I'm not big on picking, arbitrarily, a day on which to make what will likely be some quickly forgotten pledges to somehow improve my behavior and actions in the future. Being the ersatz Buddhist I am, I sort try to always improve my actions and behaviors. 24/7.

Nonetheless, it's the time of the season.

Really, all of my resolutions can be seen (more or less) in the 'Things To Do Before I Die' section of the post below.

To wit:

1. In the upcoming year, I resolve to continue being the best parent, child, husband, neighbor, friend and human in general that I can be. I hope I'll learn from my successes and mistakes along the way and continue on the path of enlightenment or the road to the palace of wisdom or whatever.


2. In the upcoming year, I'll write and think more - here, stories at home, letters to friends and family, memos - all of it. I intend to continually expand my ability to express myself (but, relax, I don't think that will include getting the band back together - this year at least).


3. In the upcoming year, the need to clear out a bedroom for the daughter will grow even more acute, therefore I must continue the movement, weeding and organizing of the crap currently in my upstairs 'office' as well as my basement 'rumpus room'.

There you go. We'll be watching to see how I do. In closing, I repeat my New Year's toast of every year:

'Here's to the new year! May it be better than the last fucking one.'