As if surviving the holidays isn't difficult enough, just as the shopping and buying and wrapping and baking and socializing and family visits are coming to a close, we get one more ritualistic whammy: the pressure to come up with a way to be even better (or less of a mess) than we already are in the year ahead.
Many will pledge to get into better shape, dreaming of unleashing the inner Adonis or Aphrodite trapped inside an otherwise baked couch potato physique. This compulsion creates an annual feast for fitness vultures targeting easy prey, with athletic clubs making a seasonal push to pull in new members, promising to be our allies in helping us meet our slim-down, tone-up goals for the coming year. Not that this is a bad thing.
It's just annoyingly predictable, and compounded when it reminds those of us who have been far too inert in 2011 that it's time to get up and move.
Who among us is pledging to do what in 2012? From newsmakers to news crews, here's a short list of what some Alaskans have planned for themselves starting Jan. 1. What's your plan?
Jill Burke, Alaska Dispatch writer: More exercise, more dog walks, more camping, more time with my great family and kids, less driving.
Craig Medred, Alaska Dispatch writer: Lose 20 pounds. It's my perpetual New Year's resolution.
Gov. Sean Parnell: Greater physical fitness and more outdoor time!
U.S. Sen. Mark Begich, D-Alaska: (Personal) More time with family and catching up on house chores. (Policy) Drilling in the Arctic.
Anchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan: My 2012 New Year's resolutions are to work hard every day to make the city a better place to live work and play, and to start working out more regularly until I get a one pack. A six pack is too ambitious.
Maria Downey, assistant news director and anchor, KTUU-Channel 2 News: Would like to vow to keep to my annual New Year's resolutions, which I always seem to break. In 2012 I'd like to get in shape and also, slow down to really enjoy throughout the year the important people in my life -- friends and family.
Contact Jill Burke at jill(at)alaskadispatch.com