To my New Year's resolution list creator

We seem to come together around the same time of year, reflecting upon the old list at one side and placing pen to paper on the new list on the other.

Like you do so well, you pull the old list, read through it and remind me of so many resolutions left unresolved and then ask, "hey, why don't you add these to your new list?"

Stubbornly and regrettably, I say yes, and place the old with those new attributes, traits or flaws that have been deemed necessary to incorporate or desist from my life. The feeling of being reminded of forgetting about those items on the old list, also known as the 2004 New Year's Resolution list, seems to burn inside my conscience, reminding me of what was buried subconsciously or revoltingly during that yearly cycle.

That great hibitor or inhibitor known as time seemed to come into conflict with myself. As the new year was handed over to 2004 like a baton in a relay race, I was tripped up and fell greatly behind. Whomever was the cause of the trip up will never be known since we live in a life with no instant replay, but the fact that time had been lost nonetheless was ever present.

Thus, I was left to cross resolutions off, not at want, but at need to make room for others deemed more important on the list. My list slowly became smaller with each passing month and before I knew it, I was left with little accomplished and a year seemingly wasted in some eyes.

And then, there will be some to whom you compare lists and mine looks like a small order at McDonald's while theirs is a year end report from Starbucks.

It may sound depressing as we have come together to create the 2005 resolution list as we reflect on those things of last year, but it seems necessary to get this stuff off my chest. But, as it is 2005, let's begin what is necessary for me to incorporate over the next 365 days.

This new year has a lot of new things that I feel are important for me to accomplish.

For instance, in my fantasy baseball league, I have been able to finish in the top two of the regular season three straight times and second in the championship twice. This new year makes me wish I could focus heavily on going for the big one, especially this being a contract negotiation year and needing to go for top dollar as manager, not to mention a significant contract extension.

And then there is my "PlayStation" baseball team that is currently 135-5 with seven possible MVP candidates and five Cy Young pitchers, all with one loss each. I am currently riding a 64-game winning streak and the favorite to win the World Series. I think a little extra time on my hands would be nice so I could finish out the season that has been on halt for three years.

Then there is my want to finish my book to which I have only written the first page and that was a year ago. The characters themselves have been persuading me emotionally and forcefully to finish and I would just like for you, My New Year's Resolution representative, to either get the creative mojo juices flowing, or convince the characters to wait a little while longer.

Then there is my golf game. I have been stuck on shooting an 82 for over a year now and I think it is about time we cut a few strokes off. I feel I have put in the effort and you could really come through this time.

So there you have it New Year's Resolutions Creator, my list, though semi-finished is handed over to you for the 2005 year. I ask for patience, care and help during this time period, nothing more or less. Please pat me on the back as we make this run together and keep an eye out for that guy who keeps tripping me. We both know there isn't instant replay in the game of life.