The HanaZen Confessions of a Cynic New Year’s Resolution-ist

The thing with celebrating New Year is that every year, without fail, everybody has an affinity for one thing – resolutions. As much as we have grown cynical, we cannot seem to help it. We try to examine what it is about ourselves that we can change, improve, or overcome for the rest of the year to make us better people. Even the most cynical among us cannot avoid entertaining the thought of debating whether we should have a resolution or not in the first place.

I, for one, am a poster girl for cynical people. And yes, I do entertain the thought of trying a resolution. Last year, by sheer luck, I somehow managed to fulfill my resolution. It was trying to love my work more. Although I did not consciously try to implement it, I happen to still be employed with the same company I started 2012 with. Does that mean I was kind of successful in following through with my “resolution?” I guess so!

This year, it’s all about health. I am on the path of becoming the healthiest version of me. How? I will go to the gym and exercise to lose weight and have me a banging physique. It just so happens that I have a lifetime membership at a fitness club. Good thing gym memberships do not incur cobwebs, or mine might look like a Halloween-perfect haunted house! But hey, it’s the New Year and I shall get my lazy behind in one of ‘em spinning classes. And take my dog for a neighborhood walk every evening. No more couch potato nights for yours truly!

Speaking of potatoes, I am reminded of my diet. The great thing about having a health-related resolution is that you can do a lot of things actually. Quit smoking, lead a more active lifestyle, and eat healthier, among others.

But alas, perhaps the biggest stumbling block looms in this eating healthier diet facet. To make the long story short, I do not know how to cook. Thus, greasy fast food take-outs and delivered meals are my trusted friends since I started living on my own.

Then, out of the blue, my office lunch partner threw a book at me on Christmas Eve. “Christmas present,” she quipped. She knew my weakness. I curled up with the book from the evening of December 24 to the early morning of December 26. The book: Japanese Women Don’t Get Old or Fat. Amazing read, let me tell you. And yes, I admit, the book partly led to my New Year’s resolution.

The next day, I pulled her to the side and decided we will have lunch out. I needed to fulfil my Japanese food craving. I need to be like one of those Japanese ladies with porcelain skin and slender figures!

Officemate led me to HanaZen on Union Square, just a few buildings away from the office. With its casual dining atmosphere, I got comfortable right away. Mouth watering rolls, teriyaki, sashimi, ramen: name it, we ordered it. My, we had a feast. But somehow, all the veggies, seafood and meticulous cooking methods had me feeling so full yet not lethargic. It was just delicious, healthy food without the guilt. I just found my new favorite restaurant!

So, now I am pretty much on the way to a healthier me, surprisingly through my diet. And after knowing that HanaZen also has a restaurant on Pier 39, I could meet some guys on lovely dinner at the water front dates. Who would think that a romantic dinner can not only improve my social/romantic life, but also make me eat healthy as well? Color me pleasantly surprised!

There you have it - a cynic looking like she’s going to make her New Year’s resolution come true effortlessly. Thank you, HanaZen, with your location-perfect restaurants and your scrumptious food. For not only will I definitely be enjoying another nice dinner by the bay this weekend, I am easily acing my resolve to eat healthily this 2013!