What I love about blogging is being able to scroll through my past weeks, months, years, refreshing my tired memory on the details of my life.

What annoys me about blogging is finding discrepancies and contradictions in my own words.

Yesterday, out of curiosity, I glanced at my entries for January 2010. To my surprise, I actually made Resolutions last year, despite my vow this year that I never do!

Worried I was a complete and total baldfaced liar, I went back to check on January 2009, and was relieved to see that, back then, I only set some loose "goals": 

"I don't really make "Resolutions" with a capital "R", but this morning I thought of some things I need to improve on in the next year (cleaning, staying organized, getting enough sleep), things I want to spend more time doing (playing my drums, reading, writing, talking to friends and family), and things I already do that I need to continue (working out, walking, praying, eating right, doing things for others, indulging myself) and today I'm trying to fit them all in."

Okay, you're right. Those sound like Resolutions to me, too. Obviously, I am a complete liar. I guess this year I should resolve to check my facts before making assertions.

But first, since my lie has been exposed, I want to take a look at last year's and see how well I did: 

  • I didn't finish writing my book, not even my first draft, much less sell it. I made progress, though. Do I get points for that?
  • I didn't pay off bills, not by a long shot, but I made a dent. I worked more hours, took on another job (selling Silpada jewelry - interested? Contact me!), and cut expenses (read "Breaking Up is Hard to Do" – but grab a tissue first!)
  • have visited my parents almost once a month this past year. (I say almost because there might have been one I missed and remember, my new resolution is to stop lying.)
  • I'm a total flop on getting more organized … sigh … although I did clear out quite a bit and donate it all to Goodwill. Still, there's so much more to do in this area…
  • "Read SIX books." That one just makes me laugh. I might have six started, but that's not what I meant.
  • I have continued good habits I had already started … keeping in touch with family and friends (being a Facebook addict actually helped me on something!), blogging regularly, even starting a second blog  (again, addiction-driven, but as far as addictions go, better than some others I can think of!), and maintaining my routine work-outs to stay in shape (the alternative scares me, what with the menopausal demons lingering nearby. Fear has its motivating place, obviously.)

 

Over the past year I've made new friends but helplessly watched others slip away. This time last year I was still laughing at Frankie, my funny little guinea fowl, but mourning Charly Dog. Now I'm mourning Frankie (and Charly Dog) and laughing at Belle's antics … while watching Max turn into the old-man-dog. 

What a difference a year can make, right? I'm reminded, again, not to take anything for granted. I hope I actually learn it one day.

Hey, hey, hey … I won't let another moment slip away …

DSC_0685 (Medium)

 

Posted in , , , ,

19 responses to “Hits and Misses of 2010”

  1. Walker Avatar

    I’d say you did pretty well. Laughing at 6 books. I vowed, stupidly to read 100, yes, 100. I managed to read-34 and 1/2!!
    S0, here’s to being more realistic in 2011.
    So true about not letting things slip away. Thanks for that reminder.

    Like

  2. Sally G. Avatar

    Hi Barbara and Walker!
    I planned to read 52 books last year – one book per week. (Not impossible to do at approx. 40 pages per day ~ and books being varying lengths and all.) I’m not sure exactly how many I did read, as I only document Fiction reads in my Book Journal. I’ll safely say that it was more than 6 but perhaps less than 34 though.
    I started strong – but about mid-year, I took to reading the blog posts of others in the time I was previously dedicating to book reading. Both activities have made me a better person – I think, as with most things, I just need to find a better balance.
    Barbara – you DEFINITELY get points for making progress on your own book! Goodness, that’s SOMETHING!!
    So interesting the way that Time holds the ‘all of it’, isn’t it? The past, the present, the future ~ all of it in the realm of Time. Here’s to a great 2011 for all …

    Like

  3. Suldog Avatar

    “What annoys me about blogging is finding discrepancies and contradictions in my own words.”
    If I let that bother me, I would have quit blogging about a month after I started. I’ve been going more than five years now, so… Anyway, you have to trust that those who read you regularly will come to know you well enough to understand an occasional hypocrisy.
    For what it’s worth, I’m very happy to have discovered you, and I enjoy every visit here. That and a couple of bucks will buy you something at Starbucks. Happy New Year!

    Like

  4. Becky G. Avatar

    Hello! I found you through Katie over at Recommended Daily Dose because she said she found me through Long Hollow! How did I miss you??? So glad to find you, though, and look forward to coming back to visit often! And leave a comment some time! I have been trying to decide whether I should shut down Hearth and Home because I didn’t think anyone was reading it! I still haven’t decided – it’s such a great place for me to talk about things there! Happy New Year! Becky G. in GA

    Like

  5. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Wow, 34 1/2 books? I am very impressed! I'm not sure I ever read that many books in one year (not counting all the thin children's books I read to my kids, of course) and I used to read all the time! For 2011, you've inspired me to finish at least one of the ones I've started.  ๐Ÿ™‚

    Like

  6. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I seem to start off strong in all of my 'goals' but then the parts of my life I'm ignoring demand attention and it all goes awry after that. I'm impressed that anyone finished one book last year!! That's my goal this year – to finish one I've started. I think I might be able to manage that. But I'm with you, Sally, in that I do read a lot – blogs, magazines, online newsletters, etc. – just not books, and not much fiction at all. I miss that. Hope you have a wonderful, word-and-learning-filled 2011!

    Like

  7. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I'm grateful readers recognize we're human (and in my case, a bit of an airhead sometimes!) "An occasional hypocrisy". I like that! For my part, I'm happy I discovered your blog, too, and happy you enjoy visiting mine as well. Hope you have a wonderful 2011 and I look forward to reading your wonderful stories!

    Like

  8. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Isn't that funny? I love how we're all interconnected. I can't remember where I first found yours! No, don't shut it down. I enjoy reading it, and I promise to leave a comment next time. I sympathize, though – I often wonder if anyone is reading mine! So thanks for stopping by! Hope you have a wonderful new year!

    Like

  9. Jillsy Girl Avatar

    Maybe you’ll do better with the “One Word” type resolution! ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Like

  10. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I'm starting to think that one's impossible for me to achieve!!

    Like

  11. Jillsy Girl Avatar

    No, I mean those words people choose like “focus” and “create” to concentrate on throughout the year. It becomes “Your” word for the year. I chose “smile” last year and I did okay at it. Could have done better, but I tried. I’m thinking of the word “positive” for this year.

    Like

  12. Jillsy Girl Avatar

    BTW…I need your word for next wednesday! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Like

  13. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I emailed it to you about an hour ago – let me know if you don't get it! Good idea about the one word. I think 'Balance' is mine – that's what I was thinking in my response to you! lol

    Like

  14. Liz Avatar
    Liz

    Barbara, as I’ve told you before, I love your blog! I’d say I leave a comment only about half the time though…so don’t think it’s not being read based on the comments you’re getting, okay? Just thought you needed that encouragement ๐Ÿ™‚ And about being a liar…please, anyone that knows you even a little bit, knows that’s not the case. I think you all are remarkable women! You’re talking about how many books you’ve read and your blogs, but that’s just a minor part of what you all do…wives, mothers, career women, housekeepers, counselors…the list goes on and on! Be proud of all your accomplishments as none are insignificant!
    Here’s to a great, fulfilling, productive and happy 2011 to all of you!!

    Like

  15. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Liz, you are so sweet. You have been such an encouragement to me this year, for my blog and my photography and my book. I really do appreciate it so much. And I still think you need to do more with your photography – you have a definite gift! Thank you so much – I hope 2011 is the best year ever for you!

    Like

  16. calvertgina Avatar

    Barbara, my memory does the same thing!
    I also am amazed at all you do and how balanced it is…in the sense that you manage to fit in some of all the things you love, with extra emphasis on the ones that are most important.
    Thanks for sending Katie to me!
    AND, I read your blog everyday but usually in my email, where there’s no place to comment. I will try to do better in 2011!

    Like

  17. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I'm not sure what I do could be called balanced, exactly! But I keep trying! And just comment when you can – I do the same with yours! I'm just glad you're reading! Happy 2011!

    Like

  18. Spanisheyes Avatar

    Liar, liar, pants on fire!!! Ops…wait!! Anyone has an fire extinguisher? Mine are on fire too!!
    I used to read so many books…but Barbara, I will be happy with myself if I get to read all your posts!

    Like

  19. Spanisheyes Avatar

    Your dog seems to be looking for that strange chicken the wrong way!!

    Like

Leave a comment