Have you ever thought about the first thing that you buy in the new year? I never have, until this year, when I realized how much sense my purchase made to me.
It's a white ceramic soap dispenser. Accompanied by a white bath towel. Neither of which would have been purchased, except I had ten dollars in Kohls' bucks that were going to expire if I didn't use them. And I am far too thrifty for that.
I ended up liking everything about this purchase: the fact that it cost a grand total of 19 cents, that both of the things I bought are clean and bright and useful. They set a good tone for the year.
I am a big fan of January and February. I'm not a big fan of transitions, though, and the move from the end of the holiday season to the beginning of the new year always leaves me feeling a little rough around the edges.
I have, however, succeeded in a few modest goals. I was required to rise much earlier than I would have liked on New Year's Day to drive my daughter somewhere, which brought me in contact with a disturbing number of happy, fresh-faced people out running and walking and otherwise tackling their New Year's resolutions.
I did not force any of them off the road.
Also, I indulged in my favorite January 1 pastime, which is to make resolutions for other people - for the most part, members of my immediate family. This year, however, I did not share those resolutions with them. It was a sensible, if less satisfying, decision.
All in all, I think 2011 has started out as well as can be expected.
I am laughing out loud!! I would say LOL, but my daughter says people of my generation are a bad influence on those of her generation by using chat speak. By the way, I can't wait to share your post with Caroline, she, also, has the BEST ideas for others, and at this point in her young life, has not learned that they should not all be shared. Perhaps you'll inspire her.
Posted by: Tina | January 02, 2011 at 08:42 PM
I laughed so hard - in part because I could hazard a guess as to what those resolutions might be.
Will also hates transitions - he was bitter about the Christmas decorations coming down. BITTER. He's still humming holly jolly Christmas under his breath.
Posted by: Lillian | January 02, 2011 at 09:16 PM
It may be a new year, but you are still cracking me up! Thank you for the post with lack of color and glitz...my eyes still hurt from the holidays.
♥, Susan
Posted by: black eyed susans kitchen | January 02, 2011 at 09:33 PM
Oh my goodness. I was laughing so hard my hubby had to come out of the kitchen to see what was so funny! Happy New Year...I will run some of those happy people off the road for you!! LOL!
Posted by: Jenny Sellars | January 02, 2011 at 09:48 PM
Happy New Year, great entry.
Posted by: Sistergirl | January 02, 2011 at 09:54 PM
Oh, the feeling of running happy people off the road :)
Looking forward to a New Year of your posts!
Posted by: Angela D'amore | January 02, 2011 at 11:34 PM
What a great start of the New Year! I guess you don't need any more 'happy New Year' wishes, but I just cannot help myself.
Posted by: LiLi M. | January 03, 2011 at 06:01 AM
Happy people on New Years Day. I hate them! And why is it that we want white things, like sheets and towels, at the beginning of the year? Is it because of all that Christmas RED? As much as I love it, I don't want to look at anymore red until Valentine's Day!
Posted by: Carol @ Old Glory Cottage | January 03, 2011 at 12:19 PM
Love the whites, especially that they're against the white beadboard. And if I'd been in the car with you, I'd have egged you on. Bad influence here. And as I'm a Mary Poppins-type (practically perfect in every way), I don't see the harm in helping others by pointing out where they could stand improvement! However, I've yet to learn to keep my mouth shut - that's why I'm only 'practically' perfect!
Posted by: Leslie Anne | January 09, 2011 at 12:16 AM