Ok first off let me say, I’m not getting paid to blog. Shocking, right? You’re thinking, “But Carolyn, your blog is the neatest thing to come to Patch since Borough Beeswax!”

It’s true, it’s true. But even though I’m not getting paid to blog, I’m determined to commit. Patch readers deserve something light-hearted and fun to read. Between stories of prostitution rings and Prairie sagas, Patch readers may start questioning the town they call home.

This is why 2012 is the year of no excuses. I could make excuses for my lack of blogging: I moved (to an apartment upstairs). I had a sinus headache (for a day). I discovered Breaking Bad. But no! Not in 2012! So I’ve decided to not only make New Year’s Resolutions for myself but resolutions I can make right here in Collingswood.  I present:

New Year’s Resolutions I Can Keep, Collingswood Edition

1. Eat at Il Fiore: People seem to be giving up their first born to get a table at Il Fiore. The place is always crowded and every time I walk by there’s a gaggle of people waiting outside to get in. So many that they’ve even invested in those heat lamps outside! Impressive! Considering I live around the block, and could wait in the comfort of my own home I need to check this place out.

2. Go to the library more often: Like I said previously, one of my non-excuses for not blogging was discovering the television series Breaking Bad. This was all thanks to the Collingswood Public Library. Go check that place out! Books are books are books but what really impressed me was their DVD collection. Kid's movies, comedies, dramas and the neatest of all, TV series! This time of year when the weather’s cold and the days are dark, getting sucked into a TV show you’ve been meaning to watch is the thing to do. And it’s free! Plus with their convenient, long hours, (Noon-4pm on a Sunday! Wowee!) there are no excuses not to take a visit.

3. Attend a town forum: For someone like me who loves the television show Gilmore Girls, you’d think I’d adopt some of the Stars Hollow attitude and attend a town meeting once in awhile. I want to know what I’m missing out on! If they are anything like the comment sections of Patch articles, break out the wine and peanuts cause we are in for a treat. Join me April 12, 2012, 7pm at the Collingswood Community Center.

4. Go see Music Man: Nine years later, the Collingswood Community Theatre is once again putting up a production of The Music Man. I can’t believe it’s been nine years since I put on a pair of bloomers, fake ponytail, and ‘Shipoopi-ed’ all over the Scottish Rite stage. I am proud to say I was apart of the original Music Man cast making me a part of all-town musical history! This is the perfect musical for Collingswood and I hope it has the same turnout as it did in 2003. To anyone who is contemplating being a part of a future all-town musical production, do it! The dancing and singing is fun but the best part is the excessive, silent background acting. Look excited! Look angry! Fix your hair! Cross your arms and stick your tush out a little! Levels!! Check it out February 17, 18, 24, and 25 at the Scottish Rite and even if you don’t like the music, you’ll be impressed with watching your neighbor's cheesy facial expressions.

And now, a resolution I give to you: Watch this video and love your town just a little more.