Happpppy New Year

My resolutions are the typical cliche ones:

write more
read more
pursue more interesting people (As opposed to boring ones)
discover a new hobby (knitting? Indian cooking?)

I have declared this year my year of "personal ambition" because I am on a mission to prove to my husband that I actually have some! (You mean blogging along with intermittently taking care of children doesn't seem very ambitious?) I forgive you, honey, for your mean comments, but in the future, telling your wife that she could actually "be somebody" if she tried doesn't go over too well. Perhaps a future Onion headline: HUSBAND TELLS WIFE SHE COULD ACTUALLY BE SOMEBODY IF SHE TRIED AT THE SAME TIME SHE IS CHANGING POOPY DIAPERS

My Christmas gifts this year:

Some cool clothes from Dan from Banana Republic
A nice wallet
some earrings
the book _The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands_ by Dr. Laura "I am a pain in your ass" Schlessinger

Now, to receive that book from my husband wasn't my dream gift by any means. And, of course, Dr. Laura writes a bunch of stuff that is not true (uh, no, I don't think putting on lipstick and a big smile when Dan comes home from work is really going to solve my marriage problems). I do agree that most women shouldn't be nags (duh!), but to simplistically reduce men to wanting mostly "sex and an efficient household" in order for them to be happy seems ludicrous. I tried not to take it too personally--and after we discussed it, I realized he was just trying to be helpful--but I am thinking of what book I can get for Dan that would even come close.

Any suggestions?

On a far more serious note, I am humbled to live in safety and warmth this time of year when so many have been affected by the tsunami. I forget how we are all at the mercy of life's fragility, and tonight I pray that those who are mourning may experience a brief moment of peace or rest.