I don’t think I’ve ever, ever made a New Year’s resolution. Not once. Or maybe it was that I once made a New Year’s resolution to never make New Year’s resolutions, and in that case, I suppose I once did. Once.

So, it’s rather unprecedented that I even dare myself to make the commitment of change beginning on an arbitrary, pre-chosen date, even if that date is New Year’s Day. Having said that, I think I can agree to do this if I narrow down the parameters to just 1 year and just culinary-related resolutions. Already I’m negotiating with myself… I don’t think I was cut out for this resolution thing.

And do I need to pre-establish the rules? If I agree to do less of something, what exactly defines less? I suppose eating two fewer French fries is eating fewer French fries, but all year long I’d have to keep track. And I don’t even have a French fry benchmark because I didn’t keep track THIS year.

Maybe I’m too worried that I’d fail. I’m very competitive. I like to do things I’m good at, and I’m not so sure I’m going to be any good at resolutions. How can I even cheat? Who would I really be cheating? And if I make it through 6 months, will any of it really count? Do I get partial credit? Can I live with a C? It’s a passing grade.

Okay, after thinking this over (albeit not thoroughly), I’m willing to give this thing a try. I don’t sound convincing, do I?

I, Pete Loren, being of rather sound mind and questionable body, do hereby resolve the following in 2018:

I don’t know that much about resolutions, but I think 6 is probably enough. I’m guessing I won’t get any more credit if I make it 8 or 10. Besides, I’m new at this, and I think 6 is about the right number.

Okay, so I’m into this thing now and I’ll need your support. And let me know if you’re making any culinary-related New Year’s resolutions of YOUR own. I’d love to know I’m not in this alone.