New Years Resolutions

New Years Eve is my 2nd favorite holiday.  I know a lot of people dislike it and it also makes a lot of people depressed or stressed.  I however, think it is magical and terrifying in the best way.  I babysat my cousins for like every NYE until I was in college and then on those breaks I would do what my parents always did, get lobster and watch the ball drop.

Sometimes we would keep the lobsters claws in rubber bands and set them on the floor with the cats and see who wins....yes yes I know that sounds cruel but a. at least the lobsters had a last hurrah and b. their claws were in rubber bands so the cats were safe.

Anyway, I love getting dressed up and not having to worry if my face is going to sweat off because its actually nice and chilly and as my good friends know, I love the look of people's faces when their cheeks have a ruddy or rosy complexion.  Something about NYE screams sequins!  I always have to have a new outfit to ring in a new year.  I love seeing everyone else dressed up as well.

Too often people traipse around this city looking like college kids even when they're 30.  Let's jazz it up a little! I like to think that people care about how they look, when did that stop?  Must have been those hippies!  I also love anticipation.  I hate waiting but I love the anticipation if the wait is only a few hours and then BAM new year, clean slate, it is a great rush.

Maybe it is the Catholic in me but I really love the idea of starting over and getting a second chance every year, especially after this year.  I think you have a lot of time to reflect before a new calendar year and I have been doing that a lot.  So I have decided to give myself some fun, positive resolutions this year.

1. Be nicer to people and myself.  I think sometimes I get so frustrated with a situation that I do not take the time to think "is it really that big of a deal?" and by being the bigger person, you also end up being kinder to yourself because it allows you to let go of stress.
2. On that same vein, I want to do more things for myself.  Things that make me happy and I put them off...why do I do that? I dont have kids, I dont have to take my work home with me, why would I deny myself the things that I really take joy from?
3.  Travel more!  I booked my tickets for Barcelona to see my friend and am going with my other friend! Girls letting loose in Spain, what could be better?  I am super excited and am looking forward to February and my much needed respite.  But I also would like to see parts of the U.S. that I havent seen before, and go back to the OBX with my family.
4.  Take better care of myself.  I really let my somewhat healthy lifestyle go to the wayside after my dad started to go down hill this summer and I want to change that and get back to where I was or better.
5.  Get a dog.  By the end of 2012 I intend on being a dog owner!