What I’m Doing Differently This Year

I am blogging less in case you haven’t noticed.

Not because I don’t love to blog, but because I love to blog too much.

Books have piled up without me turning a page; more serious writing has been left to wither on the creative vine; friends and relatives have told me, “You live on the computer.” Home organization has diminished to chaos; dinners are hurry-up throw-togethers and I haven’t touched my piano in months.

So, I’m trying to approach blogging with less fervor and more restraint.

Only time will tell how this works.

(Just writing these words down will probably mean I’ll blog more than I did in 2005 as whenever I restrict myself from something I like, I end up doing more of it, evil one that I am.)

Since I’m back to reading again, I really wanted to find a book about all religions that was easy to read; a just-the-facts kind of book and especially one that had comparisons.

I didn’t get that book for Christmas but I did get “Islam for Idiots” and I learned a lot. My biggest revelation was how similar all religions really are.

I wish, though, the author had been unbiased; someone who did not practice any religion and could therefore look upon Islam with a clear, fresh, mind devoid of prejudices. Every time a truly controversial area of Islam would be brought up, he’d pooh-pooh the importance of the issue for example: Muslim husbands are allowed to hit their wives, but only with a toothbrush or handkerchief.

I don’t want to be hit by either a toothbrush or a handkerchief. I don’t want to be hit by anything by anyone. I don’t understand this part of the religion.

Husband’s reading The End of Faith by Sam Harris. I can’t wait for him to finish it as I’m dying to read it too.

As with the book on Islam, I am hoping that Harris is not someone steeped in his own prejudices and beliefs but rather a purveyor of facts and a reciter of history.

I like to draw my own conclusions and could never just accept something someone says or has written on face value.

Another change for the new year is I intend to put myself first more this year than ever before. I’ve always been a “you first” kind of person: a pleaser, easer and facilitator.

I’ve been the old-egg, bread heel-eater type my whole life.

This year I’m going to attempt to be a tad more “me first” in my daily life. Not a selfish witch, but more of a self-lover.

My mother said: if you act like a doormat don’t be surprised when people wipe their feet on you.

I think I’ve been doormatty with some friends and relatives and have allowed them to get out of hand.

Most family and friends don’t know of this blog. The ones that do, well -- be prepared for the new me.

Don’t ask to borrow money from me when your outstretched hands are sporting $100 worth of fake nails.
Don’t ask me to babysit your kids so you can go out to lunch with friends.
Don’t “borrow” a half-gallon of Vodka and “forget” to replace it.
Don’t call me on your cell phone because you are driving and bored and want to use me to make your trip seem quicker or more enjoyable.
If you borrow a book; return it or never expect to borrow another one again.

Mostly remember friends and relatives that my good nature has limits and for whatever reason, I’ve reached mine.

It’s your turn to be nice to me.

And, if I should ever do any of the above, you have the right to blogrouse about it too.

As you can see, this is one of my longer posts which I predicted the minute I said I was going to blog less.

Today I’ll probably loan out books and booze, babysit and hang on the phone while my friend drives from Connecticut to Maryland!

PS - A special thanks to Nils for the wonderful, unexpected and most appreciated Christmas gift. I was having a horrid day right up to the minute I went to get the mail. Your act of kindness won't be forgotten and may have even jump-started my new attitude. Thank you!