2012 was a pretty normal year for me. Spikes and dips, and all manner of events in between. I kind of gave a summary a few posts back, so I won't repeat myself. But, I am feeling a bit melancholy these days. I mean, I just turned 42, and I feel like I haven't accomplished much in that time. I know that I have done a lot, and I am proud of those things. But, none of the dreams I had as a young man have come true. I'm not an Action Star, I haven't written a screenplay, I haven't published a novel. I had a lot of big dreams when I was young.
But then, didn't we all?
I'm not one for New Year's Resolutions, but I feel like I need to set some goals, and actually work towards achieving them. So, for 2013 I think I will focus on the following:
1. Finish a book-length rough draft. I have several projects in the wings that could get me there. Right now it'll most likely be the historical fiction novel about Agesilaus.
2. Lose 20 pounds...and keep it off! This has more to do with better habits. Lately, I have been feeling stuffed on less food, and I think that my body is telling me something. Ordering smaller meals, and not feeling like I HAVE to eat every bite will probably help me a long ways towards this one. Add in some regular exercise, and I think this is very doable.
3. Come up with a five-year career plan. I love certain aspects of my job. I have a great boss, a lot of fee time to do what I like (write) at work, and the tasks I am handed are usually not very difficult. But, I think that's the problem. I feel underutilized and underchallenged. So, career-wise, I think it's time to shit or get off the pot.
That's probably enough for now. I will also resolve to read more for pleasure, and watch more movies that I like. No need to watch more TV (though I was stoked to find out this weekend that NetFlix has season 2 of Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes on instant view now!). I will also try to play with my kids more, and to be more patient with them. Some days, I feel like a bad dad, and I don't like that. I know it's mainly their ages (4, 9 and 17), but I hate feeling like I need to raise my voice so much.
I other news, I had a bit of random inspiration while driving to church yesterday. So, I have started laying the groundwork for the next Orc story. I should probably come up with a catchy title to encompass all of them. Something like "The Orc Cycle"...I dunno. Anyways, this one focuses back on Pekra, and heavily involves Bofdak the outcast Dwarf. Should be some good old-fashioned violent fun.
On the gaming front, been playing a lot of Skyrim on the xbox, a lot of Star Wars - The Old Republic online, and will be playing some Shadowrun with my wife and a couple of other friends. My biweekly D&D game is still going, but I feel like it will either come to an end this year, or take a turn in a new direction. Either way, I'm looking forward to some change there.
So, there ya go.
5 comments:
You have accomplished a lot, my friend. Being a loving husband and father, being a hard worker, and a good human being are big time accomplishments, my friend. Two, maybe three of those things I've never accomplished.
I'm not big into New Years resolutions either, but I do seasonal goals to celebrate each new season. It's usually just one little thing that I want to work on the for next three months.
But as far as your stuff goes, I think you've accomplished more than you give yourself credit for.
Here's to your next goal.
Good luck with your goals.
I, too, need to lose a few pounds and finish a novel to completion.
Making a plan is generally a first step. And it can go a long ways. It's what I did not long after I first started writing but was just doing it as an occasional thing.
Having turned 46 myself yesterday, I share some of the same feelings. Hang in there and keep writing. As others have said, you've accomplished more than you realize. And when you figure out how not to raise your voice so much at your kids, please let me in on the secret.
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