Summary

The first chapter of the book is Greg's diary entry from the month of January. Greg shares that since it is New Years, everyone should make their resolution list. However, he can't think of anything for himself to resolve to correct, so he is going to help others make their resolution lists. He states that he decided to do this because he witnessed his parents breaking their resolutions minutes after making them. Therefore, his New Year's resolution will be to help others stay on track. There's just one problem, Roderick. Roderick didn't make a list, but Greg is sure that he needs one badly. He will be Greg's special project.

Gregory laments that his Christmas did not go well. Since he is in middle school, the adults in his life think that he needs to only receive practical things, like laundry basketball hoops, clothes...