Usually, I don't make New Year's resolutions. They're gone by the end of the week, if not the day.
And I don't want to make promises I can't keep.
There's the usual things. I've already quit smoking, twenty years ago. I still want to lose weight. I always want to do that. And, I should call my kids more often. Even if they're not home.
Yes, I know that politicians shouldn't make promises, anyway. Or, some claim, that politicians never keep promises. Well, if I make a promise I want to keep it. So, here goes.
I resolve to return phone calls promptly. My assistant, John Carlstrom, and I try to return your calls within 24 hours, whenever possible. Even if we don't have an answer for you, or the information you wanted, we want to get back to you promptly.
Under full disclosure, let me emphasize, whenver possible. After all, sometimes I sleep, sometimes I'm out of town, sometimes the House is up most of the night in budget debates. Sometimes, it's the middle of the night or a holiday. And, John's my only backup, my only staff. So, rememer, whenever possible.
I resolve to listen better. And talk less. And be more patient with people that disagree with me.
But, I also resolve to be less patient with people who call me multiple times with the same problem about which I can do nothing about.
If, then, I resolve to do something for someone else every day, does that eradicates the previous resolution.
I promise not to run into the concrete pillar in the Boston parking garage. Again.
I resolve to let my first constituent cook something, or drive at least one place in 1997, without my instructions. And I won't make fun of Spam. I won't eat it; but I won't make fun of it.
I resolve not to eat if I'm not hungry. And if it's Spam, I'm not hungry.
I resolve to admit that I see where the cat threw up on the carpet, well, once in a while. But I'm not ready to say that I'll also clean it up.
I resolve not to make fun of my daughter's bald (okay, hairless) dog. And I resolve never to ask when I'll be a grandmother. And I'll never tell my bagpipe-playing son-in-law that I can't stand bagpipes. Just don't let him read next week's column!
I resolve to give away clothes, and shoes, I haven't worn in ten years. Or more. I resolve to read more books. And worry less. And throw more things away. And enjoy life more.
As soon as I get rid of these crutches. For those who've wondered but are too polite to ask, I had foot surgery about 10 days ago. And I promise I'll be rolling around the State House again come January 1.
Yes, I mean rolling--they've provided a little scooter for me to get around on. And, yes again, I mean January 1, New Year's Day. The official opening of the new legislature is the first Wednesday of January, even if it's a holiday, according to the constitution.
Thanks for all your support, your votes, and your encouragement and kind words in 1996. I look forward to serving you in 1997. And wish you all a healthy and happy New Year!