A new year to come undone

It’s that time again. Time for the annual “How I shall completely revamp my life in the New Year” passel of lies we all pass off as “resolutions.”
Meanwhile, few, if any of us, will make a significant change unless it is to go further in debt, gain MORE weight and in general muck about as if our only “resolve” is to drive ourselves to an early grave through stress and unclean living.
Resolve. As for me, I’m through. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again I’m simply NOT going to get any better in the new year. I’m going to remain steady and true to being the terminally tardy, day-late and dollar-short slob I’ve always been. It’s who I am and to thine own self be true, I say!
Why, if I really apply myself and work at it, I bet I could even GAIN weight between now and the New Year and go a little further into debt if I hit some post-holiday sales hard and often. Sure, it’s only a few days until Jan. 1, but honestly, if I’m not willing to put in the effort, I have no business making resolutions, now do I?
No, I am a rabid pessimist and don’t like to go counting my chickens – or new years – until they’ve hatched. I’m more a retrospective sort than one to make grand proclamations about what WILL be. There is a pointed truth in the adage, “Life is what happens when you are busy making plans.”
Still, a 10. That said, if all goes well, 2006 will be when I enter into my 10th year of marriage. It is also, not coincidentally, the 10th year we have been trying to tame this persnickety, old house. In the course of that time, both of these endeavors have needed more than their share of attention, and regular maintenance continues to be a must.
Of course, I made some smart moves along the way, if only quite by accident. In both spouse and house, I invested in the classics: good bones, charm, great character and just enough eccentricity to keep things interesting.
Infatuated with significant numbers, we will make much of something like a 10-year anniversary. Musing over the time that has passed between that enormous first kick of infatuation and the leaks, shifts and foundational cracks that inevitably occur in even the strongest homes – and marriages – we might reevaluate our investment and wonder, even idly, if it has really all been worth it?
Good start. I’m pleased to say on all fronts it has been – in spades. We will celebrate and pat ourselves on the back and perhaps take credit for a job well done. In reality, in life there is no “done.” Well, there is, but let’s just say you won’t be able to enjoy it much.
In that light, I’d like to think we are just getting started. Thus, my resolutions for 2006 are clear and simple. Love wholly, work hard and laugh harder, enjoy the journey. Above all, let’s say a prayer we aren’t nearly “done” yet!
(Kymberly Foster Seabolt wishes everyone a healthy, happy and productive 2006, but says you don’t have to change a thing! She welcomes comments c/o kfs@epohi.com; P.O. Box 38, Salem, OH 44460; http://userweb.epohi.com/~kseabolt.)