January 1, 2009. Mexico. New Years Resolutions.

Wendy has already decided. For 2009, every day, she will throw one thing out. Claussen hopes she means inanimate objects only. Now this is a good resolution, because it is well within her ability to carry out, and I believe it will be done. Now, will she have a weekly task to throw seven things out at one time or will she really search out one object each day to donate or put in the trash bin? When we moved from our Franklin Street house which was large, to a small apartment, Ken and I came to the decision about what to keep and what to discard. The rule was simple: we kept any family treasure and everything we used regularly, plus all our books. We donated everything not used for a year, including clothes and small electric appliances. The rule was simple and effective. Wendy can use the same rule for the rest of her life if she so chooses. Clifford is still
writing out his list of resolutions, but is not prepared to share them with me, perhaps because he thinks I will tell all my friends and relatives. Ken intends to thrive this coming year. Actually, that is my resolution for him, and he accepts it as if it is his own.

Last New Years Eve we were also in Mexico, but with David and Suzanne and the girls. It was the first year that the four girls were able to come to a fancy dinner and celebration and stay up to ring in the new year. The evening was held outdoors on the beach. The whole scene was beautiful and festive. During the dinner time, I suggested the custom of making New Years Resolutions. The girls thought it a good idea, so one after another around the table, both adults and children made their resolutions. Both Samantha and Allison said that they wanted to learn to read in 2008, which they have done. Ken said he wanted to survive next year, which after his surgery in January he has done. In retrospect, he was not really feeling too well, but of course, he wasn't saying anything about it. Suzanne wanted to learn how to say no gracefully. The next day she and I went through a variety of scripts. Now she reports that she has great strides in her ability to say NO. Both Sarah and Abigail made for their resolution to read all their Bluebonnet books required for their school, which they both were able to complete. David wanted to surpass his Company income. For the first three quarters of the year, he was successful, but at the end of the year he is just a bit behind, but you can bet he will have the same New Years Resolution this year too. And true to form, even though I was asking the questions, no one can remember what my resolution was to be, perhaps because when we finally got around to me, the topic had become boring, or perhaps the fireworks were starting, or a good tune being played by the dance band. If I think of one for this year I will let you know.