Setting Goals Is A Good Thing.

I don't like the word resolutions. In conjunction with the new year, that word has become laden with a heavy sense of obligation. I prefer goals, things to aspire to, and reach. So, here are my goals for 2021:

1. Write. I have an unfinished novel, a great idea for turning the Bay Area into a Cyberpunk setting, and a thousand other concepts flying around my head. Buckle down and write. Which leads into. . .


2. Study the Craft. Having books on writing do you no good if you don't read them, study them, and do the exercises. The same goes for my copy of Scrivener and Scrivener For Dummies. If I really want to improve my writing and my use of that great writing tool, put in the grunt work!


3. Exercise! I have been terrible about even trying to make my daily step count, and I'm angry that the bike we bought for me has barely been touched. I also have the TRX band and the push-up paddles. Devote time each day to doing some form of exercise. It's not only good for my general health, it improves how well I digest things. Which brings us to. . .


4. Eat Better. A Little. Look, I'm never going to be bellying up to the salad bar, but I can try to improve my diet. Even little things like reducing my reliance on microwaved chimichangas in favor of fresher food will help. Eating three meals a day is also a goal.


5. Work On Getting New Dentures. This is a biggie, but I'm not getting some coverage under kshandra's new insurance, so I might be able to get the work done so I have teeth that work. Be warned, we may run a Go Fund Me campaign to cover the costs. Being able to chew properly will be a boon to my health.


6. Talk Less, Smile More. To quote Hamilton. I get drawn into too many pointless online arguments. It wastes my time and causes stress.


7. Take Me Out To The Ballgame. . . Try to make six ballgames this year. San Franciso or San Jose, either flavor of Giants is good for me. The schedule will be posted, all are welcome to watch me get tortured.


8. Run A Game! Face to face or online, I need to shake off my Gamemaster dust and run a game. I'd love to run a game of Bulldogs! which is a really fun FATE-based space opera game. Finally. . .


9. Breathe. Take Time To Be Mindful. I need to spend more time centering myself. Using the skills I learned in therapy to relax and refocus.

I haven't mentioned Burning Man as that is out of my control. If we're on for this year, we'll go. If not, we'll plan for the next year.

Happy 2021, y'all!