I couldn’t possibly start 2012 without drawing up some New Year Resolutions. In the past I’d make a huge list then forget about it only to stumble across it several years later having achieved nothing on it. And they always said the same things: lose weight, drink less, learn French/Polish/Italian, take up drawing/crochet/pottery.
This year, I’ve taken a couple of days to come up with a sensible, achieveable list comprising only two things:
1. Be organised. By managing this, I will have a clean and tidy house, fed and clothed children and I’ll be on top of my job. Everyone will be happy and I’ll even have spare time.
2. Get fit. This is one that tends to go on the list every year, however, events on the 1st January make it clear that this is a must. For my young son (age 6) and I took part in a Fun Run — one mile along the prom, organised by the North Norfolk Beach Runners. It’s years since I’ve done any running, but I reckoned I’d just about be able to cope with this, especially as I had a child who’d no doubt slow me down to a pace that wouldn’t kill me. We lined up at the start line, watched over by a surprising number of people lining the paths up the cliffs who’d arrived early to nab a good view of the fireworks later in the afternoon. The starting pistol fired and we were OFF! Well, Cameron, my 6-year-old was — he legged it and was a blur in the distance before I’d taken more than a dozen steps. I was gasping for breath after about 50 yards and about half way round was relieved to see that Cameron had slowed down so I was able to catch him up and hold his hand to help him along (I think I got away with this and he didn’t quite realise that he was pulling me).
Here is a photo of my wee chappie crossing the finish line in a respectable 10 mins, 20 seconds. Look carefully and you may spot someone in red in the distance — that’s me, 7 seconds behind him. We were 31st and 32nd out of 49 runners. Not too shabby, but could be better!
So there I have it, my New Year’s Day challenge of 2012 — to beat my time and give Cameron a run for his money (it seems terrible to say ‘beat him’). Good job I’ve got a year to achieve it!
Doesn’t seem terrifible to me. I never just let my niece win at games. In fact, I took pleasure in beating her most of the time…then she turned 6 and gave me more of a challenge, dangnabbit.
But hey, listen, don’t get into too good of shape before you get here. I don’t need you showing me up, even though I’m supposed to be getting into shape myself, if I have any hope of meeting my goal of hiking part of the Appalachan Trail when I turn 50.
Congratulations to your wee chappie! (love that you call him that)
p.s.,
Hoping that the line dancing classes I’m starting in 2 weeks will lead me in the right direction.
Cameron’s areas of expertise: running and dominoes. Few stand a chance against him. I’d love to beat him (at the running) and intend to next New Year.
Great about the line dancing. I’m so uncoordinated I could never build up the courage to go to a dance class. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it — people seem to. I look forward to a demo in May
And no need to worry about me being fighting fit for then!