2017 Resolutions Update

So I managed to do about 8 ish goals this past year.  Yay for getting some in.

I gave my self some partial credit (things in yellow if I came close).  I like to think I had my own sort of retreat when I decided to write during my leave. 

And I think I did watch 20 films, I just can't be sure if were documentaries.  I know I recently watched Monkey Kingdom, watched I Am Not Your Negro, but can't think of any others at this point. 

1.  Completion of the third draft of "Montgomery's Diary"
2.  Completion of the fourth draft of "Montgomery's Diary" (since I'm sure there will be one)
* I should note that in between 1-2 there's the task of BETA and revisions
3.  Write the first draft of "Redemption"
4.  Write 500 words per day
5.  Blog once a week (going for an over 80% success rate)
6.  Write 10 short stories
7.  Complete read through of "The Three Year War"
8.  Complete read through of "The Magician's Order"
9.  Publish Montgomery's Diary [and provide/give copies to friends & coworkers]
10.  Participate in retreat (preferably a writing one)
11.  Swim in Thailand (here's to making a trip back to Thailand this year)
12.  Travel to two new places
13.  Read 45 books
14.  Learn something new
15.  Watch 20 films (of which 5 should be documentaries)
16.  Complete a weekend writing challenge (15k)
17.  Add 10k to an open project (i.e. Year Two, Justice, The Last Stop, Forever Young, etc...)
18.  Save (pay yourself first) a minimum of $10 or 5% per pay period
19.  Reduce debt - pay off 3 of the 8 store/credit cards (preferably Cap1 and WM)
20.  Complete a house project (i.e. flooring for one room, garden for spring, organize office, etc)


At any rate I think for 2018 I'll par this list a bit down but still keep some on there (like traveling). 

NYE 2017... The Wrap Up

Dear 2017,


You are not a perfectly closed out year with a ribbon tie.  Nor where the years that preceded you. 

You are a reflection of another year of growth. 

You were the first year without her. 

You were remarkable.

I look at my resolutions from earlier this year and I wonder where did the time go.  Did I not do as much as I should to make the year feel like more?  But I did.  There were a lot of first:
- Went to PR (first time there)
- Traveled to LV w/ my mother (our first trip together)
- Self published my first novel
-Road trip to Maine (first time there) with friends
-Attended an open mic and read a poem
-Solo trips (to movies, museums, concerts, and exploring)

In trying to be a better me I also worked on the relationships and those in my life.  I questioned relationships, I questioned who I was in relation to them, I reflected on who I was because of it and I made decisions based on that. 

I learning/still learning what it means to love from a distance.  Who my teachers are and what are the lessons that come my way.  I am recognizing things about  me that I hope see improvement as I continue on this journey called life.  I am grateful for those who have shown me my strengths and weaknesses.  I am glad to be in a mindset that makes me open to seeing a situation for what it is and working on the parts of me that need it.  But in doing so I'm still able to love me for me and come more into my authentic self. 

Because she's coming. 

Love you 2017 :)
DMJ