In my attempt to review my New Year's resolutions made a year ago and my endless effort to adhere to them, I couldn't remember what they were. Therefore, it can be reasoned, I must have achieved all of them. I suppose the doubters who read this column may find cause to think the opposite.
Upon further review, I can vaguely recall something about being on a mission in 2011 to land my monster muskie and place a replica of the same in a space reserved precisely for that long-coveted trophy. In that space today is a horizontal fishing rod rack containing several fishing rods, recently installed there is an admittedly meager attempt to cover up a glaring reminder of my muskie misfortunes.
Should I hook and land my 50-inch muskie this year that rod rack will come down immediately. That's my plan. In fairness, some New Year's resolutions do take a little more time and effort than others.
Article Photos
Kim Fundingsland is a staff writer for The Minot Daily News.
While that previously believed reachable resolution may not have improved my personal behavior, appearance or attitude in 2011, achieving it will certainly ease a growing unrest that cannot be beneficial for continued good health.
Oh, I remember one other resolution that I failed to achieve. For this one, however, I have a very plausible excuse which will be readily understood by even the greatest disbelievers. I had indicated I would spend several vacation days hunting sharp-tailed grouse rather than pheasants. Perhaps some would call that intention announced on New Year's Day 2011 a resolution. I'm not recalling that I did, exactly, but a sharp decline in bird numbers led to my previously agreed upon option of recalling that alleged resolution -- if indeed it was ever made at all.
One resolution I did make, returning to my fishing theme of 2011, was to target species of fish other than walleyes. I resolved to fish northern pike, bass and salmon. In fact, I was so dedicated to this resolution that I dedicated as much spare time as possible to fulfilling it. Ignoring things like mowing the lawn and neglecting other such responsibilities and fishing as much as possible is more difficult than you can imagine, but I DID IT!
I am so pleased with my ability to live up to that New Year's resolution that I'm just crazy enough to vow to do it again. If there is no flooding in 2012 I can get an earlier start and do even better than I did in 2011. I'll be the envy of fishermen everywhere, except those who will be doing all they can to live up to a similar pledge. If I don't know their names, I'll recognize their boats.
I suppose I'll have to come up with a few resolutions that don't involve fishing or hunting. I don't smoke, so making a resolution to quit wouldn't be right. Resolutions about healthy diets and such always get fractured whenever my favorite chips go on sale. I guess I'll just admit to resolving to change a few things in 2012. I'll let you know how I did a year from now.
If I remember.