Normally, I'm not a big fan of New Year's resolutions. Mainly because for two weeks, the dance and yoga studios will be chock-full with rude heavy breathers who take no heed of people who, you know, actually work out regularly. (Note: by "heavy breather," I'm not judging people who are overweight and out of shape. I'm just saying if you really DO want to get healthy, pace yourself and pay attention to the etiquette and habits of people who attend class in months other than January. You might learn something!)
That said, this is an interesting new start. I'm 30 now. I'll be looking for a new apartment in a couple of months. I want to make some other changes and advances as well, while still retaining my own life, which is fabulous and I adore it.
So without further ado, here are my New Year's Resolutions, pop culture and otherwise:
1. Go to the movies. All the time. Even if it's a busy period at work and I don't want to get my ass off the couch. I always feel better when I go to the movies. Case in point: the week between Christmas and New Year's was a film-o-palooza for me. And it was awesome.
2. Write about said movies!
3. When someone says I absolutely need to watch/read some fantastic new Oscar-bait movie/super-intense TV series/New York Times bestseller, consider watching/reading it rather than saying in my head, "if this many people are telling me to do it, I don't wanna."
4. Get some kind of paid writing gig. Not that I don't love getting "paid" in free DVD's and books, but I've been told I'm not too bad at this writing thing, so I might as well seek a little compensation.
5. Keep a Moleskine and pen by my bed so when I wake up from some really cool/weird dream that would be a good idea for a story, I don't forget it in my insane apply contacts/get dressed/lift cat off of stuff pre-work apartment race.
6. Get in touch with Dan Savage, whether it's a message for the Savage Love podcast or a fan-girly email. Because I love him.
7. Sign up for another burlesque class. It's fun as hell, combats stress and makes me happy. Come to think of it, just dance as much as freaking possible.
8. Be open-minded when it comes to music, movies, TV shows, books, anything culture-y. Specific tastes are fun, but discovering cool new stuff is even better.
9. Work on creative writing. A LOT. This includes:
a) Getting my current draft of my 2009 NaNo all shipshape and perfect, so I can start sending it out to agents again,
b) Working on my 2010 NaNo, which may never ever sell but was still a story I loved telling and want to work on more,
c) Think of tons of new ideas and pick the best one for NaNo 2011.
d) Take classes: one-offs and hopefully longer-term if I can afford it.
e) This summer, apply for another writing residency.
10. And finally: try to post here more. I LOVE all of my readers and am so grateful you listen to me natter on every week, and I want to give you more of what you want.
What are YOUR New Year's resolutions, pop culture and non?
