Kids give Santa a wish list each December. Adults make wish lists/resolutions in January. Here is my wish list/resolutions for 2016:
8) More female oriented movies at the theatre. Fact: Women make up more than 50% of the movie-going population. Apparently the movie theatre tracks a movie to see how it does and the chosen few make it to our neck of the woods, but I am pretty sure Trainwreck was one of the only click-flicks that made it here in 2015. Really, you are going to bring “Daddy’s Home” and not “Sisters” to St. Paul? (Daddy’s Home got a 31% fresh rating vs. 60% fresh rating for Sisters, from Rotten Tomatoes, a website that combines critiques and makes an average rating). We all need more opportunities to fantasize about being besties with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. Ladies, am I right?
7) Drive a little slower (especially in parking lots). We all know how awesome your truck is, that it makes loud sounds, and can accelerate superbly but don’t do that by the elementary school, please.
6) Exercise more. If you see one of your chubby neighbours (myself included) jogging slowly, wave encouragingly. Don’t drive slowly beside us, that is creepy. Also, can we have curb extensions (aka bulb-outs) so the bike trail around the town won’t pop any of our bike tires from jumping up and down sharp curves? Pretty please. I would love to one-day see a family oriented bike race through our little town. Tour de St. Paul, do you feel me?
5) Buy locally. Support the Ma and Pa restaurant as much as you support the giant chains. Start by bringing $20 to the weekly Farmers Market. Then build your way up to going to that gift store, greenhouse, or hit that farmer up for some fresh eggs. Not only will it make your tummy feel good but your soul too.
4) Learn something new. Visit the St. Paul Museum. It’s open June to September for regular hours but it gives guided tours year round, so call to book! There’s also Fort George and Buckingham House Provincial Historic Site, which has great online reviews, or the Saddle Lake Cultural Museum. Even if you have lived here your whole life, you might be amazed at what you can learn.
3) Volunteer. Whether it is for the senior home, Special Olympics, or Food Bank, get out there and give of your talents. Bonus: you might even make a new friend or two. If you are limited for time, do something on a smaller scale like free tutoring services at the library or knit a blanket for the hospital.
2) Be politically involved. Help local government officials make better choices and ask the many questions on both sides of each issue. Municipal government uses our money so do not be afraid of making your voice heard.
1) Don’t gossip. Unless you are saying how awesome someone is, then don’t stop talking! St. Paul is full of top-notch people; let’s all focus on the good in everyone.
Abby Keyes is a resident of St. Paul who writes a humour blog at http://keyeschronicles.blogspot.ca
