mrkilborn

So, I know there are people out there who balk against the concept of resolutions. They fight against them because they either don't want to consider the possibilities of needing to change or thinking that what they are doing isn't right... or they don't have the intestinal fortitude to correct some obvious problems. It's just so easy to remain in the rut, isn't it people?

Well, the fact is we all can use some improvement... even me, if you can believe it! And the new year is a great excuse to do just that. You have a fresh calendar, a fresh start and a world of good intentions. It's all filled with hope and promise.

Frankly, there's not a lot of improvements I can make on myself. Hey. Just being honest! I'm in top physical condition... though I guess I could run a bit more and work out a little more. I could always be a bit more well read. When's that next Parry Hotter book coming out?

And then there's wishing people a happy birthday. I mean, what's that? Do I send you a card you didn't want or a gift you don't need? It's a lot of opportunity to spoil an otherwise nice day for you. That's why I tend not to bother with birthdays. If you're on my friends list, then you know that I <3 U, and care about you. Or, I hope you know it. If you didn't before, you know it now!

Having said that, I'm sending a birthday wish out to

j_law, just because he's one of the nicest guys around here.

If you really want me to make a big deal about your birthday, it's simple. Throw a party and invite me to it. Be sure that it's at a high-profile venue, like The Kodak Theater, The Standard, The Pennisula, The Four Seasons, Chasen's, Dodger Stadium, etc. I'll be sure to bring you flowers and a gift you won't forget! One proviso: be sure to give me two weeks notice! I'm a very busy man.

That brings me back to the resolutions thing.

What are you going to do about your self-improvement dreams? You need to be diciplined. Make a plan, come up with ways to execute it and begin!

Here are my list of resolutions. Feel free to co-op any or all of them.

1. Talk only when it's worth talking about.

This will be difficult to keep, considering the subjects that come up on the television show, but I'll try to keep it to a minimum. That means I'll probably limit my posting around here. But if there's something that is meant to be joked about, I'll be there.

2. Physical shape.

I plan to run daily, and work out at least three times weekly. I just reupped my gym membership, and I plan to use more than just the steamroom this year. I'm going to be NBA bench ready by the playoffs!

3. Cut back on the alcohol.

I say this every year and I do it every year! This time, I plan to drink only with meals, except for a drink or two during cocktail hour. Okay! Just one martini. If you pace yourself, you can burn off those olives in no time.

4. More great ideas for everyone.

I like to think of myself as a catalyst for fun in the MBP community. I had a hand in such varied activities as The First and Second Annual Bubble Awards, Family Feud, MBP Celebrity Big Brother Game and, of course, the

late_late_show. Hopefully, there will be more chances for more excitement for everyone in the new year!

But no matter the resolutions, no matter the efforts, successful or failed... what matters is attempting good things, helping out the people you encounter, and having the best possible time on the journey. If you only make one resolution for 2004, let it be that one.

Proud of you.