New Year 2023

[missy]

I never do New Year's resolutions.
Only because all year long I try to do my best.

However, I would love to know what are your hopes in the New Year?
Any big plans or changes that you are considering?

As for us, I cannot think of any big changes except my continued efforts to live each day to the fullest and live in the moment trying not to look too far ahead. I am a big planner and hate spontaneity and would like to change that just a little bit if possible.

I would also like to worry less and focus on what I can do versus what I cannot change. I have been working on this for years now and I feel I am getting better about this slowly but surely.

I would love to adopt another rescue animal but I am leaving that up to the universe so to speak.

Lastly, and again not a New Year's resolution per se because I work on this all year long, but I would like to be less reactive. I have a temper and I am fast to react. But I am also fast to get over it so maybe that balances out. My DH is used to my reactive nature by now but yes I would like to be less reactive and more calm under all circumstances. Cool and calm are not my MO but working on it!


Leaving you with a quote I am holding close for the New Year





How about you? Please share any New Year's thoughts with us

 

[dk168]

No NY resolutions as such as they seldom lasted beyond the first week in January!

I would like to continue to stay healthy and mobile as much as I can without any significant deteriorations. Improving both would be great, however, that would involve lifestyle changes and I am not good with them.

I would like to lose about 7lb/3.2kg approx., hopefully, it will help with maintaining my current level of mobility if not improve it slightly.

Be in gainful employment sufficient to support myself and the pets while still have some spare time to do other things like travelling and helping out charitable organisations. I can do with less blings, holidays and eating out.

I would like to continue to support the charitable organisations that I currently support.

I would like to continue to learn the clarinet and get better at it.

Lastly, not a resolution as such, and I have this time of the year nearly every year - tidy my house so that I feel sufficiently comfortable to invite friends to stay the night.

DK

 

[missy]

Love your list @dk168

I would like to continue to learn the clarinet and get better at it.

So this is funny. I was just talking about this yesterday with my DH. I was first clarinet in the All Boro Band NYC many many decades ago. I was quite good. However, now, I don't think I even remember how to read music let alone play it. And I was saying to my husband I would like to relearn how to read and play music but specifically the piano. I played the piano, organ, clarinet, guitar, when I was younger. And it has been many decades since I picked up an instrument. We do not own a piano unfortunately (my sister got it) so not sure I will relearn but it is something I think I would enjoy doing again

 

[dk168]

Love your list @dk168

So this is funny. I was just talking about this yesterday with my DH. I was first clarinet in the All Boro Band NYC many many decades ago. I was quite good. However, now, I don't think I even remember how to read music let alone play it. And I was saying to my husband I would like to relearn how to read and play music but specifically the piano. I played the piano, organ, clarinet, guitar, when I was younger. And it has been many decades since I picked up an instrument. We do not own a piano unfortunately (my sister got it) so not sure I will relearn but it is something I think I would enjoy doing again

An electronic keyboard does not take up as much space and can be packed away with ease. If I were to go back to the piano, that's what I would do. However, I prefer the clarinet as I am not a tidy person!

DK

 

[missy]

An electronic keyboard does not take up as much space and can be packed away with ease. If I were to go back to the piano, that's what I would do. However, I prefer the clarinet as I am not a tidy person!

DK

I thought of that but, for me, it wouldn’t be satisfying. However I have a dear friend who did just that and loves playing it

 

[dk168]

I thought of that but, for me, it wouldn’t be satisfying. However I have a dear friend who did just that and loves playing it

Apparently the better ones play like a normal piano reactive to touch/pressure/strike force etc..

However, I know what you mean.

I was contacted by a widow recently asking if anyone would like a baby grand piano, a good brand too, however, there was no interested, mainly for the reason of lack of space.

DK

 

[missy]

Apparently the better ones play like a normal piano reactive to touch/pressure/strike force etc..

However, I know what you mean.

I was contacted by a widow recently asking if anyone would like a baby grand piano, a good brand too, however, there was no interested, mainly for the reason of lack of space.

DK

Thanks dk. If I knew for sure I’d enjoy playing again I would get a piano. We do have the space in our living room actually. My big concern is I’d become disinterested. I hate not having that crystal ball to see the future.

Adding I think I hade adult onset ADD and find I must do many things at once to keep engaged. I need to work on that too for 2023!

 

[Ally T]

In 2023 I am looking forward to being able to finally move into the Vicarage. We are hopeful to start our next chapter there in May.

I would also like to lose 14 pounds. I have had a little weight creep on over the last couple of years due to my hormonal changes, as I rapidly reach “a certain age” I plan to get myself in tip top shape once we move, as I will have a gym at the house & will be able to get back into my beloved running without the strain on my joints & feet that road running brings. I also miss lifting weights, which I did at our local Gym before covid hit. I didn’t renew my membership when restrictions lifted & so all together, I think those things have hugely contributed to the weight gain & weaker joints of late.

Generally, I just want to be more focused on my health & mental well-being, keep my family healthy & happy, plus travel to some more beautiful places.

 

[vintageinjune]

I have made the same "New Year's Resolution" every year since I was 19:

This year, make new mistakes.

2023 is the year I hope to transition out of dentistry and into cyber security. I start a boot camp early in the year and will graduate in May. The classes I took this year were interesting, but lacked teaching any of the hands on skills needed to actually perform the job. Writing papers about how you would do something is not the same as actually doing it.

I want to continue working on my fitness for my physical and mental well being.

I agreed to participate in an art show in February again, but don't have anything to submit, so I need to get painting!

 

[MamaBee]

I already started doing this..but I always put everyone in my family first. I pretty much burned myself out, gained weight, needed stronger doses of blood pressure medicine, etc..Six months ago I had a talk with myself..I’m losing weight..I put myself first sometimes when I can…My doctor and I reduced my blood pressure meds to just one pill at half the dose because of the changes I’ve been making..I don’t need the other BP pill anymore..I don‘t always say yes to everything..I try to cut down on my stress..so I can say no now..I will continue my 2022 half year resolution into 2023. I want to be as healthy..emotionally and physically that I can be in 2023...and keep going..

 

[canuk-gal]

I have made the same "New Year's Resolution" every year since I was 19:

This year, make new mistakes.

2023 is the year I hope to transition out of dentistry and into cyber security. I start a boot camp early in the year and will graduate in May. The classes I took this year were interesting, but lacked teaching any of the hands on skills needed to actually perform the job. Writing papers about how you would do something is not the same as actually doing it.

I want to continue working on my fitness for my physical and mental well being.

I agreed to participate in an art show in February again, but don't have anything to submit, so I need to get painting!

Where is this boot camp, please?

 

[vintageinjune]

Where is this boot camp, please?

The one I am attending will be done online via a Zoom type class from Colorado State University. https://bootcamp.colostate.edu/programs/cybersecurity

There are a fairly large number of these bootcamps available, but I had a friend in the field vet a few of the programs I was considering against what I figured I wanted to do and he said this one would cover what I wanted to learn.

MIT has a much cheaper program that covers much of the same information: https://executive-ed.xpro.mit.edu/professional-certificate-cybersecurity

 

[canuk-gal]

The one I am attending will be done online via a Zoom type class from Colorado State University. https://bootcamp.colostate.edu/programs/cybersecurity

There are a fairly large number of these bootcamps available, but I had a friend in the field vet a few of the programs I was considering against what I figured I wanted to do and he said this one would cover what I wanted to learn.

MIT has a much cheaper program that covers much of the same information: https://executive-ed.xpro.mit.edu/professional-certificate-cybersecurity

Thank you very much!!!

 

[YadaYadaYada]

I am determined to get a new job. Getting through the holiday season in retail is not something I wish to repeat again. Planning on trying to find something working with animals, I’m over people

Would also love to change up my look but that takes a lot of effort and I’m not high maintenance. Maybe something small like a pink streak in my hair, or is that too midlife crisis?

 

[Piper70]

I was just thinking about this while doing laundry today. My 2023 resolution is to solve world peace. I intend to find the time to do this by teaching my husband after 34 years to take off his clothes right side out so I don’t have to waste all my time turning them back.
In all seriousness, I do need to pay more attention to my health. I spend so much time taking care of other people’s needs and then “don’t have time” to exercise or go for routine medical care which is not okay. I also need to reduce stress. I’d like to start volunteering in either pet rescue or politics. 2 very different paths but both important to me and where I feel like I can make a difference.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

I'd like to worry less. These last few years have been stressful (family issues) so my worry quotient has increased (I never used to feel like this....). Perhaps, too, because I am aging I feel less resilient.

As silly as this will sound, I will be consuming less news. Too stressful and I don't believe half of what is reported...lots of anger and misinformation out there. I don't need anymore negative energy in my life--as my DH gets very stressed over news events , vents continually, and it isn't healthy for anyone.

cheers--Sharon

 

[missy]

HI:

I'd like to worry less. These last few years have been stressful (family issues) so my worry quotient has increased (I never used to feel like this....). Perhaps, too, because I am aging I feel less resilient.

As silly as this will sound, I will be consuming less news. Too stressful and I don't believe half of what is reported...lots of anger and misinformation out there. I don't need anymore negative energy in my life--as my DH gets very stressed over news events , vents continually, and it isn't healthy for anyone.

cheers--Sharon

I agree with everything you shared Sharon. It does not sound silly to me at all about reading less news. It is too stressful and worrisome and unless we can make a difference there is no point in reading and getting aggravated IMO. I agree that as we age it is hard not to feel more vulnerable and worrying less can only be helpful I think

When Oliver reads the news he gets all hyper and upset so I have banned all news sources from him...see what happens after he watches/reads the news?




In case you can't tell he jumped up on the ceiling beams. Yup.
No more news for Oliver (or me because it makes me feel like this too lol)

 

[missy]

I was just thinking about this while doing laundry today. My 2023 resolution is to solve world peace. I intend to find the time to do this by teaching my husband after 34 years to take off his clothes right side out so I don’t have to waste all my time turning them back.
In all seriousness, I do need to pay more attention to my health. I spend so much time taking care of other people’s needs and then “don’t have time” to exercise or go for routine medical care which is not okay. I also need to reduce stress. I’d like to start volunteering in either pet rescue or politics. 2 very different paths but both important to me and where I feel like I can make a difference.

I like your resolutions. And yes to animal rescue if you can. There is such a huge need. It seems the animal organizations get so much less help than all the other organizations. At least where we live. It's so sad And any help at all really adds up and can save the lives of animals. Thank you for caring

I am determined to get a new job. Getting through the holiday season in retail is not something I wish to repeat again. Planning on trying to find something working with animals, I’m over people

Would also love to change up my look but that takes a lot of effort and I’m not high maintenance. Maybe something small like a pink streak in my hair, or is that too midlife crisis?

Good luck @YadaYadaYada! You can do it! I have 100% confidence in you. You are a smart young woman with so much to offer any employer/business. They would be lucky to have you work for them. I hope you find your dream job. And no not midlife crisis at all to add some color to your hair. I might go blue

I already started doing this..but I always put everyone in my family first. I pretty much burned myself out, gained weight, needed stronger doses of blood pressure medicine, etc..Six months ago I had a talk with myself..I’m losing weight..I put myself first sometimes when I can…My doctor and I reduced my blood pressure meds to just one pill at half the dose because of the changes I’ve been making..I don’t need the other BP pill anymore..I don‘t always say yes to everything..I try to cut down on my stress..so I can say no now..I will continue my 2022 half year resolution into 2023. I want to be as healthy..emotionally and physically that I can be in 2023...and keep going..

Dear Joanne, please start putting yourself first. And if need be I will remind you daily. Girl keep your text volume on high

I have made the same "New Year's Resolution" every year since I was 19:

This year, make new mistakes.

2023 is the year I hope to transition out of dentistry and into cyber security. I start a boot camp early in the year and will graduate in May. The classes I took this year were interesting, but lacked teaching any of the hands on skills needed to actually perform the job. Writing papers about how you would do something is not the same as actually doing it.

I want to continue working on my fitness for my physical and mental well being.

I agreed to participate in an art show in February again, but don't have anything to submit, so I need to get painting!

Good luck @vintageinjune !! Very exciting fields! You won't get bored that is for sure.

In 2023 I am looking forward to being able to finally move into the Vicarage. We are hopeful to start our next chapter there in May.

I would also like to lose 14 pounds. I have had a little weight creep on over the last couple of years due to my hormonal changes, as I rapidly reach “a certain age” I plan to get myself in tip top shape once we move, as I will have a gym at the house & will be able to get back into my beloved running without the strain on my joints & feet that road running brings. I also miss lifting weights, which I did at our local Gym before covid hit. I didn’t renew my membership when restrictions lifted & so all together, I think those things have hugely contributed to the weight gain & weaker joints of late.

Generally, I just want to be more focused on my health & mental well-being, keep my family healthy & happy, plus travel to some more beautiful places.

Wishing you all the best @Ally T you have had a busy and exciting year albeit challenging and I am very happy you will soon be moving into your gorgeous new home

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2023 filled with all your dreams coming true XOXO

 

[Elizabeth35]

I don't do a resolution necessarily, but I do spend time reflecting on how I can be a better person and how to do a better job on self-care.
I started before Christmas and drastically reduced my expectations. I did the tree with my son's help and it was done in 3 -4 hours. Plus maybe 2 bins of other decorations. Easy.
All 6 kids got one gift to open (small in size for those traveling) and a check. I did still make doggy treats for all the grand-dogs. I did not feel that I had to spend hours cooking/baking and delivering goodies to local friends/family, especially since I was the only one who did this. I did have one person whine about not getting home-made blueberry muffins delivered. I sent him the recipe-lol.

We did appetizers Christmas Eve, Christmas breakfast and dinner together. Without china, silver and crystal. And guess what---we all still had fun and I was not exhausted or worse, resentful. It didn't look like Martha Stewart and that's okay.
I accepted help with dinner and assigned dishes so I was not overworked. We relaxed and played Cards against Humanity after dinner.

I am lowering the pressure I put on myself so that I can enjoy my time and be more relaxed. I am also committed to accepting help and not trying to 'do it all'.
From now on, when someone asks what they can do to help---I always have a task I can delegate.

So basically----giving up being a control freak, that is my resolution!

 

[diamondringlover]

I have made a resolution to myself, I need to lose 15 pounds, I worked so hard to lose my weight over the years! I let this weight creep back on and I am very angry at myself and since I am only 4'10 1/2" inches tall the extra weight makes none of my clothes fit me which really annoys me....my other issues is I am drinking WAY too much, its how I deal with stress I MUST find a better way!!! all the extra drinking goes hand and hand with extra eating and hence the weight gain....

 

[Austina]

I’m determined to learn how to swim! The pool should be finished shortly, so I want to be able to enjoy it fully, and hopefully lose a bit of the podge that I’ve put on!

 

[SandraLynn]

I have made a resolution to myself, I need to lose 15 pounds, I worked so hard to lose my weight over the years! I let this weight creep back on and I am very angry at myself and since I am only 4'10 1/2" inches tall the extra weight makes none of my clothes fit me which really annoys me....my other issues is I am drinking WAY too much, its how I deal with stress I MUST find a better way!!! all the extra drinking goes hand and hand with extra eating and hence the weight gain....

I feel you on all this!

 

[missy]

I have made a resolution to myself, I need to lose 15 pounds, I worked so hard to lose my weight over the years! I let this weight creep back on and I am very angry at myself and since I am only 4'10 1/2" inches tall the extra weight makes none of my clothes fit me which really annoys me....my other issues is I am drinking WAY too much, its how I deal with stress I MUST find a better way!!! all the extra drinking goes hand and hand with extra eating and hence the weight gain....

I don't know if sharing my experience will be helpful but in case it is here you go.

I gave up alcohol (was never a big drinker though) years ago for health reasons probably about 15 (?) years ago. Very glad I did because years later we found I have alpha one anti trypsin deficiency and smoking or drinking can be deadly for those who have this. But I didn't know that at the time and wanted to give it up for other reasons. Anyway within the first few months I actually lost 5 lbs. Which was/is a lot for me. And that was despite the fact I maybe had one drink a week. Crazy right?

I also always remember my internist of 25 years. At every annual check up he asked the same questions. Do you smoke, do you drink, do you exercise etc.. And always, when I replied no to the alcohol drinking, he nodded his head yes and said very good. Empty calories. Empty calories. He repeated that at least two or three times. LOL I hear his soft voice so clearly. And Greg and I always had a good laugh about his empty calories, empty calories response... but Dr D was (and is) right.

I went cold turkey which again wasn't hard for me since I was never a big drinker. But when I quit sugar (many years before that) I also went cold turkey and despite being a sugar-holic at that time it was much easier to quit cold turkey than little by little. For me at least.

Good luck, you can do it!!!