Last year, my new year’s resolution in 2011 was to not buy any new clothes (other than underwear and shoes). Except for one t-shirt and the aforementioned exceptions, I succeeded. Granted, that was a pretty easy resolution to maintain. I allowed myself to shop for used clothing, which I indulged a little while Cinnamon and I were in New Orleans, picking up two really great shirts, and left myself important loopholes for things you really can’t go a full year without.* Low pressure mission with an attainable goal. Pretty close the ideal resolution in terms of likelihood of success.

Most years my resolution revolves around getting into better shape. Two years in a row I vowed to follow the 100 pushups plan, and two years in a row I failed miserably. I’m coming back to that theme this year, but with a different plan. Cinnamon gave me a bike trainer last year for Christmas. I barely used it, but I plan to this winter — with the help of Monty Python. My neighbor Tony set up a TV and DVD player in the basement in front of his elliptical machine; my bike is set up right next to it. My plan is to ride for the length of a Monty Python episode at least two times a week, preferably three or more. With a little entertainment, I think it should work this time — and will have me in shape to bike outdoors once it’s nice enough out. Who knows, maybe I’ll even do some pushups, too.

* OK, maybe shoes aren’t an absolute necessity. I might have made it a year without new shoes, but not comfortably.