This is it, my last column for 2016. It’s time to reflect on the year that was and the one that lies ahead. I tried to fully embrace my 2016 New Year’s resolutions. My first was to reconnect with old friends. While there are still lots of people on my list, I was happy I reached out and saw some familiar faces. The second was to take a chance. All I am going to say is ‘rose gold hair.’ And the final resolution was to say one nice thing to myself each day. That one ended up being a little too Dr. Phil for me to put into practice. Two out of three is not bad.

So here are my resolutions for 2017:

1. Be kind. I am sure many people who know me consider me kind, although blunt, sarcastic, funny and driven probably are uttered first. But this year, no more flying down Highway 64 flipping off other drivers as I try to gain 3 seconds and beat them to the exit ramp. No more glaring at children who cough on me. No more heavy sighing when someone ahead of me in line uses three different methods of payment for one transaction. I am going to stop and engage in a conversation (perhaps suggest some Mucinex or a good financial planner). Oh, and I am going to learn to smile while doing this, which might be the most difficult thing of all because of my resting bitch face affliction.

2. Learn a new skill.  Not by choice, I learned how to eat and type using only my left hand. At first, it seemed impossible, but all of a sudden I am now ambidextrous. My brain can be re-trained. To be honest, I’ve tried this before. I took four years of Spanish and decided to refresh my language skills by using Rosetta Stone software: you know, the kind you talk back to. Well, I apparently have a twang and no matter how many times I said things, the software did not comprehend me. I could only move ahead by having my daughter do the lessons. So a new language is out, but maybe tap dancing, painting, learning the butterfly stroke or camping (who am I kidding?).

3.  Take a chance. Yes, this is a repeat from last year, but I have a different plan this time. And since I am going to write it, perhaps I actually will do it. As you know, I fell into this writing gig accidentally, and I appreciate everyone who reads this column and chuckles. I also appreciate, but less so, those who read the column and provide, uh, constructive criticism. (That’s why I have an editor, people.) But this year, I think it’s time for me to see if anyone outside St. Louis thinks I am an enjoyable read. It is time for me to submit my work to other publications and learn how to be rejected. And if that doesn’t happen, you will be the first to know.

So thank you, dear readers, for hanging out with me this year. I look forward to more fun in 2017. Please keep sending me your comments, suggestions and, yes, even your criticism. Happy New Year!

Contact Patty at phannum@townandstyle.com.