Resolution Revolution.

I love opening the paper on New Year's Day and seeing all the gibberish about resolutions.  People plan to quit things, moderate things, alter hobbies, and regiment their lives.  Many of the stories seem recycled or tired, and much of the skimming I do really only clears the cerebral grogginess lingering from the previous night's champagne.

It's always easy to spot some of these resolvers.  I see them when I'm out running errands, sloshing through the mud and rain and wind in their new cross-training jackets and sleek fit caps.   They're crawling on gym equipment like ants at a campground, and they're draped in new apparel, looking perplexed as they read the instructions on the lat pull.

I was never one to set resolutions.  I suppose it's because they've always seemed so pie-in-the-sky.  I have to applaud people for setting goals, but those kinds of decisions don't really seem feasible or attainable for me.  In the last two years, however, I've realized something about New Year's resolutions.  If the decision is measurable and incremental--if it's marked by weekly or monthly deadlines--it not only serves as a resolution for the new year, but can become a habit far those that follow.

My 2009 Resolution (met):
In an effort to bridge the important pieces of my college life with my post-college life, I resolved that Stephanie and I would meet up with Brittany and Sol at least once a month for a meal and a visit.  We kept a steady schedule for the better part of eight months, enduring a wedding, honeymoon, and the holidays.  Toward the end of the year, we had to double up in a later month in order to make up for problems arising near the holidays, but we remained diligent and steadfast, refusing to let the idea fade.  We celebrated our final date on the first night of (what has become the annual party to celebrate) Hanukkah.  

My 2010 Resolution (also met):
Only five months into our marriage (though many more into our relationship), I started feeling guilty about my penchant for providing a predictable and unaltered dinner menu.  With a slew of new utensils, appliances, and cookbooks, I resolved to cook one new dish each month.  Joining me on this adventure, Stephanie decided to explore the variety of baking options at her disposal.

This was a fantastic resolution, and it only felt like a chore once or twice.  We faced some strain as the days dwindled in those longer summer months, or as we negotiated ambitious travel and hectic work schedules.  Trying to hand crank homemade pasta at 9:30 was no picnic (in fact it led to a drink or two); but overall, this was enjoyably manageable, and it directly affected how we shopped for and utilized food products in the house.  In fact, we shared our ambition with a number of friends, whether in the form of African stew in July, Thanksgiving pies, or spicy meatballs just two weeks ago.

The Resolution for 2011 (status uncertain):
The key to my success is the variety offered in month-to-month installments.  This year, I hope to plant one new item in the garden every time I turn the calendar page.  Inspired by this handy Sacramento Bee article, a bevy of unopened gardening books, and a bold family of trendsetting farmers, I'm hoping to begin harvesting seasonal fruits and vegetables very soon.  If this resolution pans out like the previous two, I'll hopefully find myself reflecting on a newly adopted habit well into 2012. 

Happy New Year out there!  Whatever you do this year, do it well.