Saturday, January 1, 2011

The New Year



For 2010 I wimped out and came up with a bunch of resolutions I was sure to keep. For 2011, I'm going to add a few more..perhaps throw in some that might take a little work.

So here goes...

1.  It's time to buy a new camera. If you looked back to my last year's New Year's blog post, you'll notice the exact same adorable picture of my dog, Chi.  My camera broke and I'm going to buy a new one. Yep. It's lame. I'm going for the low hanging fruit here. But you gotta start somewhere and the next two resolutions are harder. 

2. This year I'm going to finish things I start. For example, I'm actually going to apply the anti-wrinkle cream. Having an vast assortment of fancy jars jammed into a cabinet is not enough.  According to the manufacturer's instructions, for it have even have the slimmest chance of working you actually have to put the stuff on your face. 
And the same thing with all those green leafy vegetables. You don't get any points for going to the store, selecting the perfect greens, carting them home, stuffing them into your refrigerator, and then leaving them to turn limp, soggy and yucky. You should! You really should!  Just like you should get points for sitting in front of the TV and watching an exercise video (even if you are shoving popcorn into your mouth and curled up in a blanket). But alas...that is not the way.  You actually have to eat the veggies and do the exercise.
They say the last miles of a marathon are the most grueling. Those final steps are the hardest to take. Look, I'm not promising that I won't get blanketed up to watch another tai chi/martial arts video or find yet another unopened jar of some outrageously expensive magical face cream or discover some moldy gray green thing in the back of my refrigerator that began life as a lettuce leaf (if the last part of this sentence went into the too much information category, I apologize), but 2011 is the time to do more of the hard stuff and take those final steps.

3.  I'm a tea-drinking librarian who writes middle grade books and reads a lot. Sometimes, I'm way too attached to my comfort zone. It's time to chase down some fears. Meet new people. Have new experiences. Be reckless.  (FYI, my definition of reckless is pretty tame, but it's a start). Besides, I learned the hard way that playing it safe doesn't keep bad things from happening. It can, however, keep you far away from your dreams. Successful people take chances. Creative people take chances too. 

 If you're making resolutions, good luck with them. Have a happy, healthy 2011 

13 comments:

Andrea Mack said...

Your third resolution is something I'd like to consider too - those new experiences are great fuel for writing.

Andrea Vlahakis said...

Happy New Year, Nan! Reckless isn't good for anyone (this is coming from someone who has the same comfort zone as you do), but I hope you do push that zone a wee bit and follow your dreams :-) Much joy in 2011!

nanmarino said...

Andrea M, Yes. New experiences are great ways to come up with ideas. Plus I think it's important to be fearless when writing. So that's my current plan. So far, it's going well. Of course, we're only about 17 hours into the new year. :)
Andrea V, Thanks! That comfort zone needs to be stretched.
To both Andreas: Wish you both much happiness in the new year!

Anonymous said...

Nan, Happy New Year to you, Sal, and Chi! I couldn't resist posting when I saw my fellow Andrea(s) wishing you a happy new year. I will join you in the veggie eating and exercising this year! And my other resolution - to find balance. Happy writing! - Andrea Q

Anonymous said...

I never forget my wrinkle cream, lol.

I have to work on vegetables, even though I'm a vegetarian.

Have a great 2011.

nanmarino said...

Andrea, The first three people to post a comment on my blog in the new year had the same name. I think that has to be lucky. Balance is always a good resolution. Hope 2011 is filled with great things.
Medeia, I don't eat meat either. But veggies are hard. It's that chopping and preparing part that is the most difficult for me. Happy, happy New Year!!

Stephanie J. Blake said...

Happy New Year! I've made one resolution. Finish one of the manuscripts on my computer!

TerryLynnJohnson said...

Like your list! Meeting new people and doing new things is a wonderful goal! I do remember this pict from last year. It's when I followed your blog. Anyone who dresses their dog up is cool by me!

nanmarino said...

Stephanie, Good luck with your resolution! It's a good one!
TerryLynn, First congrats on your debut book coming out into the world!! Chi is a great member of my marketing team and a very good sport. When she sees the camera and a funny hat, she sighs.

anna said...

All very worthy resolutions - I wish you the very best with each and every one. I'm especially keen on the third too - I think I might add it to my own growing list :)

nanmarino said...

Hope this new year brings you lots of wonderful things, Anna.

MG Higgins said...

Oooh, do I hear you about taking chances. Especially when it comes to using social skills.

BTW, I'm really looking forward to reading your new book! I wish it was out right now!

nanmarino said...

Thanks MG, Taking chances is always good -- I'm working on doing that in writing and life. Happy New Year!