I made nine resolutions at the beginning of this year. I didn’t spend too much time thinking about my resolutions. Looking back most of them seem to be things I want to scratch off of my bucket list (which I have never made.) So, it comes as no surprise that I haven’t done very well this year. I’m hoping to take what I learned about resolution making this year (more about that on Wednesday) and apply it to next year’s resolutions. So let’s look at the list:
1. Get my SCUBA diving license – This is just something I’ve always wanted to do and I nearly did get my license back in high school. I made this resolution without thinking about my schedule or where I live… And, despite looking into programs it never happened. I think a big reason for this was because none of my friends are interested in SCUBA nor is my spouse and going through all the effort of getting the license and then not having anyone to enjoy it with made little sense. FAIL
2. Go skydiving – Another thing I’d just like to do sometime. Again, I had trouble finding friends who would want to do this with me and it seemed a lot of money to spend on something I couldn’t enjoy with people. Unlike the SCUBA license I still really want to do this so it might appear on next year’s list. FAIL
3. Become an Oddfellow – I’ve lived in this town for the last six years, four of those years were spent at the University. I was actively involved on campus in various clubs and organizations. Despite that I never felt like part of the community. In an attempt to do just that I investigated a number of the social fraternities, clubs, and organizations in town. Organizations like the Masons, Kiwanis, Rotary Club, etc. The one that was the most active internally and in the community was the Odd Fellows. I attended meetings and got to know the members and what they do in the community and after seeing all the good work they do, and all the fun they have doing it. I successfully petitioned the the Odd Fellows and became a member earlier in the year. WIN
4. Brush up on my Latin by reading Harrius Potter et Philosphi Lapis Fairy Tales in Latin – I’ve read a lot of books this year, at last count I’m at 65, none of them were in Latin though. This resolution came about over my guilt. I have a BA in Classical Civilizations and in earning that degree I took a number of Latin classes. Since college I’ve yet to use any of that knowledge and I’m sure it’s going to rot. I’m definitely doing this next year. FAIL
5. Participate in NaNoWriMo Write a 10,000 word story Write any story – As you can see this resolution went through a number of revisions. Even with all the revisions I failed to complete it. It wasn’t that I did no writing this year, I wrote a number of pieces of poetry and I’ve been updating this site regularly. When it comes to bigger writing projects though I find myself incapable. I have several ideas for stories, but no writing to show for it. This is going to be a resolution next year, along with submitting work for publication (terrifying, I know.) FAIL
6. Complete my Battlefleet Gothic fleet, Horde Army, and Chaos Army – I’ve got a number of metal miniatures. I love the little things. I love putting them all on a table and rolling a bunch of dice to play with them! Sadly, I haven’t had much time for this hobby this year. I didn’t have much time for it last year either which is why this resolution is here. Sadly, I only painted once or twice this year. I was only able to complete of few of the Battlefleet Gothic models. My Hordes miniatures lie untouched and I’ve traded off my Chaos army to someone who has the time and inclination to good use. FAIL
7. Make a Gaming Table – I’ve got the boards and the glue in my garage. My friend has the sand in his. All I need to do is get these things together with a little paint and this will be done. Just not this year. FAIL
8. Climb half-dome – The spouse did this last year with her cousins and I missed out. So, I put this as a resolution and even reserved a camping space. When it came time to go though we couldn’t figure out what to do with the dog, as they’re not allowed in the park… We ended up not going. FAIL
9. Get in great shape – I’ve been working out at least three times a week, every week (barring some holiday and weather related) this year. It’s been swimming three times a week with core, arms, and leg work on the off days. This was the biggest resolution on the entire list and I’m thankful to report that it is a WIN.
TALLY: 2 out of 9
That isn’t a score anyone should be proud of and I’m not. There were a number of resolutions that could have been accomplished in a single day and weren’t. I’ve spent quite a bit of time thinking about why I failed so badly and I have a few ideas, as well as some ways around them. I’ll share them with you on Wednesday.
