Category: Life

I don’t make New Year’s resolutions, but there are a few things I hope (note: hope not plan) to address in 2013.

1. First off — full admission — I am typing this in 16 point type on my computer. It’s time to admit I have middle-aged eyes and I just can’t read things very easily anymore. It’s getting a bit annoying – and some people I spend happy and productive times with daily are talking about how I need to print things out in giant type to proofread them. It’s a fact: I need reading glasses and this may well be the year I give in.
2. Long-time readers – really long-time ones — will know I sometimes (joyfully and with abandon) eat things that don’t agree with me. I am much, much better than I was in 2006, but I still sometimes indulge in things I am fully aware could result in pain. (The “could” is relevant here…sometimes I am fine, so I’m always optimistically scarfing down spicy and delicious things in hopes that today will be a good day.)But 2013 brings a host of new things I must avoid…things that come from cows. No, thank goodness, it’s not leather. It’s that other marvellous cow product – milk in all its forms. Yes, now milk is on the list of things that make your correspondent feel unwell. But this time, it’s not hit or miss. No, milk products are off the table unless I take those delightful little lactase pills – and even those don’t work all the time. The good news is almond milk is pretty tasty – much better than that soy stuff. And I have been advised they make lactose-free cream. I am still looking for it, but the fact that it exits alone is keeping me going.
3. Fashion. I need more variety in my wardrobe. I certainly don’t need more clothing. I’ve got five blue shirts and 4 black sweaters to help illustrate the root of the problem. I need some more interesting tops….the trouble is, when I stray from my tired and true types of outfits, I tend to buy things that are – well – a bit too flashy or busy. So I play it safe. But safe is boring. I need some sartorial action!
4. Love. I have a lot of love in my life. I don’t plan on changing anything about that. In fact, I seem to be getting more demonstrative as I get older. 2013 might bring more hugging  I doubt it, but I have been know to surprise myself and others!

 

How much change do you have in your pocket right now?
Me, I’ve got over three bucks.

This is not unusual. I often have enough change in my pants to buy a cup of coffee or a snack from the vending machine in the lobby.
And when I get home, I put my spare change in a jar — well, now I am up to two jars…heavy jars. I also have enough change in my wallet to buy dinner at a mid-range restaurant.

I’ve never given this much thought. I always assumed everyone has more change than they know what to do with. This is not — I have recently learned — the case. Many people actually find ways to spend their loose coins. Mind you, I am too far along now to attempt to spend the amount I have collected in my pants, wallet and home.

About once a year, I put all my change into a strong bag or bucket and bring it to one of those change counting machines. They take a cut, but it’s better than rolling them all up.

Maybe after my next visit, I will try not to hoard the stuff.

That’s as good a New Year’s resolution as any, right?