It’s the last day of 2011. In some ways it was a good year (I had disposable income) and in other ways it was a bad year (I lost my disposable income).
It seems that those in the blog-o-sphere feel obligated to post an end-of-year recap or something along the lines of how the coming year is going to be better. OK, I can do that too.
There are some trends among the blogs this year:
I haven’t been blogging long enough to do a “blog best of” recap, so you’re not gonna get that.
I haven’t taken enough pictures throughout the past year to do a photo retrospective, so you’re not gonna get that.
Not too many people are doing an actual New Year Resolution list. Maybe I can just go the traditional route.
Oh wait. There’s one here.
And here.
Oh. I guess they are.
Well, I thought I’d be different so everybody would be “OMG! He TOTALLY went retro! How awesome!” Guess my plan has failed before it even began.
Oh well. I’m going to do it anyway. I don’t care.
First up is HEALTH.
This is me right now as I’m writing this post:
My "I'm smart and thinking pose."
I should have taken a picture so you can see more of me, but I don’t want to lose readers. Trust me when I say my gut is approaching beach ball dimensions and my muscles are evaporating into the ether. That has got to change. So, this year I am going to get in shape. I’ll be 41 in February and what’s happening to my body has become unacceptable.
Now, I’m not looking for this…
Seems I like the "I'm smart" thing and, yes, the hair is real!
…but at least back then I could ride my bike for more than a mile without feeling like I was going to die. Which leads me to…
SMOKING.
I have got to friggin’ stop. Period. Bad for me. Bad for the kids (I do smoke outside the house, but that’s not good enough). Just bad all around.
EMPLOYMENT.
Goes without saying. However, I’m not going to just grab the first job that wants me. I need to get a job on my terms. Will it take a little longer? Yes. Will I be better off? I certainly believe so.
WRITING.
I am going to write everyday. Whether it’s a blog post, short story or a novel, I’m going to write EVERY DAY. I need this more than any other thing, I think.
A friend and I were talking on Christmas day and he said to me that music is what defines him. Writing is what defines me. It has been missing from my life for too long and I need to get it back.
And lastly, DADS ARE GOOD MOMS, TOO.
There are tons of “Mommy Blogs” out there. There are “Daddy Blogs” too. But I feel that parenting roles have become blurred with our generation. This coming year will also be a document of my role here at home and the things I do for the family. 2012 will be the Year of the Maddy (or Dommy).
I’ve come a long way since this picture was taken:
Nice pants.
…but my journey is only half done.
The first half I let too many people and outside forces control my path. The second half will be on my terms and I’m going to be happy.
Even if it kills me.
Hopefully, it won’t come to that.
Then I’d be bummed.
Happy New Year, everyone!
P.S. If I linked to your blog, it wasn’t to make fun of you. I linked because I visit your blog frequently and enjoy what you write. No lawsuits, please.
Oh my god, the hair. That’s so awesome.
I think this is a fantastic list. Suggestion for the writing thing – use Jerry Seinfeld’s “don’t break the chain” thing. Get a calendar (or app) and mark off every day you write. You’ll get a chain going and won’t want to break it. I’m doing that with something else and 5 days in I already don’t want to ruin it.
Totally with you on the “job on your terms” thing too. I did that when we moved – I didn’t look at things I knew I didn’t want, even though I had quit my job and my husband stays at home so has no income. It totally paid off and I landed a ridiculously awesome job. I pinch myself every day.
So glad I found you through lovelinks. Looking forward to reading more of your writing in 2012!
Thanks, Robin. I know it’s going to be a tough road, but I’m determined to succeed in some way.
Also, thanks for the “don’t break the chain” suggestion. I’ll use it!
That hair rocked. But don’t tell my hubby I said that, I tell him bald heads rock
Anyway, I just quit the smoking. YOU CAN DO IT. Get an electronic cigarette to help you through it, it’s imperative.
Happy New Year.
Already rockin’ the Blucigs, Momwich. It’ll take time, but I’m already down to 3/4 a pack from a full 2 a day.
Wow, that is some serious hair!
MADDY and DOMMY… creative, not sure if they are gonna catch on!
Good list, I am working on mine. reducing my gut of the last 2 years is top of the list, as I used to have abs. Sort of. So is writing everyday, as is waaay cheaper than therapy. this I know.
Happy new year!
Mammy and Doddy? I dunno.
Writing is great therapy and I intend to make full use of it.
wow that is some hair of wait i think i remember my uncle rockin the same style. must be a flashback to my childhood. oh well cool post and hope you have a happy new year
Thanks for visiting, Becca. Have a great year!
Thanks for including me! I LOVE the hair. And yes, you HAVE to quit smoking!! DO IT!
Somehow I think all anyone is going to get out of this post is how “cool” my old hair-do was.
You had to know the hair was going to distract everyone from that point on…;)
Anyway, your goals sound attainable, and I think the most important thing for anyone to realize is that yes, we do actually have the power to change certain things in our life. Whether it’s writing more, not smoking or simply taking time to enjoy the fruits of our labor–whatever those may be–we have the power to do so. Some things suck and are out of our control, but the little things can lead to big changes.
Glad I “met” you this year!
As always, Abby, such inspiring words. Glad I *met* you this year, too, and continued success in 2012!