New Year's Resolutions

Like many, I started this new year with a few New Year Resolutions.  Many were typical, "eat healthy foods", "exercise more regularly", "be kind to others", etc, etc.  This year I also tried to come up with something new and different...for me, that is.  I vowed to try one new thing a month.  This can be ANYTHING...something I've simply not done before due to circumstances, fear, or just not being exposed to something.

My January new thing has been tough to figure out...the first one always is. As the month is quickly escaping me I knew I had to get down to the business of finding something new...and then the email from Helen arrived.  I am not one for "chain" emails, but this was one of those standard, "share a recipe" type of emails where I am supposed to receive 36 recipes over the next month.  I NEVER do these things, for many reasons:

• I just don't have the time;
• I don't cook with recipes very often--because I don't have the time;
• I have a very difficult time thinking of 20 people to send these types of emails to;
• I know most of my friends also do not believe in participating in these things;
• Family dinner time is almost non-existent in my house...work, school, sports, and other extra curricular activities make it nearly impossible;
• I am the Queen of Convenience...convenience food is a huge part of this!

So...I figured this was indeed a challenge I should take on.  This morning I went ahead and sent out the emails--and also went ahead and sent "my" recipe to the person who's name was #1 on the email I received.  Again, stressed with what recipe to send (they say it should be one you know by heart---none in my heart) I moved to Mr. Food.  He always has great recipes, most of which I'll never make (I just don't cook with recipes), but others would hopefully find his recipes tasty!  Mission Accomplished...I can officially cross a new experience off my list for January.

Or so I thought...one of the things is that in order to make this work, and in order for the person on your list to receive 36 recipes, you need every one's participation. There's a note in the email that asks the addressee to "let me know if you cannot participate" in order to make this fair for those involved.  Makes sense...within an hour and a half I have received six "opt-me-out" emails.  Of course, I have always been one of these people, for all the reasons expressed above. And I was not surprised to see my friends have these very same reasons. After all, that is why we are friends...we are all very similar!  So my question is...do I now need to come up with six NEW PEOPLE to send this email to, so I don't jeopardize the opportunity for the person in my #1 slot to get her 36 recipes?  The quick answer...YES...

So, as I went back to email, I did the obvious...I sent Helen my own "opt out" email.  I did send the initial 20 emails, so I accomplished my "Try Something New" resolution.  At the same time, I didn't want Helen to NOT receive her 36 recipes.  If she is able to get someone else to take my place, she may just receive 45 new recipes...because I KNOW some of my friends DO use recipes all the time...and they will love this exercise in food-fun.  I'm just not one of those people.

On to February...any suggestions?