Tag: new year’s resolutions

My Unread Library

Most people who are into books, I think, have the tendency to pick up volumes when they see a good deal, and then not have time to read them all. I am one of those people– and so this year I’m going to make an effort to read through a big chunk of my unread library! Some of these books are partially read, some of them I’ve had for (ugh) years and still haven’t gotten to. Changes are afoot!

Books

One of my problems is that I have quite a few “heavy” books on here that I’m never “in the mood” to read. I’m sure if I make myself invest the time, I’ll be happy I did. I’m not gonna force myself to read 50 books this year, or even 12 for that matter, because between work and life I am always busy. BUT! I’m definitely trying to go “screen free” a couple of nights a week and spend that time reading or playing board games or other interesting activities.

Below is a partial list. I have more unread books, but these are the ones on my “hit list” for the near future. Have you read any of them? Did you like or dislike them? Anything I should know!

A Passage to India – EM Forster
Don’t Stop the Carnival – Herman Wouk
After Long Silence – Helen Fremont
Suite Francaise – Irene Nemirovsky
Maps for Lost Lovers – Nadeen Aslam
Reading Lolita in Tehran – Azar Nafisi
A Bloodsmoor Romance – Joyce Carol Oates – working on right now!
Daughter of Fortune – Isabel Allende
The Joy Luck Club – Amy Tan
Madame Bovary – Gustave Flaubert

There are more on my Kindle but I won’t go there (right now).

Many of these will be found at your local library! If you want to read along with me shoot me a message! Maybe we should do a monthly reading club? I enjoyed when A Beautiful Mess had their “book of the month.”

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2016: The Year Of…

I have noticed an increase in the trend of eschewing traditional “New Year’s Resolutions” and instead picking a word for the year or a theme for the year. I don’t think I picked a resolution or a theme for 2015, but looking back it is clear to see the theme of the year was “Travel/Exploration.” This is something I am so happy about– being privileged enough to have these getaways.

I was so busy I only blogged 13 times in 2015, disappointing myself. This year I will blog more, and I’ll probably work my way through my recent photos and put together a few blog posts about last fall’s travels even though it’s been a while at this point.

Anyway, in reflection on how scattered I was last year, and inspired by my friend Libby’s decision to follow her dreams, I’m going to designate the theme of 2016 as “Focus.” I want to focus on a couple larger trips instead of lots of weekend trips. I’d also like to streamline and focus my finances and priorities with the ultimate goal of starting my own small business, possibly a year  from now. By reminding myself on a constant basis to focus, I hope to be more purposeful and productive, building habits that support this goal.

2016 Year of Focus

Do you have a New Year’s Resolution or a theme for 2016 yet?

2014 Resolutions

I’m probably the last blogger that has gotten around to writing about New Year’s Resolutions… and to post it on a Friday Afternoon? It’s like I don’t know anything about blogging at all! Oh well. I am trying to get back into the swing of things and to post twice weekly, so an 11th hour post is what you get, readers.

Resolution #1: Go for a long walk twice weekly… more if possible

Mission Bay

After an eight hour shift standing/walking/hustling all day, the last thing my feet are in the mood for is a long walk. Sometimes I’ll take Mosey to the dog park and throw the ball for him, but in that scenario Mosey does all the work and I just stand around. San Diego’s slogan is America’s Finest City, and what’s the point in living here if I don’t take advantage of the year-round good weather, the amazing beaches, and plentiful parks? This week, while the rest of the country was covered in snow and ice we went for a really nice walk at Mission Bay. We just live a stone’s throw from the beautiful bay and I don’t know why we don’t make it out here more often.

Resolution #2: Make 2014 the year of home ownership… or at least head in that direction

Point Loma and Coronado

It’s scary to think about spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on a new home. It’s scarier to think of flushing all that money down the drain every month forever and ever and ever. Now that we’re spending an absurd amount on rent, this reality is clearer than ever. Homeownership isn’t for everyone, and it depends on your situation–use this handy tool for some perspective. The truth of the matter is that San Diego rent prices are crazy and we might be able to scoop up a dilapidated condo or townhouse that will reach the “buying is better than renting” line after 3-5 years. Seeing how we have lived here for 16 months already, time certainly is flying. Now to get down to brass tacks and really think about money.

One of these resolutions is going to be easy and enjoyable, and one I can tell is going to be very hard and emotional. Here’s to 2014!

Did you make any resolutions?