One of the most aggravating phrases I've heard in the past 4 years is "moving forward", usually in a terse tone of voice indicating that patience reserves have been passed. But "looking forward" is different. It means that we are considering out options for the future and planning accordingly.
I'm a planner. I know it doesn't always look like it, but I plan things out, plan contingencies, and then contingencies for those contingencies. I don't worry. OK, I do worry for big things. I did not sleep the two months preceding my daughter's wedding. The night after the wedding I slept like the dead and the following day. I barely roused myself long enough to see my bestie back home. But the wedding went without a hitch because I planned and worried.
I don't do New Year's Resolutions. I spent most of my life watching people break promises to other people, and then once a year, to themselves. Nope. I'm out on that self-delusion.
I don't look back a lot, either. I don't spend angsty time regretting things I've said or done. Because I plan. Yes, even the mean, nasty things I say and do to other people are planned well in advance for optimum psychic and emotional pain. I'm pretty sure my family will back me up on this.
I live in the now while planning for the future and enjoying the moment. That's me, not everyone. But, honestly, I can't see why everyone doesn't grasp that. Perhaps they're too busy looking in the rear view that they don't see the bright future ahead of them? I don't know. I just don't get it.
Looking forward into 2014, I am looking at finishing up a 3 book story arc that has captured my attention for far too long. I quit my job to do this. I also hated where I worked, so that made quitting easier. I'll post, some day about the horrific experience. Probably when I can put that hellish existence into some coherent context, instead of just screaming obscenities.
So I will be writing and enjoying unleashing my full imagination upon the empty page. I will then strong-arm friends into reading it for me. Yes, I have done the math. I will lose some friends, but I think, in the long run, they will admit to knowing me when my books sell.
I'm looking forward to the extra-long list of things I've made for myself of things I need to do around the house. I have a laundry list of recipes I want to try out. I need to exercise, not just for me, but for my dogs. We're all way too out of shape. I also have my infamous Bucket List that still has a few items left on it. This year will most likely be knife throwing and embroidery, but I'm not painting myself into any corners, I will take new learning as it comes. But I will learn to speak a new language this year. I just need to pick the one I am determined to learn, as well as bone up on my French and Italian. And, since I'll be home, convince my in-laws to teach me Dutch. Well, more Dutch than ordering food from The Dutch Store and insulting cousins in Holland.
I'm looking forward to visiting more with friends and family. I'm looking forward to more travel. I'm looking forward to seeing how my children are growing into funny and smart adults. I'm looking forward to seeing my new kitten grow up and continue to try to eat my arm.
But most of all? I'm looking forward to the GOP finally toppling under it's own cowardice and some real Conservatives taking over the House and the Senate. Now that is a noble goal.
I'm a planner. I know it doesn't always look like it, but I plan things out, plan contingencies, and then contingencies for those contingencies. I don't worry. OK, I do worry for big things. I did not sleep the two months preceding my daughter's wedding. The night after the wedding I slept like the dead and the following day. I barely roused myself long enough to see my bestie back home. But the wedding went without a hitch because I planned and worried.
I don't do New Year's Resolutions. I spent most of my life watching people break promises to other people, and then once a year, to themselves. Nope. I'm out on that self-delusion.
I don't look back a lot, either. I don't spend angsty time regretting things I've said or done. Because I plan. Yes, even the mean, nasty things I say and do to other people are planned well in advance for optimum psychic and emotional pain. I'm pretty sure my family will back me up on this.
I live in the now while planning for the future and enjoying the moment. That's me, not everyone. But, honestly, I can't see why everyone doesn't grasp that. Perhaps they're too busy looking in the rear view that they don't see the bright future ahead of them? I don't know. I just don't get it.
Looking forward into 2014, I am looking at finishing up a 3 book story arc that has captured my attention for far too long. I quit my job to do this. I also hated where I worked, so that made quitting easier. I'll post, some day about the horrific experience. Probably when I can put that hellish existence into some coherent context, instead of just screaming obscenities.
So I will be writing and enjoying unleashing my full imagination upon the empty page. I will then strong-arm friends into reading it for me. Yes, I have done the math. I will lose some friends, but I think, in the long run, they will admit to knowing me when my books sell.
I'm looking forward to the extra-long list of things I've made for myself of things I need to do around the house. I have a laundry list of recipes I want to try out. I need to exercise, not just for me, but for my dogs. We're all way too out of shape. I also have my infamous Bucket List that still has a few items left on it. This year will most likely be knife throwing and embroidery, but I'm not painting myself into any corners, I will take new learning as it comes. But I will learn to speak a new language this year. I just need to pick the one I am determined to learn, as well as bone up on my French and Italian. And, since I'll be home, convince my in-laws to teach me Dutch. Well, more Dutch than ordering food from The Dutch Store and insulting cousins in Holland.
I'm looking forward to visiting more with friends and family. I'm looking forward to more travel. I'm looking forward to seeing how my children are growing into funny and smart adults. I'm looking forward to seeing my new kitten grow up and continue to try to eat my arm.
But most of all? I'm looking forward to the GOP finally toppling under it's own cowardice and some real Conservatives taking over the House and the Senate. Now that is a noble goal.
1 comment:
I'm never disappointed when I read you. This is a way of living that we share: "I live in the now while planning for the future and enjoying the moment." I don't get why people can't grasp that either. As a younger woman, I was a better planner and executor of my plans than I am today. I'm not sure why that is. I like to blame it on age, but that's a lie. Getting to the bottom of this is top on my list for 2014.
It has been a pure pleasure meeting you this year, and reading your words. You are a writer. Every word you use is necessary to your blog, or comments. You don't waste words, much as poets don't. It's hard to imagine your not being a success as a writer.. I am looking forward to reading your trilogy.
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