Looking Back – and Ahead

Like many others are probably doing today, I can’t help but look back over 2013 and wonder. What did I do right? Or wrong? What could I have done better? Are there things I could or should have done differently?

And taking into consideration the answers to those questions, what will I do to make the new year a better year?

Kristy K. James - Happy New Year 2014~~~

When first contemplating the answers, my thoughts immediately turned to my writing (big surprise there, hmm?). I spend a lot of time thinking I’m not as productive as I should be, but when I made a list, I realized I actually accomplished a great deal this year. Four novels, my newsletter novella, and a novelette. There were also a whole lot of blog posts. 😀

I was feeling pretty darned pleased with myself when another thought hit me. Given that I was practically chained to my keyboard for twelve months, did I actually enjoy 2013?

Hmm.

Good question!

I love writing. I love playing on Facebook and getting to know new friends. And I’ll admit it, I love my computer and the internet. I can spend hours researching, watching music videos on YouTube, and visiting other blogs.

But I realized that when I spend most of my life doing these things, I’m kind of living a ‘virtual life’ instead of a real life. And so this year I’m going to make some changes.

No, I’m not making resolutions. For me, the definition of that word means imminent failure, so I set goals instead.

My goals for 2014?

1. Spend more time with my family.

2. Work harder at developing a close, personal relationship with my treadmill.

3. Edit four stories that have been collecting dust for about a year.

4. Write at least four more novels – one for Ed (Coach’s Boys series), two for the Casteloria series (Finley and Nolan – and maybe one for Briannon), and the book set in Mackinaw City. I also want to do a couple more novellas for Mystic’s Carnival Collective … and to try something new (to be announced at a later date). Plus, if I possibly can, I’d like to tackle another newsletter novella. (my brain just looked at this list and shrieked, “Are you nuts!)

5. Take a few more weekend trips with my daughter.

6. Carve out more time for reading.

7. Make sure I spend time out of my office every day. (hi, I’m Kristy and I’m in addicted to my computer)

Yeah, I know. Those are some pretty lofty goals there, but if I don’t set the bar high, I won’t feel challenged, and if I don’t feel challenged, I won’t get nearly as much done.

‘Shoot for the moon. If you miss, you’ll land among the stars.’ ~Brian Littrell~

Have you set any goals or resolutions for the coming year? Share them in the comments section below if you’re comfortable doing so.

Now it’s time for me to go make the supper my son insists on  having every December 31st…bean dip.

Quick recipe: brown 2 pounds of ground beef, add a large can of refried beans, a large jar of salsa (we use hot), mix in a little cheddar cheese, top with more cheese, bake at 350 degrees until hot, and serve with tortilla chips. I tend to prefer it on corn or gluten-free tortillas, but that’s just me. It makes a nice dish to take to parties, too.

So…

See you next year! 😀

 

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4 Responses to Looking Back – and Ahead

  1. Mmm. I love Straight, No Chaser. As for your goals… I’m happy to cheer you on! I’m sure it’s much easier to think now that your electricity has been restored.

    • Kristy K. James says:

      I love them, too. I spend way too much time on YouTube watching their videos…even though I have a number of their songs on Spotify. Guess it’s just fun watching them, too. 🙂

      Thanks for the cheers. I’m happy to do the same. And yes…oh love electricity!!! 🙂

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