Yet Another Resolutions Post

They say (who they are, I have know clue, but apparently I'm listening to them) that the first step in the power of attraction is to put your intentions out into the universe.  I don't know if they are right, but I do know that there is something about declaring yourself publicly that helps seal your resolve.  Perhaps it's the fear of total embarrassment if you fail.  Or perhaps it's garnering support.  Either way, I'm joining the long list of bloggers who are publicly declaring their New Year's resolutions.  If you follow my Facebook fan page (Barbara Wallace, Author) then you've already read them once. 

1. Better time management.  I waste a lot of time.  I know it, and though I try to make excuses, it's reached the point where I can't ignore my failing anymore.  This year I need to create better balance between my writing career and my non-writing life.  A lot of things slipped through the cracks last year because I was too distracted to get to them.  I also pulled way too many all-nighters for a woman my age.  So, this year I pledge to have a better grip on my day-to-day activities, if for no other reason than to make sure my family gets the appreciation and attention they deserve.

2. Get ready for my empty nest.  My baby, The Boy, leaves for college in nine months.  *Sniff  *Sniff.  For the first time in eighteen years my husband and I will have the house to ourselves.  While there are many benefits to this - like getting our family room back and no longer having to wait up for someone to drive home -- the simple truth is I'm going to miss The Boy terribly.  I'm already working on shoring up the other areas on my life so that the emptiness isn't quite as overwhelming.

3. Whine less; Celebrate more.  I spent a good chunk of 2011 whining and feeling insecure.  So much so I failed to truly appreciate all the fantastic blessings that crossed my path.  This is one of the reasons why, instead of continuing my rant about people using the term "romance novel cliche" that I started on Twitter, I chose to write about resoutions.  As 2012 unfolds, I'm going to take more time to celebrate my blessings (like the fact I raised a boy with a good head on his shoulders) rather than whine about the things I can't control (like the fact he grew up and left me).  By the way, a friend on Facebook suggested this really read "Celebrate with Wine".  He has a point.

4. Read at least 50 books.  This plays into the time management thing.  Last year I was so often frazzled by deadlines that I didn't get to do nearly as much reading as I wanted.  I also did a lot more online reading.  (Fan fiction, you are my weakness.)  This year I want to get back to the pleasures of curling up with a good story.  I have a secondary goal as well - if I really do read a book a week, it'll be incredibly easy to justify buying a new Kindle for my birthday in July.

5. Run the Turkey Trot 5K with the Boy this Thanksgiving.  The Boy ran his first 5K last Thanksgiving in 32 minutes.  I do not intend to match his time.  I'm thinking more of doubling it and finishing in about an hour.  For me, just finishing will be enough.

6. This one wasn't on my Facebook page, but it is to get a better handle on social media marketing and develop a better web presence.  I'm entering the second year of my published career.  It's time I start connecting with readers.  (And in keeping with Resolution #3 - celebrate the fact that I actually have readers!)

So there you have them - my New Year's resolutions.  Far less lofty ones than last year's. (I'm going to talk about that resolution next week, by the way.)What are yours?
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On a very happy note - today is also a special day here at the Moody Muses.  It's the National Debut of Cathryn Parry's Harlequin Super Romance!  Something to Prove hits the shelves today!  This is a huge moment of celebration.  Very few people have worked as hard as Cathryn as to sell to Harlequin.  She is to be applauded and admired.   By the way, it'll come as no surprise that Romantic Times gave her debut Four Stars. Congrats!