I would not describe 2009 as my best year. I struggled through salary reductions, new roommate growing pains, mild depression, job rejection, and a series of unfortunate health issues. However, there were certainly highlights including my awesome trip with PJ to London, the addition of my new nephew Tanner, an awesome Wine and Swine weekend in the Hudson Valley, the Inaugural Bad Bridesmaid Dress Pub Crawl and the discovery of Battlecrack. In the light of hindsight, what was lacking seems to be motivation and structure.
So I've returned in 2010 to writing out a set of goals for the new year. Different than resolutions, these are things I can accomplish at any point in the 12 months. So as my good friend Kelly wrote, "Behold! My hopes and dreams for 2010!"
1) Blog. In 2009 I missed writing. I missed having interactions with random people in the virtual world. I missed seeing stats showing that weirdos who Googled “banana anal” or “banana intercourse” had somehow landed on my silly blog! While I don't plan to set myself themes or deadlines, I am planning to review nerdy books and music a little. Also, in an effort to grow balls to tell a story in public at The Moth, I thought I could write out some of my funny and frequently recounted stories. Ya know, put some writer mojo on them? Thus far the biggest challenge seems to be identifying stories that protect identities of my accomplices and are Dad friendly. So stay tuned because "Sunday Stories" is under construction.
2) Take a basic photography class. I know how to compose a photo, but I don't know how to technically use a camera. I get pissed when a composition I envision fails based on lack of technical “know how” and my lame point and shoot camera. I’m determined to learn the basics on my borrowed Cannon G9 (love you PJ!) and eventually upgrade to a big girl camera… when I find a sugar daddy or win the lotto.
3) Attend "Meet Ups". I belong to a bunch of interesting groups for things like urban hikers, science fiction readers, sky diving (also a 2010 wish list item) and wine tasting. I want to actually get my ass to some of these events in the hopes of meeting new people. I'm done with co-ed sports for the time being thanks to that pesky broken foot.
4) Write a Journal. What I miss most about a 365 blog is the forced self reflection. Perhaps this will help.
5) Take a Comedy Improv Class. People tell me I’m funny. Maybe now I’ll find out from the professionals. This goal is totally dependent on funding and finding an affordable class for total novices in this comedy city.
6) Eat Healthy and Exercise More. This really translates to “Stop being a fat ass!” or ‘Fit into your pants, chubby!” Considering I can't afford a gym and it's balls cold here, this will prove a challenge. But I plan to eat less and do shit like dance around my room and do sit ups... or something. Also, in an effort to help the environment I’ve enacted Meatless Mondays.
7) Volunteer. I’ve been feeling the need to give back for awhile. Being single and childless, the best resource I can offer is my time. In addition, besides being good for the world, it’s a way to meet new like minded people and perhaps network my way into a different career.
8) Read the Sunday New York Times. I am woefully ignorant of world events and so many conversations in New York start with “I was reading the Times this Sunday and…”
9) Keep Up With Adopt A Neighborhood. I sort of fell down on the job in 2009. I let work and depression talk me out of several neighborhoods last year. If you are interested in hosting or have thoughts for places to visit in 2010, get in touch. So far the list of neighborhoods is:
Chelsea
Sunset Park
Greenpoint
Brighton Beach
Ozone Park
Forrest Hills
Wave Hill
Harlem East
10) Career Therapy And Renewed Job Search. I don't know what I want to be when I grow up. But I do know I'm over the art world and desperately want to make real money. However, lacking a direction, I'm having a difficult time focusing forward moving efforts. So step one involves reading What Color Is My Parachute and investigating some sort of career therapy. After that, network, apply and cross my fingers.
11) Stay Positive. Remember to look for the humor in things. And when in doubt watch this video and smile!
2 comments:
re: #6, there is a DVD I can recommend. you will hate it more than you've hated anything in a long time, but it does help. 30 minutes, 3-4 times per week.
re: number 10--Have you thought about being a librarian? You'd be a really valuable academic librarian at a school that focuses in arts. Also, try careercruising.com's little career matchmaker tool (I'll send you the username and password). Granted, it's aimed at high school students, but it does offer a 39 question quiz with emoticon answers designed to tell you what to do with your life. Who doesn't want to determine what they should do using smiley faces?!?! Also, hit up your college alma maters and have their career helping (that is the official term) departments tell you what one can do with your excellent (and expensive!) degrees :)
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