advice from an aggiePaper out, check.  Pen ready, check.  Motivation, check.  Resolutions….. Stuck!  Why is that?  How is that?  You’d think after 36 (I’m giving myself 10 years of not knowing what one was) years of hearing about them, talking about them, reading about them, and even making the occasional New Year’s Resolutions I’d have it down, right? WRONG.  Still stuck.  Maybe it’s my resistance to do what everyone else does.  Maybe it’s my refusal to write down what I will fail miserably at.  Maybe I lack the real motivation.  Whatever it is, I remain in a stalemate with my desire and potential success.

But I will say this, all is not lost.  This year I did find myself a little more reflective than most years.  I’m sure it is because the last few weeks of 2014 I spent a lot of time in hospitals with dear friends.  Friends that are more like family than friends and coworkers.  And though two are doing great, one passed away and will be truly missed.  I had the honor of doing Ken’s funeral during the days between Thanksgiving and Christmas.  One cannot lose a dear friend and loved one during the Christmas and New Year’s Holiday season and not be a little more reflective.  And so as 2014 came to a conclusion, I found myself not excited about penning something that I’d forget in three weeks but a little bit more resolute.  A little bit more determined to be who I know I am to be.

A good friend, my grandfather taught me that.  Strive to look a person in the eyes when you speak to them and learn their name, they will appreciate it.  When you tell a friend you are going to do something, do it.  To have a good friend is to be a good friend.

A good family man.  Love and provide for my family.  Oh and while I’m talking about family, did you hear I’m going to be a grandfather?  I am. I am.  And all those things they say about grandparents spoiling their grandchildren?  Oh how the challenge is on!

A good man of faith.  No matter how you shake it, I do believe in the big boy upstairs (God) and remain convinced I need to keep everything in balance with Him.  That includes being as good a person as one possible can.  And, I guess, being nice to you even when it’s really really hard (you know who you are)!

So as you hear about weight watchers, penny pinchers, gym goers, smoking stoppers, and the like, don’t be frustrated that you aren’t part of the crowd.  Join me in the Resolution Resistance Movement and just strive to do what you know you need to be doing.

In the meantime, I’ll put my pen, paper and partial scribble away and get back to being the super nice hardware store guy that I should be.

Oh and, can I just say, “wow!”?  #OMG (still trying to be hip, Oh My Gosh).  I was so blown away at our Christmas Eve At The Hardware Store service.  Thank you so much for your support and attendance this year.  I continue to marvel at our community’s support of such a crazy idea and event.  We had a full house and everything just seemed perfect.  If you didn’t make it this year, you’ll want to next year.

See you soon!

Shawn