Banned Words for 2008

Every year Lake Superior State University (read here for the history of word banishment) listens to complaints and comments from the American public about overused words and phrases in American usage and they compile a list of words that are to be banned for the next year. The list for 2008 includes: Perfect Storm, Webinar, Waterboarding, Organic, Wordsmith/Wordsmithing, Author/Authored, Post 9/11, Surge, Give Back, 'Blank' is the new 'Blank' or 'X' is the new 'Y', Black Friday, Back in the Day, Random, Sweet, Decimate, Emotional, Pop, It Is What It Is, and Under the Bus.

I agree with the banning of "Perfect Storm," "Post 9/11," and "Decimate" and hereafter you will never see these phrases appear on my blog because I do believe that "perfect storm" is way overused, I don't live my life according to a 9/11 timeline, and I never reduce anything strictly by one tenth. I can't promise about the other words and phrases, because either I like them, or I still find them useful or ironic.

If you are looking for a "random" resolution for the new year, you could check out the complete list of banned words. It would be a major accomplishment to remove them all from your vocabulary... or even just your blogging vocabulary.

Wintertime Resolutions,

Wintertime Resolutions- To be reassessed in the Spring

1. I am going to brainwash my niece into thinking that I am the most amazing Auntie ever. To do this, I think that I am going to have to spend some time learning to appreciate the intricate nuances of princessness.

So this goal is a two parter: I will call and talk to my niece at least once a week, and I will do something extra girly at least once a week. The girly-girl stuff that I will focus on are taking fragrant bubble baths, trying body glitter, or wearing my tiara while watching football.

2. I will get Edgy and Dec's Christmas presents to them before St. Patrick's Day. And maybe even before President's Day, or even maybe, Martin Luther King Jr. Day. But, I shouldn't get my hope up too high. Edgy and Dec are very busy and social people, they might not have time to open Christmas presents.

3. I will read all of my Christmas books, and I will keep up with Edgy's Book Club. And I might even read even more books. And I might even blog about them, even though that doesn't fit the scope of my blog.

4. I will bring lunch to my office at least three days a week, and I will cook my own dinner at least three days a week. Along with this, I will cook one completely new recipe every week. And maybe I will try ingredients that I have never eaten before. I am still not sure about this rule yet.

5. I will do yoga at least three times a week. This is a continued goal.

6. I will be more aware of my footprint on the planet, and I will study more and implement lifestyle changes to reduce my footprint.

7. I will study more and seriously consider the 100 Mile Diet. But I will have to adjust for my need for omega 3 fatty acid rich seafood, that I need to eat because of my Multiple Sclerosis.

8. I will study for the GRE so I can take it and get into that other graduate school program, the one at the rival university.

9. I will learn how to watch a movie by myself without feeling guilty. Movies aren't always social opportunities. It is okay for one person to be entertained. Therefore, it is okay to watch a movie by myself. (Side goal: This weekend I must see a movie in a theater, there are about six that I want to see, I should be able to find someone to go with me...)

10. I will learn how to knit so I can make a sweater so when I have a boyfriend this year (the silent, unspoken goal) he will look as good as Tristan did when he was dashing in and out of the cold North Atlantic waters.