Pretty good year
I’ve not totalled it up yet, but it looks like in general Watsonians either had a pretty good year, as Tori Amos once sang, or are pretty resilient people. Lots of you rated 2011 above 8.5 out of 10, and even those who used words like ‘grim’ or ‘crushing’ were reluctant to go below around five. So we’re heading for a high average score, giving 2011 a bit of work to do to keep up.
I made a start on my resolutions yesterday. I tried my best to be optimistic about my team’s match with supposedly superior rivals Cardiff (which I attended) and also to resign myself to the fact that I can’t influence the results of football matches, however loudly I may shout. Anyway, it meant that I spent the game in a state of relative calmness and we won 3-0. At dinner I managed to drink slightly less red wine than I would normally, and made a big deal of pointing it out to my assembled family members, so that they would all be aware of the colossal sacrifice I was making. I twice did up my flies at times when I would ordinarily have let it, as they say, fly. I tried to be marginally less competitive with my wife and sister while they were destroying me at Mario Kart, a game I’m still not very good at despite its having enslaved the Watsons for three consecutive Christmases. (I mean, I can’t drive a real car yet, so perhaps it’s to be expected.) I’ve been reading a book called Footnotes In Gaza about the Israeli/Palestinian crisis. I’ve every intention of going for a run tomorrow. All good.
No new foods and no ‘fulfilling of my musical ambitions’ yet, and no blood given, but hey, it’s only the 2nd of January. Thanks for all your advice and support. Good luck with your own various vows and remember to keep updating your TYSIC page. Now I might go and try and have a big new experience before midnight. Potholing?
Posted by Andrew on January 5, 2011
Mark, I wondered if some time you might like to write a blog about being a grown man unable to drive. We are in an extreme minority. In fact, I reckon I meet fewer people who share this unusual characteristic than my other ones (not drinking alcohol, not owning a mobile phone). Why do you not drive? Do you not want to, or just haven’t got round to it? What is people’s reaction when you tell them you don’t? Are you often pressured to learn by friends and family? I’d be interested to know.
Posted by Zoe Fell on January 3, 2011
Exercise and weight loss is my goal this year.
I’ve joined my closest (and most affordable) gym, bought a new pair of trainers and just come back from an hour of brisk walking. I am feeling rather positive about 2011. BRING IT.
(Oh, and Aislinn has been doing exceptionally well with her first two resolutions. I’m very proud of her.)
Posted by Lydia on January 3, 2011
Well done. I have been pretty boring and over the last couple days, trying to catch up on all the school work I should have spent Christmas break doing.
The first resolution that I have to try and do is to stop letting school make me miserable. I just keep telling myself that at least it’s nearly over. Which in itself is kind of terrifying.
Posted by Rachael on January 3, 2011
My eat-less-cake-and-more-fruit resolution is not going so well. I have eaten no fruit and too much cake. But atleast that means that I can only get better!
Posted by Tracey on January 3, 2011
Well done Mark! You seem to have made a lot of progress already! I did manage to stay away from the tin of Roses yesterday and ate a lot of salad. God knows how long I’ll be able to hold out for! I also stayed away from the boozy fruitcake made by my husband – although I have sampled it. My excuse for that is that family members can get upset if you don’t eat what they’ve cooked!I have heard, quite often last year that red wine is good for you so don’t feel too guilty on that score. Now, I’m off to pull my stomach into my diaphragm ten times. I try and do that around thirty times a day.. so here goes….take care, Tracey x
Posted by Hal on January 3, 2011
Is there a list of potential new foods that you’re thinking of trying?
Or would you like suggestions?
Posted by Aislinn on January 2, 2011
Aislinn’s New Years Resolutions:
1. Complete all my University work on time
2. Improve my drawing
3. Count the amount of times Mark Watson uses the phrase ‘as they say’ in this blog and reward myself with chocolate if it’s over 12 this year.
Posted by A lot of Rachels on January 2, 2011
Wow, that’s pretty good start seeing as not yet 48 hours into 2011.
My resolution to stick to the diet the doc gave me has had mixed results, did eat chocolate, potatoes, white bread and donuts…so not going that well.
Posted by Ally on January 2, 2011
Wow, I’m still not finished my resolutions and you’ve already started completing them!
Posted by Misha on January 2, 2011
Potholing before Midnight sounds like a really, really shit horror movie.
I am still utterly intrigued by this flies thing, do you routinely wander around with your trousers undone and we’ve just never noticed? I mean, the average stage does put your eyes at crotch height and I’ve never noticed.
I’m thinking too much about this.
With regards to my resolutions, I contacted a venue, asked about an open slot AND I made some plans. Now I just need to feed myself and maybe swim some in the week and that’s something towards everything.
I also haven’t even wanted a cigarette yet, but I’ve neither been drunk nor offered one so that was easier.
I might add “grow my hair” as a resolution too.
Anyway, well done Watson! And if you learn how to win at mario kart please tell us how, my brother keeps thrashing me.