My Top 10 New Year's Resolutions for 2012

These are my top 10 New Year's Resolutions for 2012--these are the only 10 actually. Since the Mayans could be right and this could be the last year we're all alive, I thought I should have a fun year. If you're alive, check back at the end of next year to see how I did (check back before then though).

10. Read more. I have been reading a lot this week and realize I need to make more time to read in the coming year. The goal is 30 books. I hate to admit how many books I've read this year. Suffice to say it was less than 30. Therefore, reading 30 will be more. This means less TV and Internet, so this may not happen.

9. Try to break the 4 hour marathon (again). I'm scheduled to run the Miami Marathon at the end of January, but I've been quite lax in my training since running the Philadelphia Marathon in November. My legs have not felt great on my runs. They have been quite crampy and spasmy. I'm considering bailing on Miami. I hope I can get my running enthusiasm back. I actually hope to run several marathons next year. In addition to Miami (if I do it), I plan on entering the lottery to run the New York City Marathon, but only 8 to 12 percent of entries get chosen. I'm also considering Wilmington, Delaware.

8. Stop biting my nails, as it is getting difficult to reach certain areas inside my nose. This could be the most difficult resolution for me on the list.

7. Be more creative with my gift giving in the new year, which means no more calendars and candles as gifts. So, if you were looking forward to getting a calendar from me--tough luck.

6. Quit smoking. OK... technically I don't smoke at all, but this really seems like something I can accomplish.

5. Drink more red wine. Red wine is supposed to be good for your heart and I do drink one or two glasses several nights a week, but I want a really healthy heart.

4. Stop using the phrase "that guy." I hate being that guy that uses the phrase "that guy." As a matter of fact, I want to stop using the word "that" altogether.

3. Save more money. I have a specific goal in mind here, but I don't really want to publish my financial information on a public blog.  I will publish my Social Security Number  and my Mother's maiden name, but not at this time.

2. Post more interesting content on my blog, such as kitty videos and mildly interesting top 10 lists. I want to give the people what they want. This may mean buying Maude more holiday-related costumes. She'll be thrilled.

and my #1 New Year's Resolution is....

1. Devise a plan to manipulate Shane into marrying me. Or, let Shane manipulate me into marrying him. We've been together almost 14 years now and we're already an old marry couple in our minds. Not to sound overly romantic, but we just need to get it done to get the limited legal benefits we can from a marriage that is recognized by the District of Columbia, but not by the Federal Government.