The top answer for my poll on how to make new friends was book clubs/small group activity. So I’ve created the ”Boomers Meaningful Connections Book Club” meetup group here in the Twin Cities. We’re already at 20 members – our first meeting is today! Our first book - since it sparked all my Plan B Connections initiatives – is The Lonely American by Dr. Jacqueline Olds.
I had a great holiday and hope you did as well. The day after Xmas, I flew to San Diego for work and was able to connect from my best friend from grade school – Pia. We hadn’t seen each other in 13 years – she never ages – looks great. She’s single and has built a life in a city very far from where we grew up – so we have a lot in common. It was great to wax nostalgic and talk about our families.
I went to L.A. for New Year’s – saw my 5 year old niece Alice, whose love for horses has been replaced by a love for dolphins – due to Winter’s “Dolphin Tail” – such a sappy, wonderful movie. I must have had Flipper flashbacks as I needed many a Kleenex for that flick. My favorite Alice line this trip – when asked what she wanted for her 6th birthday, ”A pinata - no stick, no blindfold and me first!”
I was hoping she’d be our first woman president – now I’m not so sure…
I have to say, however, my niece has amazing emotional intelligence for a 5 year old. How many 5 year olds have the social skills to ask an adult, “So what did you do for Christmas?” I’m pretty proud of that niece of mine – just keep her away from pinatas.
My father, brother and I made a pact to lose 25 lbs. by year’s end. This same resolution has topped my list for about 10 years running. So I’m taking a different approach – I’m not dieting. I’ll work out more, eat less sweets. and stop eating after 8 pm and see where that takes me. As much as I love Jazzercise, I need strength training and flexibility workouts. So I’m swapping Jazzercise for my local community center’s gym – joined yesterday and already feel lighter and more virtuous. 
I like the idea of patronizing my town’s community center - a great way to build social capital, and it’s a wonderful facility with an indoor walking track, weights and cardio machines. I’ll be able to take unlimited classes – yoga, pilates, zumba, the works. I’m excited!
Two more resolutions – I’ll be listening to more MPR to become a better informed citizen. I may help out on a political campaign too. Third, I’ll continue my efforts to promote meaningful social connections – for others and for myself.
To you and yours, Happy New Year!
Off to the gym!
JTM
