Trying out this Substack feature called “Discussions.” Feel free to participate if you want.
I generally don’t do New Year’s resolutions. Like, I always want to lose weight or get in shape or whatever, but that requires a whole lifestyle change and, frankly, that’s a lot to ask of yourself right out the gate of a new year.
But about 10 years ago, I resolved to quit eating Hot Pockets after burning my lip on a pepperoni, which turned into a herpes-like wound. I don’t know what’s more embarrassing: telling people you have herpes, or that you burned your lip on a Hot Pocket. I’m happy to say that I haven’t had a Hot Pocket since.
What’s the dumbest/most awkward resolution you’ve made? Did you stick to it?
PS: Despite what I *just* said about not doing resolutions, I really want to learn how to skateboard this year.
I don't do New Year resolutions, nor do I 'gift' only for Christmas. As for skateboarding, I tried 'home-made' style when I was young in eastern Pennsylvania; 2x4 and metal skate cut up & nailed to the board. No sidewalks & roads with size '00' (ought) gravel --- total disaster. Next occasion, living in Pacifica, roommate's young brother came up from San Diego with a 'hammerhead' board with true articulating trucks. Lived at the top of the hill, Pacific Avenue, drunk, tried the board, worked great til I hit a parked car. In early '90's I got involved with a skateboard company & events, having my DL 'lifted' I would skate to Huntington Beach from Anaheim, which was faster than riding the bus. I can affirm skateboarding 'saved' my life, not in being a talented skateboarder, but in giving me a much broader perspective. Give it a go, challenging, frustrating, but in time very satisfying.
No, that was many moons ago; before numerous residential moves. I would suggest you go to a 'skaters skate ship - not Wart mall / Target / etc., speak with the staff (that skate) & get a set-up (board, trucks, wheels) that will work for your beginning. I would also suggest wheels at least 50mm or maybe what use to be called Kryptonics (softer than neoprene). Larger wheels don't tend to get hung-up by cracks, small twigs, etc better than smaller wheels. Kryptonics for slower paced skating, neoprene are harder material and fast.
My best New Year’s resolution was when I decided to learn to spin a basketball on my finger. No self-improvement, organizing or losing weight. Just spin the ball. It was enlightening to have such a narrow focus. I can’t say that I mastered the skill, but I definitely got better. The other things probably managed themselves the way they do with or without resolutions. It feels like there is too much pressure in January to say, “I’m going to change X this year”; if we didn’t have a calendar, what else would prompt us into making changes that ultimately make our lives better?
Wow! When I got my basketball at the start of the pandemic, I thought that would be a cool trick to learn too. I watched a ton of youtube videos, and never really mastered it, but you've inspired me take another stab at it.
Oh, I guess this is sort of similar: about three years ago I resolved to learn how to do a Rubik's cube. It took many hours of rewatching youtube videos, but I can honestly say it was one of the most rewarding experiences when I finally got it.
I got roller skates for my bday this fall so I would like to learn how to skate backwards on those! Write more pages for a book, make new songs, figure out what's the next big life step (grad school? moving?) and say no to others more so I can say yes to myself.
I have quickly discovered the importance of smooth ass pavement to skate on. Just discovered there's a derby rink outdoors that holds classes and events, I'm going to try! So far, the tennis courts have been great, also there's a big area in Liberty Station where folks go to skate and stuff, wicked smooth. Good luck with skateboarding!!
Once I had a "bath a week" new years resolution, that was chill. Another year was karaoke at least once a month and that was as great as you can imagine ☺️ I did try to learn skateboarding one year but did not stick with it past going up and down my driveway. I wish I had, you should do it!
Melissa, hell yes. Karaoke once a month is such a good resolution. And I bet you realized it wasn't enough. I'll forever cherish when we got to karaoke in Oakland together.
I don't do New Year resolutions, nor do I 'gift' only for Christmas. As for skateboarding, I tried 'home-made' style when I was young in eastern Pennsylvania; 2x4 and metal skate cut up & nailed to the board. No sidewalks & roads with size '00' (ought) gravel --- total disaster. Next occasion, living in Pacifica, roommate's young brother came up from San Diego with a 'hammerhead' board with true articulating trucks. Lived at the top of the hill, Pacific Avenue, drunk, tried the board, worked great til I hit a parked car. In early '90's I got involved with a skateboard company & events, having my DL 'lifted' I would skate to Huntington Beach from Anaheim, which was faster than riding the bus. I can affirm skateboarding 'saved' my life, not in being a talented skateboarder, but in giving me a much broader perspective. Give it a go, challenging, frustrating, but in time very satisfying.
Ha! This is awesome. Thanks for the encouragement, David! Do you still have your homemade skate?
No, that was many moons ago; before numerous residential moves. I would suggest you go to a 'skaters skate ship - not Wart mall / Target / etc., speak with the staff (that skate) & get a set-up (board, trucks, wheels) that will work for your beginning. I would also suggest wheels at least 50mm or maybe what use to be called Kryptonics (softer than neoprene). Larger wheels don't tend to get hung-up by cracks, small twigs, etc better than smaller wheels. Kryptonics for slower paced skating, neoprene are harder material and fast.
My best New Year’s resolution was when I decided to learn to spin a basketball on my finger. No self-improvement, organizing or losing weight. Just spin the ball. It was enlightening to have such a narrow focus. I can’t say that I mastered the skill, but I definitely got better. The other things probably managed themselves the way they do with or without resolutions. It feels like there is too much pressure in January to say, “I’m going to change X this year”; if we didn’t have a calendar, what else would prompt us into making changes that ultimately make our lives better?
Wow! When I got my basketball at the start of the pandemic, I thought that would be a cool trick to learn too. I watched a ton of youtube videos, and never really mastered it, but you've inspired me take another stab at it.
Oh, I guess this is sort of similar: about three years ago I resolved to learn how to do a Rubik's cube. It took many hours of rewatching youtube videos, but I can honestly say it was one of the most rewarding experiences when I finally got it.
I was considering the Rubik’s cube, but then I saw a video where a guy was teaching how to solve it and he blew up. Seems dangerous.
I got roller skates for my bday this fall so I would like to learn how to skate backwards on those! Write more pages for a book, make new songs, figure out what's the next big life step (grad school? moving?) and say no to others more so I can say yes to myself.
Yes! Where do you like to skate? I think I need a nice, flat, smooth surface to begin my skateboard journey.
I have quickly discovered the importance of smooth ass pavement to skate on. Just discovered there's a derby rink outdoors that holds classes and events, I'm going to try! So far, the tennis courts have been great, also there's a big area in Liberty Station where folks go to skate and stuff, wicked smooth. Good luck with skateboarding!!
Once I had a "bath a week" new years resolution, that was chill. Another year was karaoke at least once a month and that was as great as you can imagine ☺️ I did try to learn skateboarding one year but did not stick with it past going up and down my driveway. I wish I had, you should do it!
Melissa, hell yes. Karaoke once a month is such a good resolution. And I bet you realized it wasn't enough. I'll forever cherish when we got to karaoke in Oakland together.