New Year's Resolutions

I've never really participated in the tradition of New Year's resolutions.  For one thing, I think you should make resolutions at any time you think you need them.  For another, the societal expectation is that you'll fail at them, so perversely it seems to be actually a list of things you half-heartedly wish you would do better but know you won't.  Nonetheless, I do have a few items this year.

WHEREAS I am in the third year of my PhD, and

WHEREAS extensive delay in completion of my degree would be detrimental to both my professional progress and my financial situation, and

WHEREAS I participate in an unusually high number of activities, which situation requires efficiency of effort for me to continue in them all,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED

• that I will submit my dissertation within the calendar year 2013;
• that I will reply to emails promptly, even if the situation is delicate and/or I am afraid of a negative response to my message;
• that I will not torture myself about situations beyond my control, be they personal relationships or rowing arrangements.

In keeping with these resolutions, I will save my report on Christmas/New Year's for another post.  But here's a picture of where I spent New Year's Day(!!!)