So far, 2012 has been a pretty fine year. For being only one week in, that’s a fine example of optimism.

There are a few routines of the New Year which I fondly adhere to every January.

(1) The mapping out of resolutions. They are usually few in number, and never too lofty, as I fear those are the ones that are most easily neglected. A good one this year has been my let’s-work-out-everyday resolution. When you put your mind to it for 45-60 minutes a day, I’ve found, it isn’t so overwhelming. Until you can’t feel your arms the next morning…but that’s another story.

(2) The brain training exercise of relearning what date to write, day-to-day. It usually takes me a good two months to remember to write the new year – 2012 – instead of the old year – 2011. Or the really old year – 2001.

Yes, sometimes I forget whole decades. It’s an art form.

(3) The buying of a new desk calendar.  I’m not one to have a calendar set up at home – mostly because I’m usually out and about and have my fancy phone for such things (yes, I’m one of those people now, the type that I always swore I wouldn’t become) – but having one at my 9-to-5 work desk is a necessity.

It’s always fun to see what calendars my work compatriots choose to represent their new year. (At least I find it exciting, but then again, I don’t have cable at home, so my methods of entertainment are always a little…let’s say different.)

For instance, one of my coworkers has the above January picture to greet her each day: Anything is Possible. What an optimistic, happy message to start off the New Year.

I, on the other hand, have this one:

I will leave you to draw your own conclusions.