a Happy New Year and much tuna. :)

Kelli

Still loving your blog. And the kitty pictures.

Middle age: funny (to me) story. A few years back, I was chatting my Dad up and mentioned being middle-aged. "Milinda, you're not middle-aged." "Dad, I'm 46; that's pretty middle-aged to me, assuming that I live to be 92." Dead silence. "Did you think that you were getting older but the rest of us weren't?" Dad: "Yeah, I guess so. (heavy sigh)"

Thanksgiving he looks at me and says "So, you have a big birthday coming up this year." Me: "Shut up." Him: (evil laugh).

New Year's Resolution: I'm thinking "Don't die" sounds like a really good one for me, too.

hi Laurie

here's hoping that newyears resolutions are like little pieces of stickytape: you find one on your shoe every morning. Discovering anew, I mean.

Love yours, they helped me today reminding me I should not take it personnaly someone forgot to give me information on a big event. There are 1001 possibilities why the info did not reach me. And just 1 chance she doesn't like me and didn't send me. I like those odds! Thanks for reminding me to deflate my ego. :)

My resolutions are to just have 2 WIPs on my needles: 1 simple one for tv/insomnia and 1 complex one for when I am sitting in the sun.
The rest gives stress, I find. Both WIPs and newyear-resolutions.

Other resolutions I make every day as I put on my socks in the morning. Like remembring all day that I am sweet. And that I matter, even if I am unvissible to society-standards. Nobody tells you these thruths, you have to tell them to yourself. There should be good readers too, right? People who are moved by books or movies. Or stories. We do not 'accomplish' vissible things but the silent reader who 'gets it' is as important as a president or a mother, I feel. Hopefully. :D anna

Hi Laurie, you seem to mirror a lot of how and what I feel/think which is why I love your blog and have continued reading it for years.

Hopefully (and it sounds like it) you feel the same optimism that I do about 2010. It WILL be a great year and it's nearly here!

Medot

PS I also just ordered your book :)

All the best with your resolutions! I'm entering 2010 with the best new year's attitude I think I've ever had. 2010 is when my husband comes home safely from Afghanistan. 2010 is the year I have my first back-and-forth conversation with my autistic child. 2010 is the year I learn to walk in 6" heels! I may be ringing in the new year with a slobbery kiss from one of my dogs and a glass of homemade moonshine, but this is my year! Bring it on!!

Glad the comments are open so I can tell you how much I enjoyed your new book. Funny--and inspiring--and useful! While knitting on the swiffer cover I was daydreaming and planning a trip to take all by myself. Not sure it will happen this year with my 1st two grandchildren arriving 5 months apart but you are an inspiration. Keep up the great writing!

First, LOVE your blog! And like you, I use New Years to reflect and plan for the year ahead. I'll come up with my resolutions tonight and I will also name my year. That's something a life coach introduced to me a few years ago and I love it! 2009 was my year of new experiences and I made my resolution to do 2 things a month that were outside of my comfort zone. It was great year. I'm amazed at everything I tried (crazy food, rock climbing, a ropes course, and I had conversations I would have avoided) and looking back it is interesting to see not just what I tried, but the other things that happened because of what I tried. I have made great friendships, found new passions and have a much more positive outlook on life. 2009 was a great year!
I'm moving this weekend and yesterday I had a great review at work, so I think 2010 will be off to a wonderful start!
Good luck to you on coming from a place of yes. I know you can do it and I look forward to reading about it.

I love your thoughts...sometimes I feel like you say what I'm trying to say, but simply can't find the words.
I turned 40 in 2009...and for the record, it is the most freeing experience. Like you, I don't realistically think that turning 120 is going to happen, so technically, I'm at the halfway point of my life...and I LOVE it!
I have finally stood up to the bullies in my life (a BIG problem for me in the past), and I am no longer afraid to just be me. If "they" don't like it...too bad.
One of my favorite movies is Steel Magnolias...and there is a line in it that Ouisser says that I absolutely love...and it has become my new motto...."I'm not as sweet as I used to be." LOL!;0)
I lost one of my dearest friends to cancer this past year...and I realized...the ONLY thing that matters in this life is that you love the important people in your life...and that they know it! Aside from that...the other people and their proverbial nonsense do not matter.
Thank you for this blog, Laurie...You make me laugh so much...and realize..that it's okay to be me. You keep being you..and have an amazing 2010!

This is just to say ... thank you. For being you. And for sharing you. With us.

Which brings me to one of my jumble of hopes and dreams for the new year ... saying thank you more.

So thanks for this opportunity to start the year early!

Jennifer

Love your blog, love this column, and thank you to all the people writing in their resolutions! 2009 was a mixed bag for me, so I'm definitely looking forward to 2010--more exercise, more taking care of myself (and my kitty), unleashing my Inner B**** only when absolutely necessary!

Happy New Year, Laurie.....I too am SO done with 09......HORRIBLE year. I hate to think they could get any worse. Seems to be a very common theme among my friends and family too. Health is a big one on my list....I've always been active and athletic but 09 seemed to suck all the energy and discipline out of me creating a little more of me than I'm comfortable with....When I turned 45 (2 years ago) my big adventure was traveling to Tulum Mexico by myself for a week. What an amazing time!! You travel alone so you know how relaxing it is and how many great folks you meet! For 60, I am growing dreadlocks, letting my hair go white and never shaving another part of my body :-) Thanks for your blog - I LOVE IT!!!

I'm declaring 2010 the year of travel. I resolve to visit Guanajuato, Mexico; El Salvador; and somewhere in Europe. My passport got no action in 2009 and I need to make up for it. I think in 2011 I will just move abroad.

In 2010 I'm going to do stuff even if it's scary and frightening...there's a much better sense of achievement from that.

Happy Hogmanay :-)

The power of the positive does help even when life is giving you a crap sandwich. You recover better from the crap sandwich when you look at events as adventures instead of afflictions. And if "adventure" is not the right term for the event, then there's good ole "opportunity". Good luck!

Thank you so much for this post! It's like you were in my head, thinking what I'm thinking. Debbie Downer is such a beyoch, yet I relate to her so much!

Glad to see comments are still open!

I've loved reading your blog ever since I found it in August.

No list of resolutions this year, but a phrase I run across that I think will help me - "do the best I can, as often as I can".

My New Year's plan is to stay home with my knitting, and maybe watch an old episode of Glee or two!

My resolution this year is to eat breakfast every day. I know that probably sounds silly, but I HATE breakfast. But I also hate being starving by 10 a.m. and eating out of the vending machine too.

Laurie -
I've read your blog for awhile but never commented. I just felt the impulse to tell you that your 'yes place' is a great idea and you totally can do it. I made that decision about 3 years ago and your whole outlook can change if you stick with it :)