The Daily Mews

What I detest about the New Year is how everyone creates these regurgitated changes for self-improvement that usually involve superficiality. These are all vices or things that they don't approve of, and you've done or read these typical resolutions before. I'm going to lose weight, get buff, quit smoking, or the most lazy one of all: I'm going to make this year the best year ever. Saying something doesn't make it so especially if you're not going to put in the work.

I don't make resolutions--I make anti-resolutions. Despite what people say I find that most people are willing to change small things about themselves to adapt to certain standards. It's easier that way and there's less of a fight. It takes courage to resist and to be unapologetic. So here are my anti-resolutions.

I refuse to let another person make me feel defeated.

Sometimes in moments of weakness the walls come down and I will mull over negative comments. What they say will linger and almost poison my mind, and I start to believe what they say as truth. I am doing myself a disservice by giving their opinion more than a second of my time. No one knows what is best for me but me. I'm a private person so chances are they are incorrect with their assumptions.

I will not feel sorry for myself because I'm sick.

I developed Crohn's Disease a couple years ago, and I can't say that it's not extremely difficult and painful, but I cannot stand when others constantly whine about their illnesses. No one is going to feel sorry for you, and why would you want them to? There is little worse in the world than knowing someone pities you. Sometimes it hurts so bad just to be alive, but you know what sucks even worse? Not having a career and being poor. Not being a positive role model for my daughter. A lot of people have been dealt bad hands in life and I'm not special, so I'm being an adult and dealing with it. My life is not defined by my illness and when it is that is when I've lost the battle.

I will not stress over my physical appearance.

Since I've been on Remicade the medication has been wreaking havoc on my body. I've gained a few pounds now that I'm digesting some food(some). I bruise and bleed easily. I've developed the skin of a teenage boy because I'm constantly breaking out. But you know what happens less now that I started? Having 30 bowel movements a day before lunch and crying in the fetal position. I had flawless skin but now at least I'm able to leave the house some days. I think that's a trade I'm willing to make.

I will not rent in 2015.

I'm over obnoxious teenage neighbors who scream and slam doors because their mother "Just doesn't understand! Like for realzies." I'm done with maintenance inconveniencing us so they cannot fix a problem for the hundredth time. I want my own house where I can play music as loud as I want and build high fences to keep people out. The freedom to have my own garden that I will fail to upkeep, and will resemble more of an Adams Family bog. The glorious privilege to keep my BMW covered from the elements and free of people who park poorly. We have spent more on rent than we ever could have on a mortgage. Never again!

I will not regress.

Greenbottle Fly(Phaenicia sericata)

Mr. Pinch says hi! This is a Sonoran Whipspider(Paraphrynus mexicanus).

Rhino beetle.

Malagasy Jewel Beetle(Polybothris sumptuosa). A beautiful beetle from Madagasgar.