Running in Place

Did you ever feel like you're crazy busy, trying to do 60 things at once, with all kinds of plans only to find out it's Friday, again, and you aren't any further ahead??? Sort of like doing 5K on a treadmill. Hey, look - I'm right back where I started, except now I'm all sweaty! What have I been doing for the past 35 minutes????

It's almost the end of the year. Time to consider the year's accomplishments and milestones, or lack thereof.

• I have lost no weight, but I haven't gained any either.
• I am almost a year older, but not more mature or wise. I guess if you can't stay young you might as well stay immature.
• I am making more money, although I've managed to spend it (not always wisely).
• I have more grey hair, but so do most of my friends.
• I had to repair my car twice, but at least I wasn't at fault.
• I am more flexible, but I'm not any taller. Nor have I started shrinking. Yet.

These are things to be thankful for. I think. Every time I consider the idea of a New Year's resolution I feel inspired, even though I know damn well I'll fail. Here are a few of my recent personal goals:

• Play with the cats more. Maybe they won't howl in the middle of the night. Didn't. Still left the house really early almost every day, busy when I got home. Bob, however, has gotten much better singing MEOW. Very loud and his projecting is excellent.
• Be more patient. I read things, even books and stuff, and while I might have learned a few hot tips, like Listen More, I still get anxious when I get behind Little Miss Speed Limit.
• Eat only calories that count. I have modified this so it does not including drinking wine.
• Work harder at work. I think as long as others perceive that I am working hard I'm covered. REMINDER: Don't spend too much time on Facebook and Lover Boy's emails.
• Paint the bedrooms. I did one. I think this counts.

So here we are with Christmas only a week away. I may not be spinning my wheels, exactly, not like I did trying to get to the Y last Sunday when the roads iced up overnight, but it's time again to draw up a New S.L.B. Strategic Plan:

• Drink less. Remember those nights you almost died. But hey, what's a couple of beers???
• Read more. This does not include surfing the web.
• Think big, have vision, and don't let the little things bring me down. If only this idiot doing 30 in a 45 zone would try using the pedal on the right.

Let's see in a year or so how well I've managed! I do know one thing: I have great friends at the Y. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Time Off, and love to all. May all your wheels and gears keep spinning, and may you stay on the asphalt and not end up in the ditch.