2016 Possibilities

[java]

Normally I'm asking about New Year's Resolutions this time of year just to get some ideas from others but I usually I find that no one wants to think about making a to-do list. Instead, I'd like to hear if any one has any plans they're willing to share? Any hopes and dreams being fulfilled? Anyone looking forward to an event?

I'm laying low and hiding for the most part because I have some big ticket items on the want list I'd like to knock out. Also plan on traveling a little which is contrary to laying low but there are friends and family I'd like to visit. Maybe stop by an antique store or two. Maybe a vinyard. Oh, and the guys want to do a BBQ crawl a little earlier this year and I'm looking forward to that.

And since I started this thread, guess I'll post my laundry list.
1. Shred 8-10lb body-fat from my fall/early winter bulk.
2. Learn Mainframes (work).
3. Cook new recipes like gluten-free pizza and beef wellington. I haven't thought this one through yet.
4. Sleep.
5. Read. I read tons but mostly non-fiction.
6. Skydive. About time I knock this one out. Been talking about it for 10 years.

I'm sorta winging it here. Your turn.

OH, almost forgot. My theme for 2016 is "Everyday Elegance". Usually I'm a practical guy so I pay more attention to results than aesthetics but I've been testing this idea for a few months and I like it. I just want to enjoy life a little more and have my life be both functional and decorative, like drinking coffee out of a bone china mug. Guess I'm getting sentimental in my old age.

[fantasynovelreader]

The biggest thing I'm working towards next year, is taking and, hopefully, passing the CBEST so that I can apply for a provisional subbing license while, I finish up schooling. Besides that just taking school one quarter at time so that I can graduate spring 2017. Maybe try and get back into writing my stories. Continue to improve my art. Read.

[Deleted]

Well, in keeping with the "possibility" theme going here... There are lots of them for 2016, yes?

My main goals will be:

1.) Knocking out these last several pounds that I want to lose to reach my weight loss goal.  Been at this Paleo lifestyle now since, well, it will be three years in May, 2016. I have taken much of this year off in the weight-loss realm to see how successful I would be at "maintaining" on this lifestyle, and because I was just really burnt out from tying to lose. To date, I have lost 68 pounds, with not much of that being from the past year. I stay with in six pounds of that 68 lost. The scale is something I no longer have an aversion to. It is a tool. It took me 49 years to love myself, and prove to myself that I am worth the work and effort it takes to get to the best version of me, and health is number one. Everything else has seemed to fall into place.  

2.) Continuing to get organized around the house. I have spent much time this year trying to do some little projects around the house, scale down/back/simplify, to some degree of success, but I am somewhat facing the fact that I'll never be a minimalist. It's not how I'm wired. I love vintage, I love vignettes, and I have a passion for lace and linen. I also enjoy old books, china (vintage and new), as well as anything that has history. Ifi it has a monogram on it, or a name engraved, I cherish it and wonder about the person who owned it. I love to peruse magazines that show the evidence of a grand past, such as Victoria magazine, and often go back to look at past issues. Therefore, yes, I do have hoarded stacks of old magazine issues. lol... Anyway, the organizing will continue. LoL! 

3.)  After being a stay at home wife & mom for a VERY LONG TIME, I will be looking for a job after the holidays. Our kitchen needs remodeled, and it's just not in husband's budget with our youngest being in college for pre-med. He was just lamenting at his laptop within the past half hour that tuition is now due for Spring semester. Oh man...one day at a time. 

4.) Like Java, I anticipate many gatherings with friends as I have learned to allow myself over the past few years.  As simple as meeting friends for coffee during the week, for dinner, or spending a weekend with some, it all makes my heart sing. My people are my heartbeat.  And many of you here I have become quite fond of. 

5.) Did not include it with number one, because this is a struggle for me. But exercise. It's not that I don't want to do it. It's that I am always running in so many directions, that I need to make myself stop and take the time to work on becoming more flexible, toned and cardiovasularly efficient. This is where my struggle lies. More than avoiding sugar, chocolate, french fries, tirimisu or that bag of movie popcorn. 

6.) Remaining open to all the possibilities for joy. They can be found at every turn. If you don't believe in that possibility, you'll never find it.

Nice thread, Java. You da bomb.com.  

[Deleted]

Dec 18, 2015 13:24:05 GMT -5 fantasynovelreader said:

The biggest thing I'm working towards next year, is taking and, hopefully, passing the CBEST so that I can apply for a provisional subbing license while, I finish up schooling. Besides that just taking school one quarter at time so that I can graduate spring 2017. Maybe try and get back into writing my stories. Continue to improve my art. Read.

Best of luck to you!

[fantasynovelreader]

Dec 18, 2015 19:15:19 GMT -5 castlekat said:

Dec 18, 2015 13:24:05 GMT -5 fantasynovelreader said:

The biggest thing I'm working towards next year, is taking and, hopefully, passing the CBEST so that I can apply for a provisional subbing license while, I finish up schooling. Besides that just taking school one quarter at time so that I can graduate spring 2017. Maybe try and get back into writing my stories. Continue to improve my art. Read.

Best of luck to you!

Thanks

[ProudTVJunkie]

I like this “possibilities” theme.

Here’s my list for 2016 (in no particular order):

1. My writing. I now have a handful of movie and TV scripts but it’s difficult to get anyone to even look at them when you’re not in LA or working within the industry. So I’m going to get very serious about getting as many query letters out there and utilizing every contact I can think of. I love to write and I refuse to give up.

2. Thanks to castlekat and java’s encouragement and guidance, I’ve managed to lose 27 lbs. this year. I’ve got another 23 lbs. to go to get to my goal weight. It’s not easy and it’s not fast but my weight is lower than it’s been in probably 15 years so I’m just going to keep at it.

3. Continue to declutter. My husband and I are hoping to move out of state whenever he can get a transfer so getting rid of as much stuff as I can now will make moving that much easier.

4. Continue to pay down our debt. Much like my weight, it’s slow going but at least it’s moving in the right direction.

5. Enjoy all my family, even when they drive me crazy. Over the last few years I’ve had few friends and family members die unexpectedly and much too young. It’s made me learn to appreciate the people in my life for who they are and not take the little things too seriously. When I become annoyed, I literally think, How important will this be to me if one of us dies tomorrow? It tends to put things in perspective.

6. Volunteer at my daughter’s school. Working at TVFanatic allows me the flexibility to help plan school holiday parties, work at book fairs and holiday shops. It’s amazing how few volunteers there are for these events and my daughter seems to enjoy having me there (she’s 6) so I hope to continue to make the time.

[Deleted]

Dec 18, 2015 20:38:43 GMT -5 ProudTVJunkie said:

I like this “possibilities” theme.

Here’s my list for 2016 (in no particular order):

1. My writing. I now have a handful of movie and TV scripts but it’s difficult to get anyone to even look at them when you’re not in LA or working within the industry. So I’m going to get very serious about getting as many query letters out there and utilizing every contact I can think of. I love to write and I refuse to give up.

2. Thanks to castlekat and java ’s encouragement and guidance, I’ve managed to lose 27 lbs. this year. I’ve got another 23 lbs. to go to get to my goal weight. It’s not easy and it’s not fast but my weight is lower than it’s been in probably 15 years so I’m just going to keep at it.

3. Continue to declutter. My husband and I are hoping to move out of state whenever he can get a transfer so getting rid of as much stuff as I can now will make moving that much easier.

4. Continue to pay down our debt. Much like my weight, it’s slow going but at least it’s moving in the right direction.

5. Enjoy all my family, even when they drive me crazy. Over the last few years I’ve had few friends and family members die unexpectedly and much too young. It’s made me learn to appreciate the people in my life for who they are and not take the little things too seriously. When I become annoyed, I literally think, How important will this be to me if one of us dies tomorrow? It tends to put things in perspective.

6. Volunteer at my daughter’s school. Working at TVFanatic allows me the flexibility to help plan school holiday parties, work at book fairs and holiday shops. It’s amazing how few volunteers there are for these events and my daughter seems to enjoy having me there (she’s 6) so I hope to continue to make the time.

High-five, sister!  I'll always be on this weight train with you. Nice to have each other. And Java has been our faithful coach. So thankful for both of you!  Big hug!

Your #5... exactly. I ask myself, "Will this (annoyance, whatever) matter a week or year from now?"... Learning kindness and patience is never-ending. 

#6... yes. A blessing and a privilege.  I had people tell me I was silly staying home with the boys after working so hard to get my nursing degree. They would tell me I was wasting my education. Being "wife & mom" is priority number one.  Clueless people. Yay for you!  And yay for your darling daughter!  These are the special times! 

[ProudTVJunkie]

Dec 18, 2015 20:56:11 GMT -5 castlekat said:

Dec 18, 2015 20:38:43 GMT -5 ProudTVJunkie said:

I like this “possibilities” theme.

Here’s my list for 2016 (in no particular order):

1. My writing. I now have a handful of movie and TV scripts but it’s difficult to get anyone to even look at them when you’re not in LA or working within the industry. So I’m going to get very serious about getting as many query letters out there and utilizing every contact I can think of. I love to write and I refuse to give up.

2. Thanks to castlekat and java ’s encouragement and guidance, I’ve managed to lose 27 lbs. this year. I’ve got another 23 lbs. to go to get to my goal weight. It’s not easy and it’s not fast but my weight is lower than it’s been in probably 15 years so I’m just going to keep at it.

3. Continue to declutter. My husband and I are hoping to move out of state whenever he can get a transfer so getting rid of as much stuff as I can now will make moving that much easier.

4. Continue to pay down our debt. Much like my weight, it’s slow going but at least it’s moving in the right direction.

5. Enjoy all my family, even when they drive me crazy. Over the last few years I’ve had few friends and family members die unexpectedly and much too young. It’s made me learn to appreciate the people in my life for who they are and not take the little things too seriously. When I become annoyed, I literally think, How important will this be to me if one of us dies tomorrow? It tends to put things in perspective.

6. Volunteer at my daughter’s school. Working at TVFanatic allows me the flexibility to help plan school holiday parties, work at book fairs and holiday shops. It’s amazing how few volunteers there are for these events and my daughter seems to enjoy having me there (she’s 6) so I hope to continue to make the time.

High-five, sister!  I'll always be on this weight train with you. Nice to have each other. And Java has been our faithful coach. So thankful for both of you!  Big hug!

Your #5... exactly. I ask myself, "Will this (annoyance, whatever) matter a week or year from now?"... Learning kindness and patience is never-ending. 

#6... yes. A blessing and a privilege.  I had people tell me I was silly staying home with the boys after working so hard to get my nursing degree. They would tell me I was wasting my education. Being "wife & mom" is priority number one.  Clueless people. Yay for you!  And yay for your darling daughter!  These are the special times! 

castlekat - i.e. #6 - I lost my job a few months after she was born and although that was financially devastating (I didn't get unemployment - see #4) a couple of amazing things came out of it. I began writing, eventually got steady work with TVFanatic which allowed me to work from home and raise my daughter. I really never thought I'd have that opportunity and I'm so grateful it worked out that way. As she is my only child, I don't want to miss a minute of it.

[castlelover66]

Love this thread! Here's my list.

#1 I turn 50 in June and my sisters will be coming to visit me for a nice long weekend. Looking forward to showing them around my part of the country.

#2 Being more consistent with my daily walking/exercise and losing weight. I want my second 50 years to be healthy ones.

#3 My oldest is graduating from high school. Will be walking through that with her and the transition to college. Planning a two-week family vacation to the East Coast to visit all the early American history sites - Boston, Philadelphia, Valley Forge, Mount Vernon, Jamestown, Williamsbug, Monticello.

#4 Begin writing that one year curriculum based on Little Women, my favorite book ever.

#5 Looking forward to many friends and family visiting over the year.

#6 NOT having a garden and canning. Taking a year off to celebrate my first half-century.

#7 Learning to sell on eBay. My husband has a collection of StarTrek merchandise from the original series which will celebrate it's 50th anniversary next year. Some of the items are in mint condition. He has one game still shrink-wrapped in the box. Selling these things will be funding our girls' college educations.

[ProudTVJunkie]

Dec 20, 2015 19:39:54 GMT -5 castlelover66 said:

Love this thread! Here's my list.

#1 I turn 50 in June and my sisters will be coming to visit me for a nice long weekend. Looking forward to showing them around my part of the country.

#2 Being more consistent with my daily walking/exercise and losing weight. I want my second 50 years to be healthy ones.

#3 My oldest is graduating from high school. Will be walking through that with her and the transition to college. Planning a two-week family vacation to the East Coast to visit all the early American history sites - Boston, Philadelphia, Valley Forge, Mount Vernon, Jamestown, Williamsbug, Monticello.

#4 Begin writing that one year curriculum based on Little Women, my favorite book ever.

#5 Looking forward to many friends and family visiting over the year.

#6 NOT having a garden and canning. Taking a year off to celebrate my first half-century.

#7 Learning to sell on eBay. My husband has a collection of StarTrek merchandise from the original series which will celebrate it's 50th anniversary next year. Some of the items are in mint condition. He has one game still shrink-wrapped in the box. Selling these things will be funding our girls' college educations.

Great list castlelover66

#3 - I haven't been in years but I love Boston. It's such a lovely city.

#4 - I LOVE Little Women. It's one of my all time favorite books.

#7 - I too have stuff to sell on ebay. I keep meaning to do it but haven't gotten around to it yet. Thanks for the reminder. I can put that on my list too!

[java]

Dec 20, 2015 19:39:54 GMT -5 castlelover66 said:

Love this thread! Here's my list.

#3 My oldest is graduating from high school. Will be walking through that with her and the transition to college. Planning a two-week family vacation to the East Coast to visit all the early American history sites - Boston, Philadelphia, Valley Forge, Mount Vernon, Jamestown, Williamsbug, Monticello.

Mount Vernon and Monticello are amazing because they give you insight into their owners. Please add Gettysburg to your list, it is very much hallow ground, and I highly recommend taking a tour of it.

[Fjordmom]

Thanks for starting this thread, java ...it's nice to have something positive we can do in this long break from our favorite duo 

So, borrowing large fontdom  from castlekat , an event I am TRULY looking forward to is ....

MY RETIREMENT IN MARCH!!!!!!!!



Among the many other  things I am looking forward to:
1. Enjoying my critters (Lars, my Fjord horse, and my 2 goats, George and Jumper) in my own back yard!!!! A many year project which came to fruition when I was able to move them down here in October!
2. Dabbling more in art and actually using some of the arsenal of supplies I have stockpiled.
3. Dabbling more in jewelry making, particularly crystals, using  the arsenal of supplies I have stockpiled (are you sensing a trend here?)
4. Getting back into walking, FAITHFULLY (of course, I just blew my knee out, so we'll have to see how that goes   ).
5. Still hoping to get to Newfoundland!!!!!
6. Focusing on being grateful for all the all the people and things I have in my life (and this community is one) and quit worrying about the small stuff!!!!!

[Deleted]

Dec 22, 2015 8:29:24 GMT -5 Fjordmom said:

Thanks for starting this thread, java ...it's nice to have something positive we can do in this long break from our favorite duo 

So, borrowing large fontdom  from castlekat , an event I am TRULY looking forward to is ....

MY RETIREMENT IN MARCH!!!!!!!!



Among the many other  things I am looking forward to:
1. Enjoying my critters (Lars, my Fjord horse, and my 2 goats, George and Jumper) in my own back yard!!!! A many year project which came to fruition when I was able to move them down here in October!
2. Dabbling more in art and actually using some of the arsenal of supplies I have stockpiled.
3. Dabbling more in jewelry making, particularly crystals, using  the arsenal of supplies I have stockpiled (are you sensing a trend here?)
4. Getting back into walking, FAITHFULLY (of course, I just blew my knee out, so we'll have to see how that goes   ).
5. Still hoping to get to Newfoundland!!!!!
6. Focusing on being grateful for all the all the people and things I have in my life (and this community is one) and quit worrying about the small stuff!!!!!

Baahahahahahaha!  I LOVE it when others embrace my crazy! 

Cheers, dear friend!  And a Merry Christmas and blessings to you in the New Year!  You are already on your way!  *big hug* 

[Deleted]

Dec 19, 2015 18:07:45 GMT -5 ProudTVJunkie said:

Dec 18, 2015 20:56:11 GMT -5 castlekat said:

High-five, sister!  I'll always be on this weight train with you. Nice to have each other. And Java has been our faithful coach. So thankful for both of you!  Big hug!

Your #5... exactly. I ask myself, "Will this (annoyance, whatever) matter a week or year from now?"... Learning kindness and patience is never-ending. 

#6... yes. A blessing and a privilege.  I had people tell me I was silly staying home with the boys after working so hard to get my nursing degree. They would tell me I was wasting my education. Being "wife & mom" is priority number one.  Clueless people. Yay for you!  And yay for your darling daughter!  These are the special times! 

castlekat - i.e. #6 - I lost my job a few months after she was born and although that was financially devastating (I didn't get unemployment - see #4) a couple of amazing things came out of it. I began writing, eventually got steady work with TVFanatic which allowed me to work from home and raise my daughter. I really never thought I'd have that opportunity and I'm so grateful it worked out that way. As she is my only child, I don't want to miss a minute of it.

As a mom of an almost 23 year old, and a 19 year old, I would be crying today, had I missed a minute of it. It feels to me like a time warp!  Years you can never get back.  I am not only a believer in quality of time spent, but quantity, is even more important when it comes to children. You can just be rocking them humming a tune, doing nothing but relaxing, and it's special. Or in the  middle of the most belly-laugh producing activity. Children spell love - T.I.M.E. And this momma's heart is forever grateful for the sacrifices made to be there for them. I understand it's not everyone's ability, for whatever reason, and I can empathize and respect those. But for me, I've always wanted to be a housewife and mom. I could die tomorrow a happy, and gratified woman. Just my story. 

So, anyway, thankful you're happy where you're supposed to be.  Merry Christmas! <3