Today’s Resolution: Answer the Question “Will It Blend?”

There is a series of YouTube videos that has made its mark with the title, “Will It Blend?” and experiments each segment with throwing random items into an ultra-hardcore blender to see how well things will blend. How often do we really use a blender for anything anymore?  We rely on others to do the “blending.”  A popular refreshment that we allow others to blend for us is the smoothie. They range in flavors, sizes, and prices. As accessible as they might be, it is even more convenient and inexpensive to make your own at home. There’s no magic or cost involved. Experiment with flavors. Often you can take what is readily available (bananas, yogurt, ad handful of berries, and some ice) and create a sweet smoothie that is healthy and easy to make. Straw not included.

Today’s Resolution: Celebrate Christmas in July

Each year as the winter holidays roll around, I find myself scurrying to get holiday greetings out to family and friends. It even seems more and more acceptable to get them out as late as January after the major holidays have passed. This year, why not resolve to get the correspondence out 5 months ahead of time when the pace is slower?

Personalize a letter and attach to an email for friends and family. They will not be expecting it, and they will appreciate a detailed update on what you have been doing. If you want to splurge a little, buy holiday cards with festive stamps and use snail mail to spread the holiday cheer. You might even get some special responses!

Today’s Resolution: Put a Lid On It!

Make a concerted effort to check your lids around the house, apartment, or condo. Check your toothpaste tubes, ketchup bottles, and trash cans. Clean up any excess goop or mess around tops and lids. Can’t find that elusive lid to the Tupperware? Put all of the lids in one place or match each one of them up with its counterpart.

Instead of discarding containers, try to re-use plastic containers that do not have lids. Look in the garage or shed for any hazardous materials that need a cover or should be properly disposed of or recycled.

Today’s Resolution: Avoid Being Overdue

One under-utilized resource in your community might be the public library. When was the last time you went? Do you even have a library card? You do not even have to leave the comfort of your couch to have access to classic Greek dramas to Do It Yourself guides. Many public libraries now have free downloads of your favorite authors and topics.

You may have to download software for the appropriate reader to open books, but that is free too. Make a point of exploring what is available through your local library; you are long overdue!

Today’s Resolution: Ask “What’s Up, Doc?”

When we’re children, check-ups at the doctor are essentially beyond our control. We are weighed and measured, given our shots, and asked to turn and cough (some of us).  As adults, especially when we feel well, we overlook these check-ups with the doctor.

Make an effort to visit with your medical practitioner.  Ask about normal blood pressure ranges for your age. See if you can get blood work done to check cholesterol levels. Inquire about any unusual skin spots; melanoma occurs much too frequently. Don’t be afraid to ask, What’s Up, Doc?”