Usually, when I write my columns, I get as comfortable as possible in front of my computer. I put on my favorite, pink, Gap sweatshirt that I bought with my employee discount when I was 16. The sweatshirt goes perfectly with my cute, flowered, pajama pants and blue, fuzzy, slippers.

So, why aren’t I comfortable right now? Well, maybe it’s because I have managed to polish off every single dessert from every holiday gathering I have attended thus far. And maybe, just maybe, I haven’t done my treadmill as often as I should have during this busy holiday season.

With that said, it would seem that I am a perfect candidate for a few New Year’s resolutions. Hence, I decided to call my good friend, Buffalo Grove resident Dr. Deborah H. Stern, a clinical psychologist practicing at PRA Behavioral, which has offices in Vernon Hills, Schaumburg and Crystal Lake.

Last year, Dr. Stern gave the readers of this column great advice about New Year’s resolutions and many of you wound up making (and possibly breaking) some new goals for yourselves. And after much consideration about what Dr. Stern said, I was determined to do the following: Eat a few vegetables once in a while, file a paper or two every so often and cook dinner sometimes.

This year, Dr. Stern asks that “instead of just blindly making resolutions, take a look back to see how last year’s resolutions went and assess if the goals were met.”

“Many people make the same resolutions every year,” says Dr. Stern. “Is that because they didn’t meet them the year before? If so, it’s time to take a step back, figure out what’s getting in the way and make a plan to address those things that blocked the progress the year before. Also, think about what worked and what changes you need to make in your resolutions. Are they realistic goals?”

“In addition, people should think about what went well and what goals they did accomplish,” says Stern. “Congratulate yourself on accomplishments you have made or goals you have reached and be thankful about the things that went well.”

So, how did I do on last year’s New Year’s resolutions? Well, I think overall I did a great job in 2006. (That’s me congratulating myself on my accomplishments!) I definitely cooked more often and even impressed some picky relatives. One of my new recipes had over 15 different ingredients and required a skillet and the oven.

In the veggie category, I have become obsessed with sugar snap peas and go through at least three or four bags per week. But at $3.50 per bag and about $600 per year I haven’t quite figured out if that’s a good thing or not. I also made a really great green bean casserole the other day and although I don’t even eat green beans, the one bean I tasted was really delicious.

As for filing papers, I think I’m going to take that off my resolution list from now on. As per Dr. Stern’s suggestions, I took a step back, reflected and decided that the problem is that I just don’t like to file. And I’m sensible enough to realize that for now I’m content shoving things into my cabinets.

Additionally, “I don’t think people need to wait until a new year to establish personal goals,” says Dr. Stern. “People can reassess or reflect on a regular basis every month or even every day. Achieving resolutions is an ongoing process, not a one-time task.”

Because of Dr. Stern’s recommendations, I am going to make small goals that I will reflect on throughout the year. Some of them will be:

1. Get more pedicures.

2. Dine at the Cheesecake Factory more often.

3. Go on a shopping spree at Macy’s in order to recover from the closing of Marshall Fields.

I’ll let you know next year if I was able to meet my goals!

If you know someone who should be featured in this column, please email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Have a fabulous 2007!

By the way, for those of you going to see the movie Charlotte’s Web, please remember that it was a classic children’s book first. Now would be the perfect time to read the story with your family before seeing the film. (I just had to get that in as a former third grade teacher!)

© 2006 Susan Dubin, Buffalo Grove, Illinois