Look out 2021, I'm Coming For Ya
Let's see. In January of 2020 I made my resolution and posted to share with my mom, the Russian bots, and whoever else happened to read. Not knowing then what we all know now, it seems like my resolution wasn't really necessary. In 2020 I wanted to own pillows good in enough I would travel with them. In 2020 I didn't travel. I guess that isn't quite true. I did pack up everything and move to Buffalo. The pillows came with us so maybe that counts?
Still.
I also wrote in that same post how I didn't read or write, really ever, in my first full year of parenting. Without committing to it as my official resolution, I whispered into the universe that I would like to get better at both those things. Enter pandemic and quarantine.
My typewriter drawer found a new home in Buffalo. |
I read. I read more this year than I had read in the previous 5 years, not counting summers. Joining a celebrity book club was a better idea than I knew. I read at least one new book, written by a woman author, every month. Some months I read more than that.
I wrote. I have started blogging regularly. I work on my own books a few days a week. I submitted a story for publication. (It's a short story but that counts, right?)
I own the same pillows.
When I think about what I want to accomplish in 2021, a part of me laughs to think that perhaps I should learn from 2020 and let things unfold as they want to on their own. On the other hand, I've been making resolutions, and meeting them, for so many years that I have come to cherish the tradition. Then there's this.
In 2021 I will turn 40. I always think of my birthday as another opportunity to set goals. Turning 40 seems to be good motivation to think about the next chapter of my life. I'm currently an unemployed teacher with the opportunity to try something new. Is that what I want? Is it time to start something new? Big questions for a big year.
While I tackle those bigger questions, here is where I am with my resolutions.
The One
Every year I commit to at least one real resolution. Last year was pillows. Fail. The year before was to learn the choreography to Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation. Success. Other successes have been doing 60 new things in one year, and omitting one space between sentences. This year, I am finally going to bite the bullet...and stop biting my nails! I have a tentative plan on how to make this happen and it doesn't include painting my nails. That has helped in the short term in the past but after the polish comes off, my nails are always weak and I bite them more.
One or two drinks may have influenced this performance. |
The Other Goals
Never one to be held to just a single goal, here are some other things I think I might like to get done in 2021 and/or my 40th year. These are in no particular order.
1. Read a novel written in Spanish.
In 2020, I started Spanish lessons again using Fluenz and it has helped so much! I do 15 minutes of Spanish every day!
2. Learn how to roller skate...again.
I've been inspired by all the roller skaters in Delaware Park. Years ago I wanted to join a roller derby team and never did it. I'd like to learn how to do a few good tricks.
3. Stop dying my hair.
In 2015 my bffs visited me during spring break. We didn't go spring break crazy but they did put some cool blonde streaks in my hair. This became a part of my look. Now, for the first time ever, I have grey hair! I want to give my hair a chance to do it's thing again so bye-bye signature blonde streaks!
4. Learn how to use power tools.
Since we've moved into our home, the SO has done the majority of work. By this I mean he does the plumbing, electric, building, taking down, sewing curtains, etc. I want to build a better closet and a reading nook for Oscar so that means I need to have some power over the tools.
5. Join a writing group.
This is the next step for me as a writer. I've been a member of SCBWI for years and I've started to write on a regular basis. My stories need consistent feedback and I need to learn from other writers.
6. Learn to play "Blackbird" on the guitar.
I own the most beautiful guitar that looks really nice hanging on our wall in the living room. My current repertoire includes, "Home on the Range" and "Six Little Ducks" and "Froggy Went A 'Courtin." I'd like to add at least one really beautiful song and "Blackbird" seems to be the one...for now.
Oh hey beautiful, neglected guitar |
7. _______ Bookstore
Ok, I guess this does come back to the bigger questions. Folks, real estate in Buffalo is way cheaper than Boston. I don't have a job that I need to quit. There is an empty storefront 3 blocks away, next door to a cupcake store and coffee shop and across from the zoo. I can't think of a better set up. I just need to figure out what to do. In 2010 I started this blog with the hopes of it eventually leading to me opening my own bookstore. If I'm ever going to turn this blog into a bookstore, the time couldn't be better. Of course, there is the whole "the world is in a pandemic and people can't go into stores" thing. But that's a minor detail. Do you know somebody? Know somebody who knows somebody? I want to know those people. Also feel free to mail me a check. :)
That's it. No big deal, right? Write a book, read some books, OPEN A BOOKSTORE!? Ha. Look out 2021 and 40 years old, this bitch is comin' at you hard.
Comments
Post a Comment