The Five New Year's Resolutions That I (Probably) Won't Follow

[Brian Wilson]

It's January 3rd. My gym bag that was lovingly packed is still in my car and I haven't even touched the box of Grain Seeds and Organic Dirt Cereal. Here is my list, maybe it will help you. I put "won't follow" in the title as a challenge, the whole "if you tell me not to do it, then I will do it." This is the reason why I didn't it make it past E4.

5. Drinking Less 

Notice I didn't say stop drinking. I believe a good beer can make a meal or event way better. Many societies have developed beer and you too can enjoy a beer. The key is "a" beer.

Numerous studies show how lots of alcohol leads to bad situations. For us vets that are dealing with our past, beer is not a medicine. How do we solve this? Cold turkey can be shock and will more than likely force you to drink more. 

• Stop drinking alone.
• Save the drinking for the weekend. This will free up your week to do more important things (like work).
• Only buy six packs. 
• Stay away from cheap beer. Head to your local market and create yourself a six pack. Spend time looking at the beer and build a palette. Cheap beer doesn't have a taste, so you drink more. Plus, cheap beer has lots of empty calories and really doesn't do anything except make you drunk. Check out this comparison chart.

Make your beer (or wine, here is a start) about taste, not hangovers. Put the hard liquor away.

4. Starting That Hobby

Now that I am done with school, I have more time for a hobby. Hobbies are important, idle hands are just sad. But what makes a good hobby? Stamp collecting? Model trains? Writing blogs that no one reads? We have already determined from above that drinking is not a hobby. 

Not a hobby.

Studies show that a hobby can improve mental health, memory, and curb depression and stress. Sounds like a great remedy for a veteran. Remember the best hobbies are those that you truly are interested in and where you can grow. Reading is not truly hobby, but writing blogs or trying to complete 100 Books Before You Die.

3. Losing Weight

This one is way too cliche. I wasn't going to add it until my doctor/undertaker called me yesterday to tell me that my triglycerides have tripled in the past two years. Something about my heart rate also being up. He told me to lose weight and part of me wants to get a second opinion.

"You're overweight? Verbal abuse will cure it."

Well, this goes hand in hand with less beer and finding a hobby. Diets suck. So instead, I am going to learn to cook better, make good tasting lunches, and get rid of the fatty cakes. Working out and PT can help out with this situation. LSVA will work on getting gym memberships again this year. Or you can play softball or kickball with us this year.

2. Staying Involved

This is kind of like a hobby, but with not as many rules. Staying involved doesn't mean I should go out and volunteer at more places (LSVA takes most of my time anyway), but staying involved in life. Read newspapers, talk to my co-workers, spend time with the family, go out and meet more veterans. Apathy leads to depression. Which involves drinking and becoming overweight. Right now I can do a sly pitch about various LSVA activities or events (or maybe I just did...). The important thing I need to remember is that in the military I didn't do anything alone, so why would I try to do it on my own in the civilian world? Hanging out with happy people can make you happier.

1. Grow a Handlebar Mustache

Sorry ladies, I am taken.

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Brian Wilson is a former combat medic, who some how made it through boot camp. He currently lives in Houston, Texas with just one wife, one kid, and three dogs. He idealizes himself as a "breakfast taco connoisseur", which is probably why he weighs 212 lbs.  You should be his friend. 

[Reyna]

Great Blog! Getting more hobbies was my NY's resolution last year and I am proud to say that I accomplished it. And sorry bud, I am gonna have to give you a "No Go" on the handle bar! :-)