Since the year has officially begun, I felt it right and proper to share my annual resolutions list.
Yes, I know, like many of you out there, I solemnly swear to stick to my list … and then, just like that, “epic fail” is written all over it.
Yearly exercise
However, it’s a yearly exercise that I shall continue to practice, so here we go:
1) To not fly off the handle when my name is misspelled or mispronounced.
One would think that after more than 30 years in show business (this March marks my 34th anniversary as a performer), almost everyone would know how to spell and/or pronounce my name. The reason for my being so finicky is this: on the Salonga side of my family, there already is a Leah, pronounced LEE-yah. I’m a couple of years younger, so to prevent any confusion, I got to be Lea, pronounced LEI-yah. And no, no one ever gets it wrong in my family, not even when heavily inebriated.
As for my surname, well, I’ve seen it written as Salonger (in the United Kingdom, as that’s how it seems to be pronounced over there) or Solanga (in the United States).
2) To de-clutter, organize, rearrange stuff in my house.
God forbid we end up on an episode of “Hoarders.” For those who’ve never seen this TV show, it’s exactly what it is: People who’ve accumulated tons of unnecessary stuff (used diapers, old pizza boxes, cats, etc.) that has made living life almost impossible.
We’re nowhere near that, but basically, this resolution is more of a “stop procrastinating” one, to remind me that there are things that require my attention as soon as it’s convenient.
Healthy eating
So, once I’m through writing this week’s column, I shall head off to the mall in my quest for organization, lest I let myself be overrun by … stuff.
3) To put only healthy things into my body.
My husband (by the way, we’ll be eight years married on Jan. 10!) is leading the way with a great exercise regimen and the resolve to eat healthy. His family history is a bit scary: His grandfather and uncle both passed away from cancer; his mother from an aneurysm; and his grandmother had a stroke and a quadruple bypass many years ago (she’s 91 now, and is still strong and feisty).
Firm believer
His Aunt Marilynn is a firm believer in consuming healthy food, incorporating fruits and plenty of vegetables, and staying away from anything with ingredients we can’t easily pronounce.
My mother is also on a healthy-living path. She quit smoking over 10 years ago, and since she has hypertension, she takes pains to stay away from any and all food that could trigger a rise in her blood pressure. It’s admirable how she staves off the salt, soda, alcohol and the bad, bad food that prevails in our culture.
Healthy lifestyle
In a way, I’m thankful to be an endorser for Bounty Fresh chicken (their native chicken is wonderful, by the way) because it helps promote a healthier lifestyle. It certainly doesn’t hurt to endorse what you’ve already been buying.
4) Think at least 100 times before speaking.
Not so much because my sometimes tart tongue has gotten me into trouble, but more to make sure that whatever I say will not be regretted later. I mean, I have to exercise considerable thought before I write anything; it makes sense to practice the same before I say anything.
My close friends know me to be blunt. I’ll even admit to not always being so nice. I need to always consider the feelings of the person with whom I’m speaking or the audience that happens to be listening, and reply accordingly. That said, I’ll make a blanket apology in advance for the times that my foot finds itself, once again, in my mouth.
5) Never, ever handle anything that requires copious amounts of gunpowder.
Page 1 news
Reading the Inquirer front page sent my heart racing with the statistics of the New Year’s Eve merrymaking: A 9-year-old boy died after packing a small tin with remnants of used fireworks; most of the injuries that took place happened to children; and many others by adults who were under the influence of alcohol.
I have friends and relatives who have lost part of or a whole hand in this manner, and they’re cautionary tales for me.
Fireworks fan
I’m a huge fan of fireworks displays that are professionally put together. They’re gorgeous, and put a smile on the faces of their audience. Can’t we make this a new tradition, to come together at a pre-determined venue on New Year’s Eve to watch a well-conceived, musically coordinated, pyrotechnic concert?
To these resolutions of 2012, I shall remain resolute, and may the words “epic fail” not once appear on my list.