On Resolutions

This year we continued our New Year's Eve tradition of Chinese food for dinner and a quick list of goals and favorites. It surprised me how quickly the kids began to feel a sense of heritage about this meal, only three years in. But that's what family traditions are all about, right?

I don't really like "resolutions" per se, but I'm a big believer in lists and goals. It seems like anytime I write something down, it's much more likely to come to pass. Even when the goal is not fully within my power to achieve. Last year I finished the Personal Progress program in Young Women's again. You can redo it as a leader in YW, did you know that? It was surprisingly fulfilling: a pleasant journey through scriptures and goals. Sort of nostalgic, too.

This fall I found a "Bucket List" that Josh was assigned to write for a class. I grabbed it and made copies, hoping it could spark some ideas for gifts or trips. Will he make it in the NBA? Maybe as a General Manager. But can I help him realize his dream of dancing in a coconut bra and grass skirt? Definitely.

For Christmas we crossed off this readily attainable goal: Win a game of Monopoly.

We didn't even own a game of Monopoly (we're not big board game people at the Davis house). So we gave him a Monopoly game for Christmas, but I thought achieving the win would take a little more time. Nope. Josh cleaned up his first time around.

Look at that board. A hotel on every property he owns. Complete and total dominance.

See? Lists are magic. Happy New Year!