I Resolve

I dislike it when people say that they don't make New Year's resolutions.  I want to say "Oh, really?  Are you so perfect that you don't want to take an opportunity to improve yourself in the new year"  I NEVER say that, since it is slightly bitchy and I am usually resolving to be less bitchy in the new year.  If you happen to be one of those realist that choose to refrain from the resolution hoopla and now you know what I'm really thinking when you tell me you aren't making a resolution, I'm sorry.  I think apologizing is what a nicer, sweeter Laura would say in 2012.

In all seriousness, I've had several conversations about being kind and thoughtful, and niceness in general with my mom lately.  When you experience a loss of a loved one you appreciate the small kindnesses that people do in a different and more impactful way.  A hug, a card, a phone call that in the past may have been forgotten a few days later are now cherished moments during a very difficult time.  Losing my dad has changed me in that I feel the need to be more thoughtful and caring to people that need it.  I've actually looked back at how I've reacted to death in the past and I've been a little ashamed.  In 2012 I resolve to be able to offer a cherished moment of comfort to someone that might need it.
I used to make resolutions that I had no chance of meeting, like being able to wear a size 2 by my birthday in May.  And then eating all the left over Christmas cookies on January 2nd.  I've changed my ways in my old age.  I'm still eating the Christmas cookies, but I try to set myself up for success. Two years ago I resolved to run a marathon with my dad.  And five months later I did it!  It's still pretty awesome to think about.  However, as you may have read in my past blogs, after I completed my race I got fat.  Really fat.  And lazy.  The lesson I've learned from that experience is to make a goal for the whole year.
This year I'm a little worried that I'm returning to my old ways of over reaching my potential, but I have a lot of support and inspiration so I'm going to go for it.  My resolution is to run three marathons in 2012.  Nashville, TN, Canton, OH and another in the fall (I'm pulling for NYC or Honolulu).  Again, I am going to try to use this blog to keep me honest about my three race goal.  So I guess that I also should resolve to write regular updates too.  I should probably stop there.  My resolution list is getting a bit lengthy here.  Let's recap...#1 three marathons #2 regular blog updates #3 nice Laura #4 thoughtful Laura.  It's going to be a busy year. 

Dear readers I'm dying to know what you will do to improve your lives in 2012. Do you have a resolution this year?  Who's going to run with me this year?