Making Plans, not Resolutions

I'm not really one for going out on New Year's Eve or for making resolutions that are too easily broken, but this year I thought about some things I'd really like to do and a few things I really need to do next year. On the "Like to Do" list for 2011 is taking my daughter to Disney World, reading a few good novels and maybe writing one (if I can get my energy back into that), and generally just having more fun whether it be in real life, Second Life, or both.

On my 20ll's "Need to Do" list are lose weight and exercise, organize my stuff better (both in rl and SL. I can't tell which is in poorer shape my SL inventory or my rl closets), and find time to relax more and stress less (which maybe should be the first one on this list because it's such a big one for me).

I don't know how my list compares to others, but it really doesn't matter. My goals are flexible, and I may not achieve them this year, but they are something to aim at. Taking my daughter to Disney will take some planning, not to mention a lot of money, but it will be worth it, something she will remember for years to come. The same is true of my other "wants" and "needs." There will be time and effort involved to do or get them, but it will be worth it. By dieting and exercising, I'll feel a lot better. If I organize my stuff better, it will also ease my stress because it will make things easier to find (and isn't that a skill I should have as a librarian?). If I learn to relax and have fun and stress less, it will be a big plus for my health.

So those are my two lists for 2011, not resolutions but more like wishes, or maybe plans would be a better term for them. Happy New Year and good luck with your own plans in 2011.

Tis the Season to be Busy

I'm writing this on December 1. Although I started my holiday shopping over a month ago when I was doing my daughter's birthday shopping, too, I am still getting a bit panicky. I've ordered most of my gifts online through Amazon, Ebay, or other online sellers. What's getting me nervous is the thought of wrapping all those gifts that I did not realize were as many as I had originally planned to buy. The thought of my credit card bill in January is daunting, too.


But my major concern is finding the time to do everything and have some seasonal fun, too, both in rl and SL. As most Second Life residents know, it is a tough act to balance both real life and Second Life activities. When a very good friend decided to have her wedding in mid-December and asked me to be her bridesmaid, I was very happy and looking forward to the occasion. Now, after planning an engagement and two holiday parties in SL, as well as preparing for my rl holidays, I'm getting a little jittery. That's not to say I won't enjoy it. I will immensely. It's just that time goes so fast when you're older and, when you're a kid, you don't have to worry about buying and wrapping gifts, writing out Christmas cards, and fitting everything in between work and your regular daily activities. Add Second Life into that equation and things get even more hectic, even though they are lots of fun.

The winter season is actually one of the most enjoyable in SL, and you don't even have to worry about getting cold, although some of the ice and snow on winter sims can give you a little chill. Just turn your heat or fire up while you log on, and you're all set. Lots of holiday cheer abound throughout SL if you have the time to check them out or hold your own party. I guess the hectic pace is just part of the fun. No time to chill until the New Year.