In 2005 I resolve to ... what? Decisions, decisions. Just how much energy do I have left after Christmas to throw into improvements of any kind? Should I go for something really important, weighty, a major contribution to the world? I immediately and decisively reject that fleeting thought.

Must we? I mean, after all, we've managed to get our acts together enough to pull off December; why must we be instantly faced with resolve? It's depressing. So my first resolution was to put it off until at least February 1st. Better yet, March 1st. My spirits were instantly lifted. I was indeed making progress, solving at least the first problem of the New Year.

Okay, when I actually do get around to making these resolutions somewhere in the neighborhood of April, what will they be? I decided not to aim too high, in order to temper the inevitable failure. I had this gut feeling I was on the right track. I was feeling really good about this. Better than I'd felt in years. I could see how setting my sights low could actually lead to success.

Sensing I was on a roll, ideas came pouring in. Banishing any thought of exercise, losing weight or stopping bad habits, I began to think positively ... be pro-active. Okay, I'd begin by ignoring the phone; I'd eat more cheesecake (tell people I'm on the Atkins Diet); feed the cat only when I want to; same with wearing makeup, answering the door, and dressing up (I'm almost there, anyway). Leave the Christmas stuff up all year; give up cooking, making grocery lists, buying gifts, reading heavy books, watching the news, doing the laundry and working. I would spend my days in my robe, lying on the sofa and eating potato chips. I have often wondered how long I could do this without getting tired of it. Would anyone still like me? Would I still like me?

Ah! Dreams are wonderful. The reality is, I just can't drum up the resolve to pull this stuff off. But I do think I'll resume the Atkins Diet. Around May.

Happy New Year!

The Scarlet Pimpernel