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"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:32
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Author:  Larry Simoneaux
Bio: Larry Simoneaux
Date:  January 3, 2010
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Starting the New Year.

Resolutions. I’m as bad as anyone as regards keeping them, but I’m still making them. Therefore (and for whatever it's worth), in 2010, I resolve to do the following:

1. I’m not going to get as spun up as I usually do whenever we’re running a few minutes late for some event.

In my defense, I think that I have a perfectly reasonable excuse for my desire (“obsession” according to my family) to be on time. My explanation is as follows: Catholic grammar school, Catholic high school, Catholic coaches, a year at a Benedictine monastery, 4 years at a military college, and 27 years in uniform. Try telling yourself it’s OK to be late with a history like that.

Still, since my wife, my kids, and many of my friends have all mentioned (muttered) something to me regarding this little quirk of mine, I’ve decided that I will cease being so caught up with time. This will begin at 00:00:01 on January 1, 2010. This isn’t going to be easy, is it?

2. I will eat Brussels sprouts at least once this year. There simply has to be a recipe somewhere out there that will make those vile critters palatable.

3. I will not, for yet another year, watch a single “reality” show. I adhere to this regimen on the premise that, at any time a camera is running and humans are aware of that fact, nothing that’s happening is in any way “real.”

4. I’m going to work on listening more than I speak. The problem with this is that I already know what I think on most subjects and, therefore, much like everyone else, I generally hear only those things I want to hear.

Still, I’m going to listen and, even if I disagree, I’m going to try to remain silent until I fully understand the points being made. One immediate benefit of doing this will be that I’ll not insert my foot into my mouth as often as I normally do.

5. This year I’m going to adopt my dad’s voting methodology in full. His belief was that two terms in any elected office was enough. One term to learn the ropes and a second to try and do some good. After that, send them home before they become more interested in getting re-elected than in getting things done. He paid no attenton to parties nor did he care what an incumbent said that he planned to do if re-elected. Two terms was it. Leave them in office longer and you pretty much end up with what we have now.

6. During this year’s trip to New Orleans, I will not let my mother drive anywhere at night - no matter what she says about it “being all right.” One scare per lifetime as regards your mother is enough for anyone.

7. I will dance at least once with my wife no matter how awkward I look or how many times I step on her toes.

8. I’m no longer going to be surprised when I find out that some celebrity or other is not all they appear to be in the morality department. You’d think that by age 61, I’d have come to this conclusion a long time ago. However, I kept holding out hope that “this one” was someone I could honestly admire. Tiger Woods put an end to all of that.

Therefore, instead of looking to celebrities from any field, I’ll devote my full attention to the family, friends, teachers, co-workers and even strangers who’ve been good examples (I detest the term “role model”) all along. These are individuals who’ve repeatedly demonstrated how to: (a) face tough or even life-threatening situations with courage and humor; (b) accept others simply for who they are while treating any minor faults they might possess as simply a small part of a larger and altogether likable package; or (c) simply do the right thing at all times.

Who needs Hollywood stars, politicians, or sports figures for that?

(9)Finally, this year, I will floss my teeth regularly and not write a single word about those who use their cellphones, text, or twitter while driving.

Happy New Year!

Oh, heck, who am I kidding? I’ll never floss my teeth regularly and you can expect a verbal avalanche the next time I’m cut off by someone on a cell phone.

Larry Simoneaux

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Biography - Larry Simoneaux

Larry Simoneaux is a regular columnist for The Everett Herald in Washington state. He is a retired ship driver for the US Navy and NOAA.


Read other commentaries by Larry Simoneaux.

Copyright © 2010 by Larry Simoneaux
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