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I don’t remember if I made a New Year’s resolution back in January, but if I did I certainly haven’t kept it—my abs remain, shall we say, ill-defined, I have 32,170 messages in my inbox waiting to be filed, and I’ve still never been to Portland. Rather than wait four months to make another meaningless promise, I’m going to try something new this fall.
To coincide with the start of the new school year, I’m going to make a New (School) Year’s Resolution. Something educational and a little _flossy; nothing fancy or unsustainable (like, for example, “crunches”). I’ve decided to read books on five different periods in American history that I’m a little hazy on (and I’m not even going to count all the 1970 Yankees history I picked up reading Marty Appel’s insightful Thurman Munson bio). My resolution starts with The War That Made America: A Short History of the French and Indian War.
Who’s with me? Make your New (School) Year’s Resolution in the comments. Also, if you email your resolution to jasonturned30@gmail.com, I’ll check in with you in December and post an update about everyone’s progress.
Looking forward to hearing your resolutions! (And if you have any book suggestions for me, recommend away.)
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Ooh I like this idea. I’m going to dust off an old New Year’s Resolution I never followed through on, which started as a college assignment I never followed through on. I will finish Ulysses, start to finish (even though I’ve read the first 50 pages about 50 different times).
posted by Sam on 9-8-2009 at 11:39 am
As a perpetual student, I’m still in the mindset that the new year begins with the start of classes in the fall. As always, I resolve to get my work done before the night before/day it’s due. On a realistic level, I’d like to continue the practice I started this summer of writing every weekday.
Good luck with your books!
posted by Amy on 9-8-2009 at 11:45 am
I was going to say something ridiculous, like “memorize pi to 55 places,” because I figured I could record that and send it in as proof. But I’m going to do something a little different — go down and volunteer at my local museum. It’s a place that keeps track of local history, but it’s woefully understaffed and really could use some help. I was laid off a few weeks ago but given a somewhat awesome severance package, so I can absolutely do this while looking for a job this fall.
posted by Kelly on 9-8-2009 at 11:47 am
I think my (school) resolution is to work on going to school again. I’ll make the efforts and re-adjust my schedule in time for the spring semester.
posted by Steven on 9-8-2009 at 11:48 am
Really a great idea! It’s a better time of year, really, rather than around the holidays at the end of the year. There’s an op ed piece in the NY Times today about better handwriting. I sure could use some improving in that area! So that’s what I’ll pledge to do.
posted by moochie6us on 9-8-2009 at 11:56 am
My New (Calendar) Year’s resolution was to start bike commuting, and I’m currently on my 156th consecutive work day of biking (with zero work days begun any other way).
I don’t suppose I can make the same resolution, eh? ;) I suppose it would not be tenable, as there was no duration specified on the original resolution. (One calendar year may or may not have been implied.)
I would certainly not want to fall into the same misbegotten basket as those who’ve gone in for the whole “renewing our wedding vows” thing. If your vows explicitly specified lifetime duration, unless one of you has died, there is no need for renewal. “This time I mean it” is not a sentiment I’d care to invoke. (Of course, having a special quasi-ceremonial celebration of your time spent together and the future that awaits can be a *great* idea, but it’s not “renewing your vows”.)
Hmm… can my New (School) Year’s resolution be to become a much less nice person when dealing with contractors (like the one who ***STILL*** hasn’t finished my air conditioning!)? Once he’s done (assuming I ever get him to show up and finish the tiny bit left), I’ll get to start with a plumber, so I’ll have plenty of opportunity to show I’ve reformed. ;)
posted by CJ the Helmeted on 9-8-2009 at 11:57 am
As I am already perfect I do not need a resolution of any kind.
As for book recommendations let me steer you to “Dark Horse: The Surprise Election and Political Murder of James A. Garfield” Very interesting read.
posted by Witty Nickname on 9-8-2009 at 12:13 pm
My resolution to go to graduate school for my MBA. I made the decision this summer and I start in 20 days!
posted by K on 9-8-2009 at 12:14 pm
Hopefully, I’ll proofread my papers better than my comments. “My resolution IS to go….”
posted by K on 9-8-2009 at 12:16 pm
I am four weeks without television and counting . . . I’m a teacher, btw, so this change corresponds with the start of my new school year. I feel smarter each day I go without TV, but I have wandered onto a couple dating web sites in my newly found free time. Save me from myself . . .
posted by ladygreynorway on 9-8-2009 at 12:30 pm
I’m game to try… For a long time I have wanted to educate myself on the countries of the world by reading books about their history, one country at a time.
No time like the present so I will hit the library this week and email you at gmail.
posted by Sarah in CA on 9-8-2009 at 12:34 pm
I’m 12 years out of school and taking an adult enrichment class at my local community college. My wife talked me into taking a piano class (Adult Piano 1) even though we have 2 kids (3 and 1) and are trying to sell our house. I play the guitar (by ear and memorization) but I’ve always wanted to learn the piano and to read music. I have little interest in reading actual books, but the few I do read are by specific authors (like Chuck Klosterman, Kevin Smith, Bill Simmons, and MF favorit Ken Jennings) and usually biographies and other non fiction (although the last book I read was Downtown Owl – by Klosterman). I started the Steve Martin book “Born Standing Up” a while back, but I am having a hard time making time to read.
posted by Ian on 9-8-2009 at 12:48 pm
My new school year’s resolution is to teach the entire school year without a single textbook. I teach English in Italy, and my students are all under the age of 18. They have enough textbooks and homework to deal with…
posted by Kate on 9-8-2009 at 12:53 pm
My new school year’s resolution is to actually read all of the assigned work for class. I’m horrible at doing that, and this (my last semester as a grad student) WILL be different! I graduate in December with my Masters in Library Science, and I plan on getting A’s! Three weeks down, twelve more to go…
posted by Tamsyn on 9-8-2009 at 1:25 pm
Oh, why not?
My resolution will be to learn my bass, I think. I’ve had it for a few years and never had the opportunity, but now I’ve found someone who can teach me. Now I just need to remember to e-mail it..
posted by Lupis on 9-8-2009 at 2:39 pm
I would recommend “Guests of the Ayatollah” by Mark Bowden about the ‘79 Hostage Crisis. Excellent book, and gave me insight into the jailed reporter situation this yr. My first memories were seeing this story on the evening news w/ Walter Cronkite counting the days of captivity, but I had no real understanding of the reasons behind the actions, or hearing the stories of the hostages after they’d been released.
I’m also planning to read Halberstam’s “The Coldest Winter” about the Korean War. I’ve read 2 of his books and like his journalistic style trying to tell all sides of the story RIP D.H.
I would also recommend “An Imperfect God: Geo Washington, His Slaves, and the Creation of America” by Henry Wiencek. Not only does it take a look at the history of George Washington that is little talked about, it also gives you a real idea of what slavery was like in practice. I read this during Black History Month.
“Miracle At Philadelphia” – about the Constitutional Convention. I quoted from this when my sister and I were arguing over the merits of the Stimulus bill, and which I think goes for the current Health Care Reform debate:
“I consent, Sir, to this Constitution, because I expect no better and because I am not sure that it is not the best…Sir, I cannont help expressing a wish that every member of the Convention who may still have objections to it, would w/ me,…doubt a little of his own infallibility…” – Ben Franklin
posted by Jonny on 9-8-2009 at 3:53 pm
I am going to work toward my Microsoft Office Specialist Certification. I have been kicking it around and really have no excuse since 1) I like the stuff and 2) there is a training and testing center very near my home. Maybe I can even get my boss to pay for it!
posted by Hyacinth on 9-8-2009 at 4:24 pm
1.Wake up on time. 2.apply my self 3.wake up on time
posted by Medic on 9-8-2009 at 7:28 pm
My new (school) year’s resolution is to write some thing. Preferably the book I have been attempting to write for the last five years.
posted by Anne on 9-8-2009 at 7:30 pm
Some good suggestions for resolutions and for books. My resolutions, with the caveat that I can wait to start till I’ve moved in two weeks are:
1. Sign up for continuing Portuguese lessons (once signed up, I’m committed)
2. Learn to ballroom dance.
3. Get my Microsoft Office Specialist Certification (good suggestion).
4. Do not substitute television for a social life.
posted by Elizabeth on 9-8-2009 at 7:58 pm
My new (school) year’s resolution is to have more self-confidence. It’s been holding me back big time for a while now, especially for the last year or so, and I’m just sick of always feeling inadequate when people whose opinions I can trust tell me I’m really not. By the end of this school year, I will have received my bachelor’s degree, and I want things to turn around for me before I start graduate school next fall.
posted by Brooke on 9-8-2009 at 8:31 pm
Last year, I was an elementary school teacher and my personal new (school) year resolution was to build a bridge and get over a colleague that I really couldn’t stand working with. I (mostly) accomplished that one, with significant effort on my part.
This year, I am a full time grad student. My new (school) year resolution is NOT to be the last one to leave the classroom or discussion. I tend to linger and I resolve to stop.
I, of course, have other goals and things to work on. But I think a resolution should be a challenge, specific, and in the interest of bettering myself.
posted by Laura on 9-8-2009 at 10:14 pm
You’ve inspired me to actually volunteer for the causes I look up and bookmark but take no further I sent 2 e-mails tonight to different organizations to get the ball rolling.
Thanks!
posted by sarah on 9-8-2009 at 11:15 pm
Wait, didn’t Obama recommend this in his speech to students nationwide yesterday? As far as a resolution…I like the idea. I’m currently working towards a certification and masters in education. One course this semester requires four 10 page papers. I resolve not to wait till the weekend before they are due to start writing them!
I recommend “The Pirate Coast” by Richard Zacks. You can learn a little about the first war our country fought as an independent nation as well as why the marine’s sing about “the shores of Tripoli.”
recaptcha: cremated Workshop
posted by Hastings on 9-9-2009 at 2:22 pm