Seven things I want to accomplish in 2017
We're now one week into 2017. Holidays and vacations are behind us and it's time to get down to business. People usually take a look at their lives at the first of the year and then try to make some changes to better themselves. RESOLUTIONS!!!
So I decided to write down a few things I want/need to do this year. I still have 358 days to get them done. Let's take a look.
I need to get healthier. I've had some bad stomach issues for the last year. It was bad enough that I asked my Gastroenterologist if I was going to end up like Glenn Frey, who suffered with stomach problems for years before checking out last year. She looked at me like she wanted to smack me. Eating better might help...maybe. But this is number one on the list and the most important.
Finish the children's book. I've had this idea for a children's book for a few years. I finally got around to writing it last fall. I almost finished the first draft but kept running into self-imposed roadblocks. I want this done by year's end so I can start working on the sequel.
I want to visit five new states in the U.S. I've always wanted to go to all 50 states. I'm at 37 but haven't been to a new state in ten years. Last summer, I had this trip planned where I flew into Portland, Oregon, then rented a car and drove up to Seattle then head eastward to Idaho, the Dakotas and whatever else was in between. It didn't happen because of number 1 and also number 4 (which is coming next). That's the plan for this summer...we'll see.
I want to learn to drive again. I live in a part of Chicago where I don't need a car. Public transportation is right outside my door. It takes me locally anywhere I want/need to go. The last time I drove was more than two years ago and that was for a ten mile round trip. That was after a more than two year break from driving. Doing the math, I've been behind the wheel of a car once in the last five years. For me to get #3 done, I'm going to need to be able to drive. I'm pretty sure I can do it but I need some practice. Two two-hour lessons cost a hundred bucks. It's just a matter of doing it. Maybe in the Spring?
I want to go to places that I tell everyone I like. People ask what do I like to do in Chicago. I always tell them the Zoo, Art Institute and the Planetarium. Honestly, I haven't been to any of those in years. All these places are free during the next couple of months. It's time to go back to them so I can stop lying about it. I guess you can add movies into this list, too. I was telling a group today that I haven't been to a movie in a year. It's actually closer to two years. Any recommendations?
I want to see a classical music concert. I'm not a big fan of classical music but every time I see these people play on tv, I'm amazed by how great these musicians are. I'm usually only good for a song or two before I've had enough but it's time to see if it's better in person. I bet it is!! I live a half hour from Grant Park where they have free classical concerts all summer long. Maybe find a nice night, bring a blanket and a picnic basket and look at the stars while listening to some Mozart? Wow...I've become so fucking cultured in my old age.
Quit procrastinating. Basically I need to get off my ass and do some of this stuff. It could have been done months...years ago. Even this post was planned for January 2nd and I'm just getting around to it now.
So that's the plan for 2017. Nothing too taxing and all are possible. It'll be interesting to look back in December and see what I actually accomplished. Have I wished you readers a Happy New Year yet? There's that procrastinating thing again.
Here's a look at how positive I was to start out 2016.We'll try to keep that attitude throughout this year.