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.
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?
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.
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!
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.
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?
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.
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!