So it’s now a week into the New Year. I managed to stay up until midnight last Saturday and started 2012 by kissing Riley at midnight instead of my wife. She headed to bed shortly after 11 after having a rough day and knowing that the next could be even worse.

I had been putting a lot of thought into my new years resolution. I wanted to start the new year off on the right foot and give myself something to work on that was both measurable as well self improving. Of course I could go with the same resolution that 75% of all Americans choose. However, since I have been running and counting calories for almost 6 months I thought I would be better served by going in a different direction.

One of the challenges with Matthew around is my choice of vocabulary. I often drop the “F” bomb throughout the day. Part of it is the work environment that I am in on a daily basis. And the other part is sometimes I just like to say the word “fuck”. It’s very versatile. It can be a noun, a verb, an adjective and can always replace an idiots first name. But it’s not just the “F” word. I don’t discriminate when it comes to foul language. Every now and then I manage to use multiple curse words in the same sentence.

I do realize that before long Matthew will be saying Daddy and Mommy (it’s not an accident that I wrote daddy first). I know the next step after that is him starting to repeat words that he hears. Anne and I often joke that “Riley, NO” will be the first thing that comes out of his mouth. I definitely do not want him repeating some of the eloquent words and phrases that I have been know to utter after a bad day. So I decided that I would try to eliminate all the “fucks”, “shits”, “assholes”, “cocksuckers” and “bitches” amongst others.

Now I’m smart enough to realize that I can’t stop cold turkey. As a matter of fact, I will still continue to allow myself to write these words on this platform. I will say though, in the first week I have managed to drastically cut down on my swearing. In fact, I can count on one hand the number of times I swore each day. Most have slipped out at work. Immediately after letting one fly I realize that I’ve made a mistake and add it to my daily tally.

One benefit to trying not to curse that I have noticed already is that I am thinking more before I speak. It’s come in handy already this week in a heated discussion with an upset employee that thought he was being treated unfairly. While he started cursing and speaking his mind, I stayed professional and did not lose my cool. I can’t always say that has been the case. Let’s hope that trend continues.

Another small goal I have set for myself this year is to write more often. I’m shooting for 2 posts a week. One dedicated to the weight loss (gulp) journey, and the other to whatever is on my mind.

I hope those of you reading this have had a great start to your 2012. What are your resolutions for this year?