The new decade begins

The first day of the 2020s is just about complete. Only 3,652 more to go before another decade begins ...

I already freaked out a little about the new decade in my last post, so instead I'll focus on the new year. I've never been one for resolutions, but with my 50th birthday coming up, I really want my metaphorical life ducks in a row before Nov. 6. I made progress on a bunch of things in the past year -- some of the clutter is decluttered and organized, priorities have been considered and established, we cut the cord on cable, and Lori and I have a plan for the next five years before both boys are in college.

For 2020, I'm looking to:
  • Write more -- blogging more regularly, completing a project I've been working on, and just being continually creative outside of work
  • Eat healthier, and think about what I'm eating and why (and not just go for the double cheeseburger if we're out to eat)
  • Exercise regularly, and continue the lifting regimen I started that got derailed in December.
  • Don't get derailed
  • Make time for the boys and Lori
  • Waste less time on things that, ultimately, are time-wasting
  • Appreciate the things we have and stop accumulating more
I've compiled many strategies on how to meet these goals. The decluttering for example, is making it easier to appreciate the things I already have. Tracking what I eat has always helped me lose weight, and I have this idea that during my day, when I feel the urge to mindlessly snack, I should take 10 minutes and walk the dog around the block instead. Cutting cable was easy not just because of Netflix and Amazon Prime TV, but also because of the rack of DVDs I see before me as I type this in my living room.

Here on Jan. 1, I wanted to hit the ground running, but I've been under the weather for a few days and not sleeping well. The holiday was kind of lazy as a result, but Lori and I watched the Badgers in the Rose Bowl (they lost to Oregon 28-27), and I did manage a half-hour walk with the dog.

The time is 11 p.m., and I'm already becoming a little anxious. I may try forcing myself not to sleep in a way to zonk out -- kind of turning into the skid. That said, I'm still looking forward to Jan. 2, the second day of the new year ... and the new decade.


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