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Out with the Old, in with the New

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(Image from Poetrysync)

“New Year’s Day: Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual,”
– Mark Twain

As I sit here in our reading room, faux fireplace creating a toasty atmosphere, fireworks announce the start of 2014 and I am perplexed: surely I just experienced all of this to announce 2013. True, I have a head full of memories of largely good experiences for 2013…but a year cannot physically pass that quickly, can it? I don’t understand, yet here we are, welcoming a new year. Happy New Year to you all.

For 2013 I created a reading-centric set of over-the-top impossible resolutions. It was an exercise to express my optimism and passion for reading and my wish for an abundance of time that simply was not realistically possible. It was a good time.

I did read a great deal of current fiction, in large part because of my efforts to keep up with Asimov’s Science Fiction, Lightspeed Magazine and Clarkesworld. I also read several books as they were being released, meaning this year more than any other I made an effort to read what I spent money on. I am a long way from making this a book for book practice, but progress was made.

What else happened in 2013?

I spent much of the year writing a weekly column for SF Signal, which was an honor and a privilege. As the year came to a close I did my first podcast as a guest on the SF Signal Podcast.

I was able to attend the second Spectrum Fantastic Art Live here in Kansas City. Jeff and I were invited by artist John Picacio to be a part of his crew so we got in early and were able to spend some quality time with him over the weekend. I bought my first original painting there, a small robot piece by artist Gregory Manchess. I got to see artist friends met at the first SFAL, I was asked to interview one of my favorite artists, Charles Vess, live on-stage in front of an audience (which was sooo cool!). Some conversations had at SFAL2 lead to meetings with two of my idols, Arnie and Cathy Fenner and I’m privileged to be a part of the marketing efforts for Spectrum Fantastic Art Live 3.

The weekend after SFAL2 was Convergence at which John Picacio was the Artist Guest of Honor, so we got to hang out with him again that weekend.

I maintained my the weight loss obtained from the previous year’s lifestyle changes. I didn’t compete in as many races during the year but I did several and enjoyed them very much.

I gave away my daughter at the altar and became an empty nest parent. Mary and I are having fun and are enjoying seeing our kids (daughter and son-in-law) embark on this new adventure.

I embraced the board gaming showcased by Wil Wheaton on Table Top and discovered the fun of games like Forbidden Island and Elder Sign. Speaking of Wil Wheaton, I got to see him speak live at Kansas City’s Planet Comicon.

I took on a new role at work that is proving both challenging and rewarding.

I read a lot of enjoyable books and short stories, had a great time at the movies and played several video games. In my reading I tried several new authors and new series that I’ve wanted to try for some time.

I met, online and in person, a lot of great new people while also maintaining relationships in person and online with people I’ve grown to care deeply about.

I did what I could to appreciate each and every day.
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So what are my plans for 2014?

I want to increase my running to a place comfortably between the first year’s outrageous output and this year’s tepid output.

I want to try my hand at cranking out a short story or two, even if that means cranking them out of my imagination and straight into the recycle bin.

I want to showcase the wonder that will be Spectrum Fantastic Art Live 3 to anyone who will listen because it is a rare experience to get that much SF/F/H illustration in one place for so little money for the attendee.

I want to celebrate my 25th wedding anniversary at one of my favorite places, Hermann, Missouri.

I want to read more this year than last, and I want to make a stronger effort to review everything I read.

I want to make a positive impact on the community, both the online community and the one in which I reside.

__________

So no resolutions this year…or at least not any that I am going to put in print. I have a couple of bizarre ones that I’ll report on next year. Not that I am off resolutions. I’ve stated before that, though arbitrary, I believe in the importance of days that prompt one to take stock and make goals for life changes, even if they are small changes.

If I must resolve anything, I resolve that I’ll be here and at SF Signal hard at work to bring you worthwhile content.

Happy New Year to each and every one of you. You are great people, you really are. I wish the very best for you in 2014.

32 thoughts on “Out with the Old, in with the New”

  1. It sounds like you had a fantastic year, Carl! It’s always a bit of a challenge to find balance during and after lifestyle changes but you’re on the right path and that’s all that matters. Have a wonderful 2014!

    1. Thanks, and I agree. I’m just happy I decided to tackle my weight and health issues by creating good habits and not “dieting”, as now those good habits are just that, habits. It helps a lot in regards to staying the course.

      You have a wonderful 2014 too!

  2. Ooooooh. That sounds like a fantastic year, Carl! I hope 2014 will end up being even more amazing for you. It sounds like you’ve got plenty of great things to look forward to already. I’m glad to hear the habits have become habits and that they work so well for you!

    1. Thanks, Lynn! I hope you have a wonderful 2014 too with all sorts of exciting adventures.

  3. Happy New Year Carl
    Don’t know where 2013 went to – but it went there in a hurry! Can’t believe how quickly the year has flown. You’ve had a great year and I hope the next 12 months is just as rewarding and stimulating.
    Thanks for all your blogging events and always being such a great host.
    Lynn 😀

    1. It went by in a rush…not sure why it was in such a hurry to go. Which now has reminded me of a cool short story I read in 2013 and I can’t remember the name. Off to do a little research.

      Thank you so much, Lynn. Its my pleasure because it helps me to meet people like you.

  4. Happy New Year Carl & Mary!.. I always hope for good health and more fun and laughter in each new year!

    I need to post on my reading from 2013..it wasn’t my greatest year but no matter how slow I read as long as there is always a book by my chair I can’t complain!

    Each year goes faster so soon you will have to take notes so you remember what happened! I sounds like you had a good year and I really hope this new year is even better for you both!

    1. Happy New Year, Pat. I know its been a hard year for you and I’m so sorry that has been so. I sincerely pray for a much better 2014 for you in your health, reading and in everything.

      If you ever get to the point where there isn’t a book by your chair you just let me know and I’ll quickly rectify that! 🙂

  5. Ha! You have no idea how quickly time will fly when you’re in your Sixties! A year is a blink of an eye. You have the Right Idea: make every day count. Love your New Year’s Resolutions. Happy New Year to you and your family! Your blog displays your passion, energy, and kindness. May all of your 2014 Resolutions come true!

    1. Say it ain’t so, George! 🙂

      Thanks so much George, I hope your 2014 is amazing.

    1. And to you and the rest of the family.

      Thinking about you today as we are going with Tori, Grant and Craig to see Saving Mr. Banks.

        1. What an amazing movie. We were all in tears and yet enjoyed it tremendously. Your review is even more spot on having now seen the film.

    1. Thanks! Happy New Year to you. If I can knock off reading Abaddon’s Gate with you this month then I’ll be starting off 2014 right.

    1. Thank you Amanda. Happy New Year to you too, hope it is a very blessed year.

  10. When all is said and done, the only thing I’d really like from 2014 is for it to be as good as 2013. Not much to ask, right?

    Happy New Year! Wishing you all the best!

    1. I’m right there with you, Katherine. And I don’t think it is too much to ask, so let’s both ask for that. 🙂

    1. It was, and I hope your 2014 is an amazing adventure.

  12. Ah, I remember your fun and ridiculously over-the-top resolutions last January… It sounds like you had an excellent year of meaningful accomplishments and good times…which, as I recall, was more the point anyway. 🙂 I hope 2014 is just as good!

    1. Yes, that one was a treat. I already have some ideas lined up for perhaps doing that again next year.

      I wish you a wonderful 2014.

  13. Happy New Year Carl. What a year you had. And 25th wedding anniversary this year–that’s awesome! Best of luck with your goals and I look forward to hearing all about them. Cheers!

    1. It has been good thus far, despite absolute craziness at work. Hope you have a wonderful year too.

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