One of the things about growing older is that those around us are also growing older, and this has brought some adjustments to our lives this past year. Our Christmas was even quieter than usual, with Megan out of town visiting her boyfriend’s family this year. We’ve grown used to taking the day easy, preparing food at a leisurely pace, eating and drinking when ready, calling home to our families back in Britain. None of that really changed, but it felt strange doing it with three of us instead of four.
At least we were able to keep up what has become a family tradition in recent years, of visiting a Chinese restaurant downtown last night, and having friends around for lunch today. The famous Toblerone cheesecake (recipe over on my other blog here) made an appearance. First time I’ve made it in a while.
Looking forward, I’m not one for New Year resolutions. I prefer to set goals whenever in the year it makes sense, not just because of the day on the calendar. Current goal is to finish the first draft of The Long Dark by March, and get it through initial revisions and then a thorough round of critiques before the end of the year. Progressing well on that first goal, having just passed 75k words yesterday.
Whatever your goals and aspirations are, I wish you well for 2019.
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16 comments:
I prefer goals as well.
It was take out, but we had Chinese food New Year's Even as well!
I like to set goals, too. They're so much kinder than resolutions.
Alex, we usually get take out during the year, but for New Year we treat ourselves to a sit down meal.
Chrys, kinder, and I also find them more meaningful and so more likely to be met.
Happy New Year!
I bet it must have been hard adjusting to one less family member around. I still remember the year I decided to go to my girlfriend's family's holiday dinner instead of being with my own family. From my own point of view, I had hoped that my family would understand. But at the same time, I remember the tremendous amount of guilt as well. But it's sorta like a rite of passage into adulthood, isn't it?
Anyway ... I don't set goals or make resolutions. I simply exist again for another year, ha! :)
Good luck on the first draft, my friend. You've done so much work already, only a little more to go!
David, I never thought about it as a rite of passage, but that makes a lot of sense. I do remember that fairly early on we sidestepped the issue some years by inviting both sets of parents to our house for Christmas dinner.
I made it in by deleting the www in the URL. Very curious, indeed.
I wish you the best in your goal of completing your WIP. Keep us posted along the way. It's always interesting to see an author's progress.
Happy 2019!
I intend to, Lee, thank you! And thanks again for pointing out that issue with my blog address in my comments.
As I said in my own New Year's rant, New Year's Resolutions always seem to be equate to crap that involves the term "New You in 52!!!1!!!" which really benefits no-one but the billion dollar diet industry. I stopped trying to hate myself thin years ago. I prefer goals that are going to amount to something besides frustration and self-loathing.
Most of my kids have been gone for several years; the last one moved out last year. This was our first empty nester new year. Gotta say, we liked it a lot! Of course, we've had the kids in and out of our home for many years, and we all live practically around the corner. Life is strange but intriguing as the hubby and I turn this corner of our journey together.
I hope you are also intrigued by the next leg of your married life, lol.
I don't set new years goals or resolutions either. Takes no time to break those best of intentions. I carry on as normal, and give myself a swift kick when I'm not productive for long intervals. Its getting harder and harder to keep on the writing path as my life and work take so many new twists and turns lately.
Here's hoping you have your most inspirational year to date Ian :)
Cara, indeed, resolutions seem to be far more based on negative emotions than positive. Definitely to be avoided :)
Donna, the house is strangely quiet, but Megan only lives a few miles away so she's still around from time to time.
Our nest has been empty for quite a few years now. The first time the holiday celebrations moved to one of their homes felt a bit strange, but now I love it. It's THEIR turn. :)
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Good luck with meeting your writing goals this year.
Susan, we're not empty yet, but Matthew pretty much keeps himself to himself so it's not far off.
Have a great 2019!
www.ficklemillennial.blogspot.com
I finally made it over! Looking forward to reading more. ❤️
Gina, thank you, and I hope you do too.
Courtney, hello and glad I got you the right link in the end :)
Hi Ian - well glad Megan is enjoying life with boyfriend ... and as David says - it is a rite of passage I guess. I've had a variety of Christmas situations over the years ... but being peaceful and happy is the best - this year was very quiet ... so I could read and faff around a bit - cheers and all the best for 2019 - Hilary
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