2012, Here We Come

[Cadaverous Pallor]

I couldn't help but look (http://www.loungeoftomorrow.com/LoT/showthread.php?t=10921).

I did do more visiting with people in 2011. GD helps push us in that direction.

I did put one costume for sale on Etsy. It didn't sell, but I did sell a special order, and I have high hopes for next year, now that I have the materials ready. I'm also indulging my creative side for other projects.

I use a lot of tools in my parenting kit, including Patience, Playfulness, Optimism, Joy...and they need sharpening constantly. I resolve to keep smiling amidst hard days because he deserves the best mom I can be.Honestly, these last 6 months have been very trying for me, and it seems my tools have grown mostly dull. I've been feeling irritated and selfish in the face of Theo's growing demands and stubbornness. To put it simply, this is Hard, and I RESOLVE to be better, for all of our sakes.

I want my house to be cleaner. Theo is actually surprisingly good about cleaning up. I resolve to exploit his good example to inspire me to be more thorough. He teaches me so much...

How did you do this year? What's on the list for 2012? Before the world ends, at least.

[Alex]

I had nothing in there so I did good (my demotion did come through and I, as planned, parlayed that into a near immediate promotion on a track that I am more interested in).

[€uroMeinke]

Heh, I was just looking at this thread (http://www.loungeoftomorrow.com/LoT/showthread.php?t=10181&highlight=2010http://) - since I never got around to committing to my 2011 goals - I seem to be on a 2-year cycle with these things:

Mine were:
For 2010 though I think I'll be focusing on some time management - it's always been a challenge for me in that I think I would do fine if we had 40-hour days, but these 24-hour one's are taken up with sleep, work, commuting, and tending to the animals, etc.

Specifically, I'd like to make sure I get some quality time in with Lisa. The new job and new hours seems to have cut in on our available time together, so I'd like to make sure the time we have is well spent.

I'd also like to make sure I take some time for myself, sort of reinstating the concept of the "artist date" though I dread writing those words, but it's real easy for me to put myself 2nd, which usually just means I get resentful and that doesn't do anyone any good.

I'd like to read more in 2010. I think I started 4 books in 2009, and all are sitting unfinished on my bedside. There's some new Murakami coming so maybe that will help.

I'd like to also be a better son to my mom, whose had a number of odd health issues lately. It would be nice to see and chat with her outside the most recent medical tragedy.

Work is work, not sure what I can or want to do there. I like my current boss, but don't think she can do much for me. Perhaps for me it's just being willing to explore some other options/opportunities that may come my way.

I would like to get back on the Metro - hate driving, just wish I didn't have to get up so early to make the Metro happen. But I have a webex account so I should start leveraging that and reduce my windshield time.

Otherwise, I'm still in on the eating good food, visiting swanky places - and I'll add exploring new places, new music, and art.

2011 was a tough year, my mom passed, Lisa had multiple surgeries, I started a new job, and started this month by totaling my car in an accident.

Time management remains a big issue for me, still never seems like enough time, and this year was filled with unexpected time commitments. I'm hoping 2012 will settle down some and let me refocus on this one. Especially in regards to time with Lisa - I hope for more fun and less stress worrying about the latest crisis.

I started 2011 in the same reading slump, but thanks to Lisa and a new Kindle I find I'm making more time to read - the new Murakami and TC Boyle help.

As for being a better son to my mom, I'm grateful I put this on my radar. Her last days were painful to watch, but in our last months together, I felt closer to her in many ways than I ever had before. She shared many brutally honest stories that made me appreciate her more as a person and not just my mother. Looking to 2012, I think I'll be refocusing some of that energy forward to my oldest niece who is now living in Long Beach and expecting her second child in 2012. I hope we can grow a bit closer in the year to come.

Work? Well, I kept my eye out for opportunities and took one. I love my new job and want to make sure I continue to excel at it. I hope I can also make some new friends at the workplace. Leaving my last job of 25 years makes this one seem lonely at times, so I want to make sure I'm building my professional relationships here as well.

I'm also working in Orange County now, so I'll be back in a car again - at least I start this year in a fun ride, our new Mini.

As for other hopes for 2012 -

I turn 50 this year, and while I may not be able to do anything big on the actual day I plan on some hedonistic celebration sometime in the year.

I'd like to keep writing, I find it's an activity that gives me great pleasure regardless of the intended final product - poetry or procedures, I just like doing it.

There are still some challenges to coming in the first months of the year, but I really hope those are easily overcome and I can turn my focus away from "getting by" to "getting better." I have a large to do list for our home and hope I can start ticking items off that list.

Oh and as usual, I hope to experience plenty new art, music, food, and share them with my friends who appreciate such hedonistic activities.

[Kevy Baby]

I want to grow up.

I know that sounds like my typical flippant remark, but I actually mean it. I have just let life come to me as it has and not really made much effort to guide things where I wanted them to go. But then to do this, I guess I need to decide where I want it to go.

I am actually ashamed of my complete lack of motivation right now. (For those who don't know, I was let know of my job in mid November.). There are a lot of things I COULD do, but nothing that I can think of that I WANT to do.

So, obviously, one of my goals for 2012 is to get a job. Despite the economy, I know I will get one soon, but whether it is something that will inspire me or be at the same pay level as before remains to be seen.

But this apathy is not just about employment; it extends to my personal life as well. It has been a long time since I have felt inspired to want to make my life better. I have had a LOT of free time over the past six or so weeks and really have done nothing with this time.

Not sure what I can do to turn this around: just thought I would start making myself accountable.

[BarTopDancer]

Honestly, these last 6 months have been very trying for me, and it seems my tools have grown mostly dull. I've been feeling irritated and selfish in the face of Theo's growing demands and stubbornness. To put it simply, this is Hard, and I RESOLVE to be better, for all of our sakes.
What's the expression? Parenthood is the hardest job you'll ever have?

Maybe it's just T turning on the 'adorableness' around people he doesn't see all the time but he's adorable. And in a world full of "I have to babysit my son while his mother does..." you (and GD) really show that not all hope is lost in the parenting world.

I want to grow up.

I am actually ashamed of my complete lack of motivation right now. (For those who don't know, I was let know of my job in mid November.)

I didn't know. I'm sorry :(


For 2011:
I spent most of 2010 in some sort of injury preventing me from really working out. I will go back to the gym and focus on my health.
Continue my education in ways that will allow me to branch out from tech support. So.Over.It.
Travel more, beyond Vegas. Maybe even go see E in F'in UT.

I lost 25lbs this year, gained some back with the holiday eating but I'm confident that will drop back off as soon as the end of the year pasts.

Never made it back to school, still so.over.IT but I am learning more in my job that can expand where I go in the IT world that isn't just helpdesk.

I went to see E in F'in UT TWICE. Once was fun (boy was that fun!). Shot my first ever gun (did you know they will let someone who has never shot a gun shoot a P90 for their first?!). Second time wasn't for fun but ended up being fun. The hospital didn't bat an eye at two men spray painting team logos on their bodies in the tiny bathroom.

I have also gotten better with establishing boundaries with my parents and finally ended a toxic friendship.

For 2012:

Continue to focus on my health, lose some more weight, gain some muscle and strength and fully quit smoking.

Continue to expand my career knowledge.

Continue to expand my social circles. I'm getting much better, coming out of my shell and making some socialize outside of work with friends at work. I need to get the courage to go volunteer somewhere to give something back and also to meet new people. This means I need to keep coming out of my shell.

[Not Afraid]

Posted on 1/3
WOW! I was working at P&P at this time last year. So much has changed! I left there - and while it was a really good decision, it did take me a while to get back on my feet again. I went back to pet sitting and started making jewelery seriously. I did my first craft fair in May and I haven't stopped since! While the dog walking still pays the majority of the bills and keeps me super busy, my creative life has sure been a fulfilling one! The first show I curated opened at the beginning of December and has been a wonderful experience! I know I'll be curating more shows, but, if I do that, I need to find ways to encourage the sale of art.

My goal in 2011 is to keep growing that part of my life and see if I can figure out a way to make that really work for me. I'm not sure that is actually realistic, but I'll certainly give it a shot.

Who knows where things will lead. It's sure been a fun ride this past year! I'm looking forward to what 2011 will bring. Rain or shine, the experiences are so worth it.

on 1/10 I found out I had cancer. Looking forward, indeed!

It's been quite a year (to put it mildly). But, I'm still alive and kicking some ass and hope to do some more of it. I survived 5 surgeries, a car accident that totaled the car, made some decent money (and had a great time) selling my jewelry, and started yet another business.

I doubt this year will be less eventful, but the events could be better. However, there will be some more BIG changes. Let's hope they go well and give me something to write about next year.

[lashbear]

2011's resolutions are:


Get myself down to 110 Kg or smaller. 100 Kg would be good.
See several European countries.
Removing some of the clutter in our unit to make it more liveable. Surfaces, sweetie, surfaces !

First one - Fail.
Second one - resounding success....
Third one - Done !!

Resolutions for Lashbear 2012 are:


Get back to that 100-110kg goal. Since i have been given a second chance to live (like Harry Potter) I need to realise this is not a gift that can be given too often. Time to get with the program and make sure I have the best chance of staying with you all for a long time.
Move to Forster. Can't say too much on this one, but hopefully all will be revealed soon.


That's all. The fewer items to concentrate on, the easier to achieve them, methinks.

[Kevy Baby]

For those of us who never did well at metric, 100-110 kg works out to about 3527-3880 oz or .1102-.1213 ton

[Alex]

And 6.3 kilometers.

[Alex]

Here's a resolution I probably won't keep.

My sister has some condition that doctors haven't figured out that is causing her legs to cramp up terribly (unable to walk terribly).

My mom just recommended a homeopathic treatment that "works instantly." And I didn't say anything.

So my resolution is that in 2012 when I see people pushing homeopathy I will only mock, to their face, those from whose vaginas I've never emerged headfirst.

[Betty]

Here's a resolution I probably won't keep.

My sister has some condition that doctors haven't figured out that is causing her legs to cramp up terribly (unable to walk terribly).

My mom just recommended a homeopathic treatment that "works instantly." And I didn't say anything.

So my resolution is that in 2012 when I see people pushing homeopathy I will only mock, to their face, those from whose vaginas I've never emerged headfirst.

Ah yes, the Vaginal Rule. Don't forget it.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Kevy, I'm sorry, I didn't know. I hear you on the apathy thing, I've been recognizing that in myself as well. May your next great job come your way soon!

I want in 2012 to make some better steps in work. I'm trying to get work with the stagehand union in LA. I want the house to be tidier and less cluttered. I say that all the time and it never happens. I tend to blame husband for it, who doesn't like to put things away (both because it's work and it's boring and because he specifically likes things to be out and visible) but even when it's my space, I'm not good about decluttering and tidying. So I need to do some more on that scale.

The usual home projects also wait. Drywall and electric come to mind; small projects that need to be done. Painting could also be on the list.

Need more time on my bike. I've really been a sloth lately.

So I guess I do have some goals. :)

[Alex]

I'm actually making three serious resolutions this year:

1. In 2012 I will not eat at movie theaters. Considering the amount of movies I see, that is a fair amount of popcorn and other crap eaten. The one exception is theaters with actual food service (such as the Kabuki and Vine here in the Bay Area, but I rarely go to those).

2. I will pedest my way the equivalent at least of walking to Disneyland (421 miles). The rules are:
a. Treadmill does not count.
b. Has to be dedicated walking/running, so I can't go to the county fair and then count what I walked over the course of the day.
c. It has to be in at least 3 miles chunks (so my 1 mile each way walk to and from the train station for work doesn't count).
d. Walking, hiking, running all count.

3. I will disconnect. I've done it before and it was helpful with my annual-ish period of self loathing. Not a total disconnect, but off of Twitter/Livejournal (as if anybody's still using that)/Facebook/G+ (as if anybody's still using that). This is the one of the three I go into fully expecting to not last, and possibly not last all that long. If I want people to know what's up with me I'll just have to go see them in person.

[Strangler Lewis]

I couldn't help but look (http://www.loungeoftomorrow.com/LoT/showthread.php?t=10921).

I did do more visiting with people in 2011. GD helps push us in that direction.

I did put one costume for sale on Etsy. It didn't sell, but I did sell a special order, and I have high hopes for next year, now that I have the materials ready. I'm also indulging my creative side for other projects.

Honestly, these last 6 months have been very trying for me, and it seems my tools have grown mostly dull. I've been feeling irritated and selfish in the face of Theo's growing demands and stubbornness. To put it simply, this is Hard, and I RESOLVE to be better, for all of our sakes.

I want my house to be cleaner. Theo is actually surprisingly good about cleaning up. I resolve to exploit his good example to inspire me to be more thorough. He teaches me so much...

How did you do this year? What's on the list for 2012? Before the world ends, at least.


Perhaps this is not the time to mention that this is the year of potty training and trying for number two.

[€uroMeinke]

I thought this might apply to some of us:

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lwy8vkhzAb1qz6f9yo1_500.jpg

[Alex]

I assume the inside of that cards says "...and take your hands out of my crotch."

[innerSpaceman]

Back to the gym is my first priority in 2012. It's been four months, and I miss feeling a bit healthier. Ugh, tho - the long project which has been taking up my only free time, and which was supposed to be finished by year's end, is not. Living away from home for most of December killed that goal -and so the gym might have to wait till February.

Other than that ... gosh I just don't know. My life is so good right now. I've got ... well, everything. I guess I'd like to reconnect with friends, and make some new ones. My budding love life over the last year has put Beaumark squarely at the center of my social life and considerations - but frankly I don't see that changing any time soon.

I suppose that with my love life looking good and all other aspects of my life just fine - I really should put some effort into greater financial security and retirement planning - but the same reasons I've never addressed that till now still persist, and I honestly don't see myself getting around to it. Le sigh.

So, better connections with friends old and new, and back to the gym and generally increased healthiness are my only 2012 vague goals.

[Kevy Baby]

(unable to walk terribly)so, she can't walk like an Egyptian?

[innerSpaceman]

Oh, Kevy ... I just wanted to say how shocked and dismayed I am that you were laid off. What? 16-hour days for the last few years not good enough for them. I'm so sorry, knowing how much you sacrificed for that job - and sincerely wish you incredible good fortune in employment for 2012!

[Kevy Baby]

Oh, Kevy ... I just wanted to say how shocked and dismayed I am that you were laid off. What? 16-hour days for the last few years not good enough for them. I'm so sorry, knowing how much you sacrificed for that job - and sincerely wish you incredible good fortune in employment for 2012!In a bit of poetic justice, the place has had some serious issues since I left.

[3894]

May the winds of fortune sail you,
May you sail a gentle sea,
May it always be the other guy,
Who says, "This drink's on me".
To better days! :cheers:

My big resolution for 2012 is to be a good MIL. My own in-laws were an absolute terror. If I do the opposite of what they did, I should be golden.

[Moonliner]

In a bit of poetic justice, the place has had some serious issues since I left.

Unexplained fires?

[Kevy Baby]

Unexplained fires?Chaos from not realizing how much I just quietly did to make sure that the operation ran smoothly as well tasks that only I was able to figure out how to complete.

I did not (and would not) leave any bombs behind (although I very easily could have created some serious havoc).

[Moonliner]

(although I very easily could have created some serious havoc).

Yeah, as emotionally fulfilling as that can be it's seldom in your own best interest. Still they are obviously right F'n bastards.

[BarTopDancer]

Yeah, as emotionally fulfilling as that can be it's seldom in your own best interest. Still they are obviously right F'n bastards.

It's a lot more satisfying to watch stuff implode from your absence than it is to watch it implode from your bombs. I say that with first hand experience.

[Morrigoon]

I have a few things in mind, but not much I can list here. Employment, again, but not if it's going to be like the last fulfillment of that goal, which came at too great a price for the income it yielded. So let's say "worthwhile and enjoyable employment... which I retain".

Unlistable goal... was born a couple days ago ;)

Epic fail on the second goal.

Nothing this year. Planning to quit my "job" (if it can be called such) as soon as Alex gets his, and focus on being mommy for a bit.

[Ghoulish Delight]

I made no resolutions last year, and this year's resolution will be to not lose any more grandparents, which will be easy to keep as I'm fresh out.

[CoasterMatt]

My resolution is the same as it's been the last few years...

1920x1080

[blueerica]

I resolve to do little this year.

[JWBear]

Years ago I made a resolution to stop making resolutions. Ironicaly, it's the only resolution I've managed to keep.

[Scrooge McSam]

I quit smoking.... and didn't gain any weight. Actually lost some ;) That's enough for this crapfest of a past year.

This year... lose the rest and get off the meds. I probably should look into getting another job before I start pulling out hair by the handful.

Kevy... I've often thought they didn't deserve you. I realize it's not so good for you right now, but I chuckle at their difficulties.

[3894]

Courtesy Arts Wisconsin

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/392017_242113545857931_145943312141622_554782_1253 886269_n.jpg

[Snowflake]

I like that 3894!

Well, for once in my life I'm going to keep my resolution to lose weight. In 2011 I made a good start. So, for 2012, I hope to lose another 50 pounds as a modest and doable goal. If it goes like 2011, I will actually lose more weight. I'm eating healther, though I always thought I was fairly mindful (except for the insane amounts of bread and pasta I scarfed away). I feel like a new person, it's pretty great.

I also resolve to write more in 2012. I'm not particularly gifted, but I love it. That's what the blog is for and I plan to be a more regular poster.

I also resolve to do some serious research for Dorothy. 2011 slipped by with little hunting and gathering by me. Again, a process I enjoy and I hope to make a trip to WI to Madison, there's some good stuff hidden away there I need to access. NY beckons, too. The Gish papers are at the NYPL.

The job thing is going to be a tougher nut to crack. I work for 2 really good people, but the firm itself, post merger, ack. It could not be more soul sucking. Environment can be stronger than will and I am surrounded by mega unhappy people. Being positive is what I always try to be, but it is getting harder to do. I'm waffling between fear of making the jump and landing in a worse situation or simply not finding another option. Gee that's a lousy thing to end on, isn't it?

2012 will be a better year, I can start with that.

[3894]

I hope to make a trip to WI to Madison, there's some good stuff hidden away there I need to access.

Do you prefer bbq or Chinese for lunch when we meet up?

[Snowflake]

Do you prefer bbq or Chinese for lunch when we meet up?
Now, meeting up would be a thrill beyond compare!

BBQ or Chinese are fine with me!

[3894]

Ditto, Snowflake! I'm looking forward to talking with you.

So, this morning I have re-learned the ancient maxim:
No matter how nice, warm, and welcoming the wedding plans are and how included everyone has been in the decision process, the other family will bitch.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Someone always complains about a wedding, so we did what we wanted and didn't ask anybody's opinion.

[Alex]

Nobody complained about my wedding. It's not too late!

[Moonliner]

Ditto, No one complained about my wedding either and it was local for all her family and fly in for all of mine.

Of course you probably need to factor in that I was the groom not the bride or brides mother so I guess in theory there could have been no end of bitching I never heard about.....

[CoasterMatt]

Shearing a symphony sounds kind of kinky.