Last year I replaced resolution making with my “Sixty@Sixty” challenge to do in my 60th year. I found it was much more fun but still productive.
Like in my rightsizing challenge. Taking on the kitchen and pantry, the overload of books not needed, the work clothing we had in the closet.
I made it through most of those categories, failing when it came to finishing six items in traveling, birding, festivals and diners.
I blogged a few days back about whether I would forego resolutions again in the upcoming year.
I decided on a hybrid of the two. A couple of challenges, mixed with some real resolutions.
We need to clean out our garage of things that don’t get used. Or that should be stored elsewhere. I think it’s one doable goal. That we can get done.
I want to expand my baking. Using yeast for things like bagels, pretzels, and some other challenges brought about by reading Smitten Kitchen after finding that great granola recipe from Deb’s cookbook.
I am also committed to break out of my rut and get us to those new destinations, even if just for an overnight trip.
I want to redo the garden, and I have seeds for some challenging plants, like cardoons and Malabar spinach.
I want to go to The Common Market once a month and bring home something from the bulk food bins that I have never cooked myself, like those exotic rices, beans, grains and nuts.
As for blogging, I made it through the year (well, I have three days left) with blogging daily. Sometimes it was posted after midnight, but there are posts for every day.
Next year, cutting it back, to eliminate some redundancy, to 4-5 times a week and focusing on local things to do, places to go, and my farm series needs to be resurrected.
I also need to update those pages here on the blog, and finish the two draft pages I want to add.
As for time volunteering. The big challenge this year is the food preservation program I am working on. Plus, more time out on the trails around the Conservancy.
It is good to be busy. To have goals. To keep retirement interesting. 2013 has been pretty eventful.
Here’s to turning 61 in a few hours. That’s not old. That’s just getting started in the seventh decade. And, soon it will be 2014. Amazing how time flies when we’re having fun.
AnnieRie Unplugged 