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My research tells me that New Year’s resolutions started 4,000 years ago with the Babylonians. They actually celebrated the New Year, but it was in mid-March. Promises were made to pay off debts, return borrowed objects, and offer loyalty to the king.
In 46 BC, Julius Caesar declared a new calendar with January 1 as the first day of the New Year. Romans reflected back on the past year and promised they would conduct themselves properly in the coming year.
Even today, it is estimated that about 45% say they make New Year’s resolutions. Sadly, only around 8% say they are successful about achieving those goals. So I figured, what the heck, with 8% such a low bar, I would give it a shot:
- Get the Covid vaccine when I am eligible. I assume everyone’s goal is to get our lives back to some semblance of normality and I hope the vaccine accomplishes that.
- Stop worrying about whether to retire or not. It will happen; I am prepared for it to happen; and I’ll know when it should happen.
- Do not ask my wife, “What’s for dinner?” She is so sick of hearing that question and I get it. We pretty much stopped asking, “Where should we go to eat?” this past year. I want to say that more often in 2021.
- Get all the doctor checkups that are appropriate. Stop putting them off (another colonoscopy comes to mind).
- Plan vacations! It feels good just to type those words. I can’t wait to travel again. This past year allowed zero opportunities to get away. That has to end.
- Keep reading. Being stuck at home allowed for more diverse and more in-depth reading of newspapers, magazines, and books. I think I am smarter now.
- Clean out the basement. I have more clothes than you can possibly imagine. We used to own a store and when we sold it, we brought home many of the store racks. I have found a way to fill them all. Despite giving away large amounts to charity every few months, they still seem to somehow multiply in the basement.
- Keep walking. My wife and I love to take walks. It at least gives me the illusion that I am exercising. You’ll notice “exercise more” is not on the list.
- Start shopping again. I am so sick of the Covid wardrobe – sweat pants and a sweatshirt. I want some new clothes – I know, just go down in the basement.
- Improve my golf game – okay, now I have gone too far. I have moved into the realm of the impossible.
So, there you have it – my goals for 2021. I do not have a lot of confidence I will join the 8%!
ABOVE THE EARS (SOME MUSINGS)
- The Patriot League basketball season got off to a rather ominous start with four Men’s games and four Women’s games postponed due to Covid in the first weekend.
- Speaking of the Patriot League, there is an expression in sports that has become a cliché – “That’s why they play the game”. That was never more accurate than this past weekend’s games between Colgate and Army. On Saturday, at West Point, Colgate destroyed Army 101-57. On Sunday, in Hamilton, NY, Army beat Colgate 75-73. That’s why they play the game.
- It is not often that my wife brings me a good sports story (like never). But this past week, there was an article in the Ukrainian Weekly (yes, she subscribes) about the massive impact Ukrainians have had on the NHL. There is a documentary out called Uke that gives the history of that impact. For example, 50 players of Ukrainian descent have hoisted the Stanley Cup. Only Canadians and Americans have more. Wayne Gretsky, who many believe was the greatest hockey player of all time, tells of his Ukrainian upbringing. There will be an English version and my wife and I will watch it.
- The Jacksonville Jaguars will get the first pick for the NFL draft. The assumption has been that it will be Clemson’ QB Trevor Lawrence. But if you watched the Clemson–Ohio State game, you might think the better pick would be Ohio State QB Justin Fields. That night, Fields was better. The Eagles will pick sixth.
- And, finally, speaking of the Eagles, I imagine the Giants were very unhappy with Doug Pederson Sunday night in the Eagles’ loss to the Redskins. The Eagles had a chance to kick a tying field goal at one point and did not, failing to make a fourth down conversion. They also brought in third-string QB Nate Sudfeld in the fourth quarter in a 17-14 game. Washington won and will play in the playoffs, eliminating the Giants.
Gary’s Guesses: NFL Picks – (LAST WEEK – 11-5; OVERALL- 162-91-1 – 64%)
Wild Card Weekend
