I’m sure that by now most of you have celebrated the Christmas season with gusto.  Hams have been devoured.  Grandparents have been visited.  Mountains of wrapping paper have been stuffed into Hefty bags.  Good times.  Now it is time to look forward into the new year.  Perhaps you are compiling your list of New Years resolutions as I sit writing this on the morning after Christmas.  Not me.  I don’t resolve.  I have historically striven to set goals to better my life at the start of each year, however.  Unfortunately, too many of the same items end up on my goals list year after year  (the result of failing to accomplish them in previous years).  So, this year I thought I would try something a little different.

Instead of constructing a list of goals for 2010 which I most likely won’t achieve, this year I’ve been thinking of things I would prefer to avoid in the new year.  So, the following is “my top ten list of things I do not want to see or hear about in 2010.”  I’ve got to believe that many of you are going to be right with me on most of these.
1)   In 2010, I do not want to hear anything about the sexcapades of Tiger Woods.  But since his scandal has just recently come to light, I have little hope that we’ve heard the last of it.
2)   In 2010, I do not want to attend the funeral of any person or pet I care about who is too young and full of life to pass on.  2009 brought enough sorrow to meet the new year’s quota as well.
3)   In 2010, I do not want to hear my mechanic say, “we probably need to replace that..”  My poor little convertible turns ten years old this year, but I still need her to hang on a little longer as inexpensively as possible.
4)   In 2010, I do not want to have to say “I’m sorry” as much as I did in 2009 for thoughtless or unkind words and deeds.  I’m promising myself to monitor myself better this year.
5)    In 2010, I don’t want to hear anything about the Kardashians.  When a family has no real fame other than its dysfunction, it really should stay off the air waves.
6)    In 2010, I don’t want to hear the words “terrorism” or “recession” on a daily basis.  I may be unrealistic to hope that once or twice a month will be frequent enough in the coming year.
7)    In 2010,  I don’t wish to hear that my grandchildren are being put in “time out” for some childish transgression.  I know they will need it and that it will happen.  I just prefer not to hear about it.  All you grandma’s out there know what I’m saying.
8)    In 2010, I don’t want to hear that this newspaper is struggling to survive because the good townspeople of New Carlisle are not supporting it.   Many many thanks to all of you who have faithfully paid for your subscriptions and advertising.   You keep the presses rolling, and we appreciate it.
9)    In 2010, I don’t want to hear that my newly released book is not selling well.  I’m not expecting to make the best sellers list, but  the first printing will be 5,000 copies, and I really would like to see them all sell.
10)  In 2010, I really don’t want to hear that the community is calling for the New Carlisle News to cancel the column of the woman who just rambles on week after week about everything under the sun.  In fact, I could use some positive feedback once in a while.  I would even welcome your constructive criticism.  I know I have plenty of room for improvement, so please tell me how I can best write what you want to read in the next 52 weeks.

So, there you have it:  my top ten list of things I don’t want to hear about in the new year.   What I do want to hear about is that each and every one of you has a happy and healthy 2010 full of all God’s best blessings. 

Thanks for giving me a moment of your time.