Behold my 2023 New Year’s resolutions

Pam LeBlanc unveils her 2023 New Year’s resolutions. Pam LeBlanc photo

Every year about this time, I jot down a list of goals for the upcoming 12 months.

In past years, I’ve vowed to write a book (check), learn to make fire using the bow method (check), swim a 200 butterfly without fins (check), and run with scissors, figuratively (check.)

I haven’t accomplished every item on my New Year’s resolution lists over the 15 or so year’s I’ve been making them, but I’m at about a 75 percent success rate. Even better, some of those goals have turned into habits that stuck around longer than a single year.

I’ve cut back on single-use plastics, I pick up trash more often, I’ve improved my photography skills (still working on that one), and tried to live more honestly, letting people know I care about them and being truthful about things that hurt.

I think it’s a great exercise. And so, without further adieu, here are my 2023 New Year’s resolutions:

Pam LeBlanc relaxes next to her campervan, Vincent VanGo. This year she vows to use the van more often. Chris LeBlanc photo

1. GET PICKY – I made 34 trips in 2022, including 16 by plane, five to other countries, and six in my campervan. Once, I woke up and lay in bed for 20 seconds trying to remember where I was. This year, I’m going to get more selective about work-related trips.
2. GO CAMPING – Vincent VanGo, my campervan, spends too much time on the driveway. But my husband just retired, and we’re going to let Vincent out of the stable more frequently.
3. PEDAL MORE — Back when I was a staff writer at the Austin American-Statesman, I rode my bicycle to work almost every day. Now that I work from home, I don’t bike as often. But I’m going to pedal the 7 miles home from swim practice at least three times a week.
4. FLY GIRL – I’m bringing back a classic here. I’ll swim a 200 fly (fins OK, since I’m old) by year’s end. Plus, I’ll going to swim at least a 50 fly at the end of every swim practice.
5. DIAL BACK THE BOOZE – During the pandemic, I slipped into the habit of kicking back with a glass of wine almost every night. No more. That’s fine on weekends or special occasions, but my liver deserves a break.
6. VISIT MOM – My mom is in her 80s, and isn’t in good health. I’m going to visit her as often as possible.
7. READ MORE – My parents always told me I could stay up as late as I wanted if I was reading a book. I love to read, but I want to read more fun stuff, with no goal in mind other than enjoyment.
8. DINNER PARTIES – This one’s easy. I love my friends. I love entertaining. I’m going to host more dinner parties.
9. VEG OUT – My good eating habits have slipped. It’s time to amp up the vegetable intake and throttle back on meat a bit.
10. DON’T SWEAT THE BS – It’s my hardest goal, but I’m going to try to worry less and enjoy more.