Behind update: Rob and I had a very productive evening. We dropped off his car for a state inspection, did our monthly bulk grocery shopping at the bulk grocery store, planned dinner for the week and did our weekly grocery shopping at the regular grocery store, and most importantly, restocked our liquor supply at the ABC store. There is butterscotch schnapps in the house again - everything will be just fine.

We also did two loads of laundry, emptied and reloaded the dishwasher, and paid bills. Rob did some yard work. (Not weeding - the weeds are still very much present.) I caught up on my blog reading. (Elizabeth, where are you???)

It's amazing what you can accomplish when you don't turn on the tv.

Thanks to all of you for your comments of support and reminders of John Stamos. I'm feeling a wee bit better today. And in order to make myself feel even better, I'm going check my New Year's Resolutions status. Because for once, I've actually kept most of them.

I should say that I've always felt that New Year's resolutions were silly. But the older I get the more value I see in re-examining my life and improving myself. After all, I only get one shot at living a life that's fulfilled and meaningful.

In bold are my five 2005 resolutions, as written in my journal on January 1, 2005. (Keeping that journal was a resolution itself. It died the day I started this blog, which is SO much more fun.) In regular type is the status to date.

1. Read more books/novels. (I should quantify this resolution so I actually have more impetus to achieve it, but then it will feel like homework, so I won't.)

I began the Reclaim Reading in 2005 Initiative. I just started Book #8 of the year. That's not great, but it's an average of more than one a month. And it's 8 times the total number of books I read last year.

2. Exercise more. (Doubt this will happen, but it's a good one to have.)

This is actually happening! I know, I'm as surprised as you are. I discovered a community indoor track near my house. I walk with a friend from work and I also JOG on my own. JOG! And my mom and I are talking about joining a health club together in the fall. For the first time in my life, I won't have to lie when my gynecologist asks me if I exercise.

3. Keep kitchen counter/sink clear of dishes.

This one is a complete and utter failure. UTTER. Moving on...

4. Be nicer to Rob. (This has been a constant one since college.)

I'm one of those emotionally high-maintenance women who will throw what can only be described as a tantrum when we are out of spaghetti noodles and I WANT SPAGHETTI FOR DINNER. (And NO, linguine noodles are NOT good enough.) Whoever happens to be standing next to me at those moments will be torched by my fire-breathing dragon self. And always, that person standing next to me is Rob. I should be locked in a closet until I can learn to play nicely. Instead, somehow I get to spend each day with this amazing man who possesses the even-keel and inner stamina to not only tolerate me, but love me. (Even adore me, I suspect.)

So I'm trying to be nicer to him. I think it's working, but he won't admit it.

5. Appreciate the little things.

Even weeds are lovely when you really look at them.