It’s that time of year …
Since I have January 2’s blog, it seemed appropriate to discuss NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS. (But first I have to remind you that SIMPLY SEXY is in stores now along with re-reprints of the first three SIMPLY books and BRAZEN - those four are $4.99 each!) with gorgeous new covers. Check ‘em out at carlyphillips.com and I hope you can find them in bookstores or online.
And now back to today’s topic. New Year’s Resolutions - or lack of them. I thought I’d start with a joke and Googled “New Years Resolution Joke” and the first entire page had different links but all listed this same LAME joke so why not perpetuate it some more? Then we’ll get on to my actual blog.
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Are you sick of making the same resolutions year after year and yet you never keep them? :wallbash::wallbash: Here are some resolutions that you can actually keep.
10. Read less. 
9. I want to gain weight. Put on at least 30 pounds. 
8. Stop exercising. Waste of time. 
7. Watch more TV. I’ve been missing some good stuff. 
6. Procrastinate more. 
5. Drink. :cocktail: Drink some more. :cocktail::cocktail:
4. Start being superstitious. :bat:
3. Spend more time at work. 
2. Stop bringing lunch from home: I should eat out more. :thumbsup2:
and last but not least…
1. Take up a new habit: maybe smoking! 
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This lame joke does actually prove my point about resolutions. Love ‘em :thumbsup2:or hate ‘em, :thumbsdown: they are always a topic for the beginning of a new year. I fall on the side of people who stopped making new year’s resolutions because it it is just too easy to give up. 
If I say I’m going to exercise and a few days pass, I’ve broken my resolution so why bother?
So this year instead of making a resolution to lose weight or exercise or some other thing I just won’t do, I am going to promise myself that I will implement some LIFESTYLE changes instead.
What is the difference you ask? The changes I want to make are the kind that should eventually become a part of my every day life. Some already are a part of my life, like writing, but I’ve gotten off of a schedule.
1. I intend to schedule in writing time like I schedule a doctor’s appointment or carpooling day.
2. I also intend to continue the low cholesterol changes I started about a month ago. I always thought I was on a low cholesterol diet and in a sense I was, but now I’m big on soluble fiber and oatmeal for breakfast, and less crap in my diet. Less to no white carbs (which is HARD when there is bread on the table every meal you eat out!) I lost 5 pounds thanks to things my brother pointed out, so now I am resolving to make these changes more permanent.
3. The dreaded E word. Exercise. Because I have a hard time taking cholesterol meds and I have a horrible family history, I must exercise. I’ve been doing it for a year and I recently took a month off (how easy it was to do that!) and now I have to go back to it and make sure it is scheduled in a certain amount of days a week! (please note I wouldn’t find the exercise as tough if I didn’t need the hour to shower and pull myself together afterwards. It cuts into my whole day!). But I want to live another day, so I have to exercise as a part of my life, not as something I dread doing.
4. Spend less. OK I hear everyone who knows me well laughing at this. But I am resolved to do this in various areas of my life, starting with my professional life and working on down because I am probably, seriously, a shopaholic.
5. Enjoy more - Because if I am going to implement the lifestyle changes above, I damn well am going to have to reward myself for doing it. Which I am guessing will mean more shopping and the dissolution of lifestyle change # 4.
But I won’t go down without a fight.
So there you have it, my FOUR LIFESTYLE CHANGES. What about you? Are you a believer in resolutions and if so what are yours for the year? Do tell!
Man, I was all excited by your first list, I’m like, “yeah, I can do that!” LOL
I like the phrase “lifestyle change” because resolution (much like diet) seems so short-term. I also believe that they should be made in smaller, attainable steps, like cutting salt or sugar from your diet vs. losing 20 lbs.
- take vitamins…everyday
-drink more water
-take the stairs vs. the escalor/elevator
-park farther from the building (well, maybe not in winter *g*)
-learn at least one new thing or go to one new place this year
And maybe a small reward system? An extra book if I obtain or maintain something on my list (this is just a part of it).
You can do it! I can do it! Rah Rah Rah!
Comment by Stacy ~ — January 2, 2007 @ 7:39 am
Happy New Year! New Year’s Day is my favorite day of the year, because to me, it signifies a whole new start to EVERYTHING! Unfortunately, this year I was gone on a skiing vacation with my family, which means I wasn’t at home to start my new year the way I wanted to. I was sick, my husband and both of my children are now sick and my new year is starting off in a funk! But….I’m looking at it as having all the yucky stuff out of the way the first day and NOW (the 2nd) is the New Year!
Carly, I read 2 of the 3 Sexy books while on vacation and loved them both! I’ve got the 3rd to start this week. And now, I guess I’ve procrastinated long enough. I need to get off of here and get ready for my workout appointment
I can’t possibly miss the first one of the year!!
Good luck to everyone and their resolutions or lifestyle changes.
Comment by Jodie — January 2, 2007 @ 9:05 am
Hey Carly — beautiful cover,btw.
I’m not a believer in resolutions, but I did make one little one: to get the dozens of pictures, pieces of artwork, framed and up on our walls. We’re terrible - been in the house for almost 4 years, and have hung about 3 things. We’ve bought more, but it just goes in the stack. I may not get to it all, but I promised myself one piece per month — that seems doable. At that rate, maybe all done in a few years.
Diet and exercise are such constant challenges I don’t even think of them as resolution territory, because it’s just life. Though I joined a gym last year, which was good in that my blood pressure went back to normal, but, I was so hungry from the exercise that I actually ended the year gaining about 7 lbs, so I will be doing something about that. Moderating exercise and food, because too much exercise leads to too much food… that sounds kinda bent, I guess, but there it is…
Sam
Comment by Sam Hunter — January 2, 2007 @ 10:22 am
I like the term “lifestyle change”. That’s how I look at diets/exercise, etc. One thing I am going to try to do is to take care of myself, physically as well as emotionally. I need to start standing up for myself and taking breaks (especially since busy season is here!). That sounds stupid, I know, but if I must make lifestyle changes, I need to reward myself with something like a book. I also must get back to getting enough sleep. Too much staying up watching “Grey’s”.
Comment by katie — January 2, 2007 @ 10:44 am
Ok, spending less should be on my list too. I try, I really, really do. I just don’t succeed at it. So how did I spend the first day of the year- at the mall. Shoppiong.
But- you can combine the lifestyle changes- Walk the mall while window shopping. I make myself do the circuit first before I can do any shopping, and also plot where I want to go. Then I have to go back to the car for my purse and all my coupons. There’s a good life style change- make sure you use the store clubs and coupons and you can save money while you shop.:thumbsup2: Sometimes, I don’t even feel like shopping when I am done walking. Ok, that’s basically a lie.
Comment by ev — January 2, 2007 @ 10:47 am
I’m with ya on the spending less. Also on my list:
quit smoking
spend more time with my son
104 books read in 2007 (I tried this in 2006, but didn’t make it)
spend less time on the computer
Happy 2007!
Comment by SHERRY — January 2, 2007 @ 12:00 pm
ev, did you husband get you the gift you wanted? I keep forgetting to ask!
Comment by katie — January 2, 2007 @ 12:29 pm
Karen, Both my daughter & I are on cholesterol watch. I’m determined not to take statins, so, suggest these food changes (which are not really that difficult):
1. Egg beaters & egg whites (doesn’t taste any different than eggs);
2. Olive oil;
3. No cheese (there’s even soy cheese, though, haven’t tried it);
4. When eating out–hamburgers, etc.–ask for mustard/catsup, rather than the usual dressing–no mayo;
5. More fowl, less beef (we’re clucking these days);
6. Mustard potato salad; &
7. Read all ingredients–Trader Joe’s has a 3-cheese pizza w/7mgs. of cholesterol–very low.
I haven’t found these too difficult. If you can do these on a regular basis, you can treat yourself at other times. My cholesterol came down 29 points within 6 mos. or so.
Good luck.
Patricia A.
Comment by Patricia — January 2, 2007 @ 12:32 pm
Happy New Year everyone.
so that I can work less and enjoy more.
) so that I can be 40 and fabulous…lol
Lifestyle changes are always a good idea, just not always easy to do.
I’m hoping to get out from under this pile of bills
I would also like to make healthier choices ( eat better, and walk more…maybe even do some sit-ups
Most importantly, I just want to remember not to sweat the small stuff and just enjoy life!
So far…so good!
Comment by Tina Martinesi — January 2, 2007 @ 1:34 pm
Good luck with the lifestyle changes, Carly! And Happy New Year!!!! Hope 2007 is a banner year for you
Comment by Melissa Mc — January 2, 2007 @ 3:46 pm
Katie- yes he did. Now I am just waiting for someone to put it up for me. It’s an under the counter hd/tv and where I want it you need to be a contortionist to put it there, so I will willingly pay someone to do it. Probably one of the cute young sons who works for my handyman, cause he’ll say he’s too old to do it too.
Sherry- quitting smoking is the only resolution I have ever kept. That was in 1984 and I haven’t had one since. Not that I don’t miss them, especially when stressed or when bartending and the customers are smoking. But I have managed to resist all the same- it’s not always futile. A friend of mine recently quit and called me one day from work. Someone came over after coming back from a cig break and she asked me if she ever smelled that smoky and bad. my answer was a simple yes. She hasn’t picked one up since.
I’ll keep cheering you on!!
Comment by ev — January 2, 2007 @ 5:28 pm
Good luck with the life-style changes Carly. I no longer make resoultions! However, after saying that I am going to try & become a better house keeper! I’d much rather read, go for a walk, cook, eat, sleep, watch TV, take a trip, in others words almost anything is better than housework!
Comment by Donna M — January 2, 2007 @ 6:45 pm
Stacy, I”m with you on the vitamins! Should have been there to begin with on my list! :thumbsup2:
Jodi, hugs on the sick stuff. I had a cold all throughout vacation and it was awful :thumbsdown: Glad you’re enjoying the books though. Thanks!
Sam, that’s funny. Once a year on Thanksgiving when my uncle comes over, we hang all pictures! He’s good at it. I’m not. We’re lazy too.
Katie, you have my permission to lose sleep over Grey’s but nothing else
Ev, I’m not a good window shopper unless it’s unintentional. Sigh.
Happy ‘07 to you too, Sherry!
Patricia, awesome list. I’m familiar w/most of it too. It’s just that I LOVE chocolate and carbs. Giving them up is hard!
Good luck on your changes, Tina!
Happy 07 Melissa. For some reason your card is still on my dresser when I got home from vacation. I meant to mail it before I left!
Donna, I hear ya. I’d rather surf the internet than do anything else, LOL.
Comment by Carly — January 2, 2007 @ 6:54 pm
Carly I got Simply Sexy on Saturday
Good luck with your life style changes
I am hoping to execise more and eat right
Comment by Cherylann — January 2, 2007 @ 7:21 pm
I don’t make resolutions…I just break them.
Picked up Simply Sexy while at the store today.
Comment by Estella — January 2, 2007 @ 7:26 pm
I am not a believer in resolutions, because I always fail to make them … so gave up years ago………Good luck on your changes.
I ordered the Simply books online yesterday so they should be on their way to me………..:thumbsup2:
Comment by Cryna — January 2, 2007 @ 8:43 pm
My wish in 2007 is that I will never be sick again this year like I have been since the ball dropped. I have refreshed my memory as to what sick as a dog means. Not looking for sympathy here just a little comic relief.
Sick as a dog means you should go imediately to the bathroom (not my favorite room for sure) When you can no longer manage to keep yourself erect on the potty while dangling your head in a big blue bucket (after about 2 hours) May I suggest that you allow yourself to slide down to the floor while hubby makes sure you don’t hit your head or cause yourself bodily injury. (head is spinning) Now like the nice pet owner he is (oops Nice Guy) hubby brings in blanket, pillow, extra towels from linen closet, glass of warm water, imodium, pepto, newspaper(not sure whether it was to read or what), his faithful pet to keep me company and my cell phone with “him” on speed dial as he is taking his @#$% and cellphone & going back to bed. (I mean after all whatelse could he do, Right?)
Now I’m laying on the floor being reduced to feeling like I could be in a kennel and after several more hours (about 6) a manage to get back to the bed where the dog and I have been ever since. Hubby now playing sexy butler bringing me soup and soda with bubbles stirred out. (Bless his dog loving heart.) Guess I must be looking healtgier. The catch is it seems everyone at work also has this “cruise ship virus” and being that my ship was work I didn’t get to have any fun first luck. Geech just my luck.
Well I am in day 2 and starting to feel better so I thought I’d say,
“Hi & Happy New Year” May 2007 bring you Goodhealth and Prosperity.
Doggi Kisses could be contagious so hugs to all.
Comment by jeannie — January 2, 2007 @ 8:53 pm
Oh, gosh, Jeannie, what a crappy way to start the New Year! Big hugs and I hope you are feeling 100% better soon. I know I absolutely HATE being sick like that!
Comment by Leslie — January 3, 2007 @ 11:45 am