I am so proud of myself – and apparently I don’t mind bragging a bit today so bear with me.

I’ve planned out all of my segments for February sweeps in record time. So because the only other big deal for me in February is Valentine’s Day I decided to get a jump on buying the gift for my big Valentine — the little ones being my kids. Since he never reads my blog (trust me, it’s easier to write when you don’t have to worry about complaints) I can say what I got him without worrying about spoiling the surprise.

A cooking class with Ted Allen. I know. One might think I was insulting him by handing him a gift like that (“Your cooking sucks, go learn from a pro.”) but believe me he will love it. He’s in the kitchen right now cooking “a simple steak”. Not sure what that really is considering I thought all steak was simple but hey… I don’t have to cook dinner and he enjoys being in the kitchen so I know he will love the class. I was going to say he would be “tickled pink” about the class but the only thing PINK about the class will be the shirt I also got him for Valentine’s Day from Thomas Pink. The store has a slim fit shirt that is an absolute must in every guy’s closet and I haven’t gotten him one in a while so he’s long overdue. He can wear it to the class, roll up the sleeves and start learning from Ted Allen.

Ted Allen (for those who are reading this and saying… “And what’s the big deal”) is the food guy on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. He doesn’t make complicated dishes. He realizes not everyone is going to be able to pull off some of recipes in most cookbooks so he has a straightforward approach to cooking which if you have ever used his cookbook you know results in simply tasty meals.

A friend of mine told me today about some really fun Valentine’s Day cards the company she works for sells at Duane Reade (it’s like a CVS or Walgreens for non-Manhattan residents) so the next time I’m there (shouldn’t be hard since my office is above the original Duane Reade), I have to pick up a fun card for him. And then I’m officially I’m all set.

The only thing that worries me about this Valentine’s Day gift is that this cooking class happens a few days before Valentine’s Day and I could possibly be booked last minute out of town for another Valentine’s Day segment which would mean I couldn’t go with him (and yes, he would want me to be there.) But I’ll just worry about that if it comes up. After all.. most of America is still trying to get that taste of overpowering egg nog out of their mouth… and I’ve already moved on to shopping for the next big holiday. Oh yea!!

Ted Allen
Thomas Pink
American Greetings

Taking home your newborn from the hospital requires an infant car seat before they let you leave the hospital. Hopefully now it will require new parents to also choose one of the two infant car seats that Consumer Union’s Consumer Reports found to be safe:

- Graco SnugRide with EPS
- Baby Trend Flex-Loc

I’ll also go as far as to say I think everyone with an infant car seat should replace their current one if it is not the Baby Trend Flex-Loc or Graco SnugRide with EPS. Both are between $80-90 depending on which place it is purchased from. And $90 should not stand in the way of the safety of your child. Ever.

Sure because as the clock struck 12 and 2006 became a thing of the past, clearly a magical force came upon me and everything I resolved to do and become would just happen.

If only things were that simple. But we all know that most New Year’s Resolutions are just so out there and such a shock to our systems that we give them up within a few weeks of trying to be this new person.

So this year, I write my list of 2007 New Year’s resolutions with two promises – I won’t be hard on myself if I don’t accomplish everything I write down today. And I will only write down things I really believe I can work to accomplish or do if I have a little patience. (Patience really isn’t something I have much of – despite the fact I am a Cancer.)

2007 New Year’s Resolutions

- To have a healthy baby but not find out the sex until he or she arrives (this will probably be harder to do than any other resolution)
- To return to a healthy weight after having the baby (preferably a weight which can fit into a clothing size I already have in my closet so I don’t have to go shopping. I hate shopping for clothing.)
- To publish another book – one that positively changes the reader’s life
- To cook a stress-free holiday dinner or late lunch – completely on my own
- To throw a party – and take a photo without worrying about how my eyes will look
- To survive the training for and run the New York Marathon in November

It’s funny; none of my resolutions are the top New Year’s resolutions. Hmm… maybe this year these will happen. lol