Been thinking about new year's resolutions, most of which seem to be inspired by the media. Have you noticed that they all imply that there's something wrong with me, something I ought to fix in order not to offend the journalists among us?

They think I should lose weight, clear up my complection, balance my checking account every few days, and never be cranky. Every year they think this.

The heck with that. I've decided that happy resolutions are just as good, and I've resolved the following:

I am going to go to Oregon and see my friend Amy. Also birdwatch. This idea, which has been on the backburner for years, is now scheduled, and the bird-watching hotspots identified.

I am going to buy pretty minerals for my rock collection.

I am going to get out the embroidery floss and embroider something.

I am going to plant some new flowers, something nobody else grows around here.

I am going to visit the mansion and gardens of the Kansas governor, possibly the finest gubernatorial spread in the country. I bet the bird-watching's good there.

I am going to learn how to make artichoke dip.

Whadya think?