Case in point: I promised to make a pie! Here it is August, and no pies. No pies! I am very disappointed in myself. Of all my resolutions, I felt certain I would have completed this one. Instead, I just let it go. Forgotten. No juicy fruit purchased for the purpose. Not even canned fruit in the cupboard. No homemade or frozen crust. No rolling pin. No pie. I may have to go to Safeway and bring home a motivational sample.
Given my failure on the pie resolution, it’s hard to explain why I’m only grams thinner than I was when I so earnestly made that resolution to get ounces thinner. Did I mention I’ve switched to the metric system?
I believe I deserve some credit since the scales tipped for a little while this year. But then…alas…regression, inertia!
So now, at the mid-year checkpoint (on the Aztec calendar), I redouble my efforts at slimmin’ (the British word for diet and exercise). I can’t leave this resolution behind as it follows me, more literally than I like to admit, no matter my selective memory in a given moment.
I resolved to dig out from under a desk in disarray. A quick review of my surroundings reveals that I may have taken a positive step on the path toward tidiness; though in good conscience, I can’t claim it’s been as deliberate a step as the resolution implies. Still, on a subterranean level the suggestion must have taken hold, as the desk itself is now visible. Granted, there remain a couple of heaps o’ stuff that I haven’t figured out a more suitable situation for, neither item by item nor en masse. But they’re smaller heaps than in January. That counts, doesn’t it?
A key resolution was to be more generous in my manners and forgiving of those who might be lapsing in theirs. I’ll give myself a “B” on this one. I’m pretty automatic in holding doors, excusing myself, saying the magic words. Why, in the produce department the other day, I pulled a plastic bag off the roll near the asparagus and gave it to a man who waited patiently for me to take it myself. He said it was the first time that had ever happened.
But I can’t rest too long on those laurels - in the privacy of my car, I’m still cantankerous and stingy with access to my lane. If someone weasels in without permission, I get sarcastic unless I get a “thank you” wave, which is practically never. I’m probably sending bad vibes into the cosmos. I’m culpable for that.
Speaking of neglected resolutions, remember back in January when Congress resolved to behave better? Recall when they mixed it up and crossed the aisle, sitting Democrat – Republican - Democrat for the President’s State of the Union address? They did very well making nice that day. Way back then. In January.
I’m trying to be generous with them…but come on. That was during the post-Christmas white sales. Where’s the civility in springtime and the sweetness in summer? Ok. The President and the Speaker displayed a modicum. I heard the President say a couple of times that Mr. Boehner has a tough time persuading his caucus of things he and the boss have agreed to. That’s a generous statement. He called Mr. Boehner a “good man.” He seemed sincere.
But past that, now it’s their promises that seem shallow and without commitment. They took an oath to serve their constituents and our country, and to do so professionally, in good faith and with good will. They're supposed to make the world a better place.
They re-read the Constitution in January. I suggest they read and refer to Robert’s Rules of Order and Miss Manners' Guide to Domestic Tranquility: The Authoritative Manual for Every Civilized Household. That should cover the White House and both Houses of Congress.
Somewhere in those two guides they’re bound to find an array of worthy resolutions like: listen, take turns, don’t interrupt, acknowledge others’ efforts, and validate their work. Use your time wisely. Play well with others. Keep your eye on the prize. Compromise.
It’s not too late for a mid-year correction!
