New

I’ve always hated January. I don’t feel the same way about it as I do about Sundays, which just generally make me uneasy, what with the seductive stress of the Monday ahead and that all-day feeling that you should disinfect something or go to confession. January, though, just has such high expectations.

Gyms overflow with dreams of visible ab muscles, cranky coworkers unsuccessfully hide caffeine withdrawal, our economic abyss is further solidified by tightening budgets. The Pasz’s are guilty of the same. We made the list. We made broccoli for dinner. It was actually brocollini, which is probably a lot healthier. The budget is in tact. We bought vitamins. We switched to potato-based vodka. You know, typical stuff.

What I’ve decided to do, instead, is resolve not to resolve. I don’t know if I’m just drunk on protein shakes but I’m a little angry at myself for always holding out for something better. I’m certain there are better kitchens, more money, spanxlessly beautiful bodies, answered baby prayers. I’m also certain my husband is a terrible hilarious dancer that keeps me screaming with laughter most days of the week. So, I resolve to appreciate that this year. With a side of brocollini.

I’ve discovered a blog, written by a woman I went to high school with, that you may find valuable. Diagnosed with breast cancer at 29, she faced it courageously and her honest, energetic account of the experience really affected me. If you have time between sit-ups this month, http://erica-battleblog.blogspot.com/. Happy, happy New Year.