Writing and New Year's Resolutions

Every year it seems I make resolutions that I don't always keep. This year was no different. I resolved to write more, which is something I enjoy but never make time to do. I was logging into blogger to see my past blogs, but could not get in. At least, I thought I could not get in. I tried to create a new account, which was the wrong thing to do. Eventually, I noticed that I was just not navigating my original site correctly. I'm here now, though, so here goes.

My first resolution is to writer more. I plan to finish an essay I began writing almost two years ago. I think I currently have approximately four paragraphs, but I just need to make myself sit down and finish it. Not sure why sitting down to write takes a backseat to just about everything else, but it often does. So does reading, which is another thing I enjoy and aspire to do more of in the coming year and is my second resolution. Of course, what I'm reading is often dictates my excitement about reading. I just began the new Lorrie Moore book, "I am Homeless if This is Not My Home." I typically enjoy Lorrie Moore, but I am having a hard time really getting into it. It jumps between a past time and current times, which is hard to follow sometimes.  Maybe I'm just tired. Maybe I should just put it away and start over another time. One of the other books I want to read is "The Covenant of Water" by Abraham Verghese, but I'm on a waiting list through the library. Somehow, I missed it the first time it became available to me so it might be another eight weeks before I get the chance to check it out again. My friend, Robin, has read it and highly recommended it. It was also one of the top Oprah picks for 2023.

In the fall, I began a 1,000-piece puzzle. I haven't done a jigsaw puzzle in years...probably not since I was a child putting together 25- or 30-piece puzzle. My friend, Nancy, gave me three puzzles that she had already completed. Although I originally thought I would be passing these on to another friend, the puzzles ended up on a shelf in my garage for several years. The puzzle formed a picture of a library. I finished it just after Christmas (3 1/2 months later). It provided me some relaxation on occasion in the evening. I didn't work on it every day, but I tried to do a small portion several times a week. When I got to the last few pieces, I was a little sad. I had purchased a puzzle board, but hadn't realized at the time that while the puzzle board was perfect for the 1,000 library puzzle, it would be too small for the two other puzzles she gave me that were 1,500 pieces. Two of the puzzles are Ravensburger puzzles, and I've since found out that they are very intricate puzzles. I've just begun another Ravensburger that already has me scratching my head. The image of the puzzle is that of a greenhouse, with many red flowers. So far, I've found about half of the edge pieces. Not only does it relax me, but it also keeps my mind active, a third resolution of mine.

Finally, I'm continuing to run, cycle and surf as much as I can. I am training for a half marathon,  a little over a week away. I will need to run 8 miles either tomorrow or Friday, but it will be my last long run until my half marathon. Running helps me get my thoughts in order, and helps fulfill a fourth resolution I have to stay active. Hoping I can get some cycling and surfing in this weekend as well. 

2024, here I come!

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