Goals 2009
I am not fond of New Years Resolutions. I think this is a way for people to say, “This is what I would like to do, but I don’t actually think I will do it.” Of course, this is also what a lot of people, online, have to say about resolutions in general. The problem is not in the semantics of resolution, but in the execution of them. Additionally, the problem is in finding that I am merely following a pack of people who’ve chosen to reject the traditional notion of the New Year Resolution. Admittedly, for some, the resolution is a way of actually finding change in their lives, for others it is a way of reviewing their life and admitting to some faults. For me, it feels hollow and as a result, I focus more toward the goal than the resolution. I am actually relatively good at accomplishing most of my goals; I have not (personal) patience for resolutions.
As such, one of my goals for 2008 was to complete all of my coursework for my bachelors degree. I did so. Other goals have included, perpetually, to write and read a lot. The goal Erin and I shared at the end of 2008 was to move from Utah to Massachusetts and for a bit we didn’t know exactly how that would happen. Other goals, through the years, have been to be paid to write professionally, earn in excess of 50k in one year, get married, and start a family. These are just some of the goals that have existed that are top of mind.
Goals for 2009:
- publish – this goal will be measured more toward short fiction and not a novel, though as a sub-goal I want to have written a novel.
- get an agent – this actually requires a very well written draft of a novel to get an agent. I actually have one in mind that I want representing me, but understand that my desires and the agents ability to take on new clients may not match. However, I do want to be represented by an agent by the end of the year.
- write a second and maybe third draft of In the Light of Water – this is a play I wrote for my Cowboy Literature class (incidentally my best grade of all my classes). I would love to see this reviewed, maybe work-shopped, somewhere.
- apply for and get into an MFA-Writing program – I want to apply to several Master’s of Fine Arts in Writing programs and get in to at least one. The key to these is in the writing sample. I have one, it needs some work and I need to figure out what I want to do with it.
- get a good paying job – honestly, I would prefer this in academia, but am focusing more on a defense contractor than the different academic institutions in this area.
- buy a piece of house with some property – Erin and I want to buy a house and move in to it. We also want some property.
- acquire a couple of horses and tack – this is actually a longer-term goal than just this year. I want a couple of horses, Erin wants a couple of dogs, I am not sure what CAMPER wants (because he can’t tell us yet) but all of these things seem to want to come together.
For the moment these are the goals I am going to focus on in 2009. If anyone wants to yell encouragement, go for it.
John Hattaway | smokingpen | Alicia Grey | Clockwork Princess | Cassandra West
Real Heroes Fly
ENCOURAGEMENT. I love you and want to see all of these things, too. Especially the dogs. And you publishing. Equally. OK, maybe I want to see you publish you more than I want dogs. But it’s close. My puppies will be named Atlas and Dagny. One boy and one girl. Both without the capacity to make wee puppies. Cause I would never be able to give them away. Heartbreak. Anyway, I digress. The point is, I love you.