As we prepare for Baby New Year to visit, once again , I notice the groundswell leading to 2018 Resolutions lists. For instance, a morning program did a segment on the probability of keeping certain resolutions, with 1 being highly likely to 5 being Not in this world, Toots.

Surprisingly, travel was the only item that made the highly likely list. I guess taking even a short day trip is on most bucket lists. I don't think I've ever had this high on my New Year priorities, but in my 70 years, I can tell you the one item that's been at the top for at least 40 of those years.

1. I resolve to lose weight! (1987-2017, soon to be 2018)

I still remember talking to my doctor a couple of decades ago about my biggest health complaint. "I really need to lose 10 pounds, Doc. It would be good for my blood pressure, cholesterol, sleeping, and certainly my clothes would fit better."

This slim 30-something female looked up from her clipboard (No IPads back then) and said, with all the empathy in the world, "Well, then. LOSE 10 pounds."

Gee thanks for the advice. Why didn't I think of that? (Btw, that 10 lbs. has turned into 20)

I'm positive the second highest priority throughout the years has been to lower my stress level. Yeah, like that's gonna happen. Coincidentally, this would also be good for my blood pressure and overall health, but I'm the same worry-filled sack of nerves today that I've been for the past 60 years. Why change now? Besides, who would run my family and the world without my constant state of psychotic readiness to take on everyone's problems and solve them?

Never mind my own problems: Weight gain, anxiety. I have to fix everyone else!!

 So, here's what I've decided.

I, Mary Cunningham, do resolve to stop pretending any resolution I make in the new year will come to pass. 

Whew! I feel better already.

Sorry to cut this short, but I have to get the rest of the sugar cookie dough out of the freezer. After all, the fudge is almost gone!

 
Pan of fudge for two people

Happy 2018, my friends!