Sure, I feel fat and my house smells like puppy pee, but I'm going to love, doggone it!

To make one or not? This is the question every year when it comes to New Year’s resolutions. Last year, I didn’t make a resolution, therefore I didn’t break a resolution. In 2009, I made my list of "realistic resolutions," and I’m pleased to say that I stuck to every one of them. 

This year...hmmm...

I don’t know if it’s because I’ve spent far too much time watching “I Survived: To Death and Back” on the Biography channel this holiday break, or if it’s the fact that 2010 was a little on the harsh side, but I’m thinking my 2011 resolution needs to be love. 

Love! What does this mean? I thought I'd explain with a few photos. Here goes:

Just because my house usually looks like this (messy):

And I currently look like this (super chub):

And I almost always feel like this (tired): 

And my to-do list looks like this on a good day (long):

Does not mean that I’m going to forget about these guys (my pups):

Or spend less time with this handsome fella (my honey):

Or neglect these happy folks (my family):

Or put off the time I want to be spending with these crazy kids (friends):

In other words, I’m not going to let my hectic schedule, lack of narcolepsy medicine, and personal insecurities get in the way of what matters the most to me--those I love. 

• I’m going to stop dodging house guests because our home is a reck and smells like dog urine. 

• I’m going to spend more time with family between the usual big events. 

• I’m going to spend more time walking those pups who absolutely adore a little neighborhood stroll, even if there are things that need doing. 

• I’m not going to put off seeing an old friend because I feel too fat and embarrassed. 

• And I’m going to keep in better contact with my friends, even if that’s as simple as a little Facebook wall graffiti from time to time. 

I’ve spent far too much time letting my insecurities about the way I look, the way I feel, the way my home looks, and the things I have to do get in the way of loving and being loved in return. If those “I Survived” shows have reminded me of anything, it’s that life is short and the only thing that matters when all is said and done is the love we’ve experienced. 

I managed to accomplish my last two year’s worth of resolutions, let’s see if I can make it a charming third time in 2011. 

What, if any, resolutions did you make this year? I’d love to read about them.

Cheers!