If it seems like just about every single person you know is making a new year's resolution, that's because most of them are.
More than 60 percent of people make resolutions (at least sometimes), according to a 2002 study from the University of Scranton. And of course they have to tell you about it.
That's a lot of conversations to have, conversations that are often unsolicited and, even more often, uninteresting. Even your friends don't really care if you're "getting back in the gym" or "calling your mom more"--these are boring. Every once in a while, though, people have resolutions that are original and useful. They can even inspire you to stop and think or get out and do.
We don't have any resolutions like that, but we figured the people of Chicago would. So rather than share our boring pipe dreams of eliminating those snack cakes in the office drawer, we asked a few local celebs to tell us about what they're hoping to get done next year. Below are the people who were kind enough to respond, though it wasn't everyone. Obviously these people aren't the resolute oversharers we reference before-we prodded them for these aspirations. They do have to hold up their end of the bargain now, since we're letting everyone in on their goals.
Jake Johnson
Johnson, who was born and raised in Chicago suburbs, knows a little about the holidays, having played the Christmas birthday boy himself in "A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas," so we wanted his take for next year. You can now catch Johnson starring on "New Girl."
"My New Year's resolutions for 2013 are to spend more time with my nephew Luke, watch Derrick Rose play basketball, be funnier on 'New Girl' and be with my wife."
Ike Barinholtz
A veteran of the Chicago comedy circuit from Improv Olympic, The Second City and the Annoyance Theater, you might know Barinholtz from "Eastbound and Down" or his current role as the doctor Morgan Tookers on "The Mindy Project."
"My New Year's resolution is to FINALLY compile a list of things I resolve to change about myself in 2013."
Jared Van Camp
If you've eaten at Old Town Social or Nellcôte, you've enjoyed the conceptions of Van Camp, the executive chef and partner. He's so passionate about his food that he almost forgot to get back to us with these, but it's OK. We can forgive-we've had his food.
"Starting the second week of January, I plan to start paving the path to hell with the pious resolutions of eating better, exercising more and sleeping longer. I also plan to procrastinate less, like when I'm a week past a press deadline for my new year's resolution and have to try and think of a clever response hastily."
Eddie Olczyk
The former Blackhawk is hockey fixture in a city that's booming with unrequited hockey love this year. As the Hawks' current TV analyst, he couldn't offer any thoughts on the league, but still sees hockey in his new year.
"A new year's resolution for me for 2013 is to continue to work with the Chicago Blackhawks Youth Hockey Department in making strides in growing the great game of hockey throughout the Chicagoland area. It's an honor to represent the Blackhawks organization and I want to continue to do more to give back to the city that's been so great to me. Helping make hockey available to all families and kids that are interested in the sport is a priority for me in 2013."
Lamorne Morris
Morris replaced one of the Wayans brothers on "New Girl" last year and returned this year to start again. He also made an "All Gold Everything" parody recently that needs to be seen.
" start a very sexy R&B country group called Girth Brooks and the Sex Offenders with a debut album called, 'Wide Open Spaces.'"
Dana Weiss
As the creator and owner of the fashion blog Possessionista, it's Weiss's job to have an opinion about, well, everyone she sees. We thought new year's would be the perfect opportunity for the Chicago blogger to riff about herself for once, and she didn't disappoint.
"I resolve to stop complaining about First World problems on social media platforms, to put on something other than yoga pants (unless I'm actually going to yoga), to eat more foods that come out of the ground and less foods that come out of the drive thru, to educate the world on the difference between 'your' and 'you're,' and to be kinder to everyone. Unless they are wearing crocs. That's just unforgiveable."
Brett Porter
Porter took over as Goose Island's brewmaster last year, replacing a mainstay in Greg Hall. Porter was head brewer there before moving up, and put as much thought into these resolutions as he does his beer. He is also a fan of bullet points.
"... beat my 8-year-old daughter consistently at Wii 'Mario Kart.'"
"... photograph and research all existing historic brewery buildings in Chicagoland."
"... volunteer at St. Leonard's House."
"... ride a bicycle to work at least two days a week."
"... turn my '66 Austin Healey Sprite into an electric car."
"... grow half the veggies our family eats this harvest season."
"... restore my '74 Ducati 750GT motorcycle to its former glory."
"... drive my car only on weekends."
".. perfect a graceful hockey stop instead of flopping into the boards."
"... use my Art Institute membership once a month."
"... double the number of Chicago Symphony Orchestra concerts I attend."
"... not buy/build more than two turntables (current count 11). This one is only to placate my wife (won't happen)."
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