Resolving Resolutions
Everybody likes to think that they'll be better off in the new year, that somehow, turning a calendar page will make all the bad actions of the prior year fade to black and a fresh start will cure all ailments.
To those noble, but often mythical, ends, people make resolutions concerning their conduct in the coming year.
Some plan on losing weight, some to be kinder to loved ones. Others desire to make more money or to make smarter decisions about business or personal matters.
Most of all, these ideas are usually jettisoned within the first month, often in the first week, but, there's actually a good reason for failure.
Most resolutions are focused on what we ourselves perceive as bad behavior, like overeating, smoking, being angry, jerking off.
Turns out, quitting smoking, eating less, reining in emotions, and suppressing natural tendencies are difficult. We are creatures of habit. Breaking habits is often next to impossible for most people, especially nowadays, because our world is compressed, complex, and often frustrating.
Instead of making a resolution to STOP doing something, it's probably better to resolve to do less of it. Smoke less, eat less (or eat a better selection of foods), find ways to quell angry notions, etc.
When it comes to self-pleasure, back in 1977, Woody Allen nailed it in four seconds flat in the film "Annie Hall", telling Diane Keaton:
Further more, a search on the subject reveals that masturbation is healthy and good for you. It can strengthen the pelvic floor, dull physical pain and relieve stress. However, it is important to practice in moderation. Also, similar to a good workout, it's a great hangover cure.
Practice? Anybody who's ever gone the distance knows that practice, in this regard, is unnecessary. It's not like shooting three-pointers or throwing a good curveball. It's more akin to riding a bike. Once you know how to do it, it comes naturally. So, don't practice. Just do it, like the commercials say.
Besides, nobody has ever sucessfully given up that very personal exercise, so don't even try. Moderation is key. Better yet, find a partner. You'll both be better off.
Enough about that. The point is that making resolutions to improve certain aspects of one's life are better than ones that attempt to break supposedly "bad" habits.
So, instead of quitting smoking, maybe it would be better to chew more gum, or smoke cigars more often.
Those who want to lose weight need a plan. It's not like giving up cookies or chocolate cake is ever going to happen. Trying to do that only leads to frustration and stress, which lead to eating disorders. A better solution would be a resolution to at least try to exercise on a regular schedule.
It's like one of the resolutions I made last year, which was to try to shave at least twice a week. I succeeded beyond my wildest dreams. I always remembered that I was supposed to shave twice a week, though I sometimes failed to do so. I was at least pointed in the right direction.
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Winter of Heat
Early last year - it may have been February, but probably March - my heating system broke down. The company that manufactured what was essentially a heat pump shall remain nameless* even though they're entirely at fault and have been unable to provide many, many users like me with a workable solution.
Long story short, I live in East Tennessee, which has abundant hydroelectric power through the TVA. The problem, after at least eight service calls, none of which failed to fix the problem, was, and still is, as explained to me, that the voltage coming into my system was too high and it was damaging the delicate circuit boards inside the unit.
Well, I never thought that having good, clean, reliable power at a high voltage was a problem, but, apparently it is. Seems that it's not just me having this issue.
In any case, the attempts to fix the heating system all came to naught, so I was once again called upon to become resourceful. I brought in one of those fake fireplaces that's actually a big electric heater and I hooked up my propane-powered Mr. Heater Big Buddy, which has served me well over the years since 2016, when I was living off-grid.
The Mr. Heater is absolutely essential. Even though I close off two rooms, I'm still trying to heat about 800 square feet, and that big fake fireplace doesn't cut it. With that beast set at 76 degrees, I can turn Mr. Heater on to the highest setting and increase the room temperature from 68 to 74 in under 30 minutes. Usually, I leave it on the lowest setting for a comfort level that works for me. Seriously, I dislike cold weather with a passion. Though it's not as cold here in the South as it was when I lived in upstate New York, I still don't appreciate dealing with temperatures under 50 degrees.
Some day, I may have a new heating system, but it doesn't seem to be in the cards for this winter, thus, every day that my toes are cold, that I sneeze in the chilly morning air of my kitchen, my every waking hour through to March 20th is going to be my winter of living near the edge, heating unconventionally. I am not fond of cold, of being cold, disliking everything about cold weather, but, I'm fortunate enough to have the skills and brain power to figure out a short term solution.
Dealing with minor or even major setbacks without losing one's cool builds character. Me, Suki, and Mr Heater will probably make it through to Spring, even without optimal heating or hating.
*Mitsubishi
If you live anywhere that might need heat, especially if there's a power outage, having a Mr. Heater is a must. Also recommended are a couple of 20-lb. propane tanks (the kind you use on gas grills), and an extension hose that connects the propane tank to Mr. Heater. Lowe's and Home Depot both stock them with the correct fittings. (Nobody is paying for this "promotion," but, if they'd like to, idleguy.com is open to it.)
