Happy, happy New Year!
Yeah, I know it's already January 3rd but hopefully it isn't too late to set some New Year's resolutions for myself. Here's to 2011!
1.) Writing Goals
Okay, I admit it. My biggest goal for 2011 is to get a book deal. WANT! But...then I realized that this is kind of out of my control. At the end of the day, I can only manufacture the product---a manuscript. That's it. I can't control an editor's tastes or market trends or the general health of the publishing industry. The only thing I can do is revise, revise, and revise my new book until it sparkles and shines like crazy.
So this is my main writing goal for this new year: to do my YA dystopian justice. I love its premise. I love the characters. Now, I just have to execute it correctly. Which scares me. Freaks me out. I wonder if I'm good enough to do this book justice... Deep breath. Guess I can only try my damnedest to do so!
2.) Educational Goals
With Justin heading to Afghanistan sometime this summer, I would love to tackle a class at my local community college. Maybe painting? Or ceramics? Or making stained glass? (I've always wanted to make stained glass! Go Middle Ages!)
Or maybe I should sign up for a writing class to better hone my craft. At some point I'd love to do an MFA in Children's Literature and this could be a good precursor for that.
3.) Friendship Goals
My little sister headed back to college today and it made me think about all of the fun times I had at her age. Ah, hot-tubbing! Gossiping about boys! Crying about stupid things! And then I realized... Man, I've lost touch with so many of my good friends. Why is that?
Starting this week, I really want to get back in touch with some of my old roommates and college pals. Although we keep in touch via blogging and Facebook, I feel like I'm missing out on a lot of what's happening in their lives. Thus, I need to start writing some emails and maybe even a few letters. Oh, this means I can buy some stationary...
4.) Family Goals
Justin and I have been talking about getting a pet for FOREVER. I really, really want a cat but he kind of hates them. (Boo!) Plus, I've developed a severe allergic reaction to cat dander, which is quite ironic because I adore cats and I wouldn't mind owning a half-dozen of them. (Me = Crazy Cat Lady)
Anyway, perhaps 2011 will be the year when we finally get a dog! I've been perusing Petfinder from time to time but I'm not sure if I'm ready to take the plunge yet. (Picking up dog poop really freaks me out.) Whenever we do get a dog though, I want one that is very sweet and that sleeps a lot. Basically, I want a dog that acts like a cat. Ha!
5.) Exercise Goals
I need to get my lazy ass to the gym. At least two or three times a week, methinks.
So what did you guys end up doing for New Year's Eve? And what resolutions have you set for 2011?
Lookin' Forward to This New Year
