I don’t usually participate in WordPress’s Weekly Writing Challenges. I usually just think about it for a second, mull over the subject for a little while and wonder about the cool things that people will do with it, then forget about it and leave it alone.

But as soon as I read today’s challenge and prompt, I immediately thought of this picture. So did my husband, who actually took it.

This is his cousin and dear friend Lisha. Lisha and her husband live a couple of hours away from us and we don’t see them as often as we’d like to. But about a month ago we all checked our calendars and decided to make a date for a night out in Richmond (VA) at a pizza place we all love. That meant we each only had to drive about an hour each way. It also meant that instead of talking about getting together sometime, we actually picked a date and made plans.

This is yet another part of our New Year’s resolutions to stay in touch with our friends and family. Instead of making empty promises, we are actually committing to something and making the effort to make and maintain personal, face-to-face connections.

You can probably tell from this picture, but we had a great time. We met for pizza and then moved on to two other local bars for a beer (maybe two) at each stop. We told stories, commiserated and compared notes on raising children, and most of all, enjoyed each other’s company.

So as far as resolutions go, we seem to be doing pretty well. Did you make (and keep) any of yours?