It’s Happy (?) New Year's resolution time . . . sort of

Photo by William Warby on Unsplash

Well, Happy 2025. I know, I know, I’m late. But the first two weeks of the year have already been, ah, interesting, including the throwing out of my back while putting in place a mattress that is supposed to help my back.

Ironic, no?

It feels almost unbelievable that we’re 15 days into 2025. Did 2024 speed by like a meteor for you too?

Despite the pace at which last year zoomed on by, it had its issues. While I am trying to stay hopeful that this year will be better than last, I have doubts. This is in the largest part because of the upheaval expected to be unleashed by the U.S. president-elect (inauguration day is Monday!) and some attempts at appeasement coming from Canadian governments.

Not sure that’s a good idea. Preparation and connection, yes. Appeasement, not so much.

It’s going to be a ride, and I have a great many concerns (more accurately, terrors) about our economy. Both economies, really, on either side of the 49^th parallel.

For example, did you know that Canadian crude oil makes up 74% of refinery throughput in the American Midwest? That’s about 2.8 million barrels a day. (Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration.) A tariff would punish both the Canadian producers (and the Canadian economy) as well as the workers in U.S. refineries and everyone buying gas and diesel in those states.

Gas doesn’t come with a “Made in the USA” or “Made in Canada” tag. Many people are unaware that their fuel comes from Canada. Many people are unaware of how intensely entwined these two beautiful countries are.

We are tightly bound together, we long-time partners, and unravelling the two economies is a Very Bad Idea.

***

On a very sad personal note, 2024 was pretty tough. We lost a lot of people this year. I feel this weight, this mortality, and miss these people keenly.

But we must carry on, so meanwhile, I suppose it’s New Year’s Resolution Time. Not for me. I swore I would not do this ever again . . . and that was several years ago.

I have definitely given up on the usual: you know, quitting smoking (been there, done that ages ago, and not as an NY resolution) or losing weight. I have to make those big decisions when I’m ready, when I’m fed up, and when I’m feeling powerful. That doesn’t necessarily happen at the New Year. So let’s call it New Year’s Evaluation Time. Or New Year’s Evolution Time, maybe.

Indeed, when the years turn over, I’m usually so exhausted I want to play with my presents for an hour or two and then sleep for a week. The holidays. Oof.

Speaking of playing with presents, I received Stephen King’s book On Writing and I’ve been gulping that down like a starving writer. Entirely recommend it. As King would say, POW!

Which has led to Goal Number One. Goals are less daunting than resolutions. I think.

I have two books in progress. One is at 59,000 words and needs to be maybe 75,000. Entitled The Maddox Verdict, ‘twill be the final work in my Adam and Grace Mystery Series — at least the main arc. Wee peek:

The other one, a spin-off romance that is (of course) also turning into a political thriller, is at 20,000 words and I have no idea how long it will ultimately be. But I Am Going To Finish Them. Before spring, if possible. They’ve been sitting on the pending shelf for too long.

Goal Number Two may or may not help you, but I hope it does. You may be much smarter than I am and do this sort of thing more regularly.

I’ve been going through our budget and killed off some recurring payments that were not 100 per cent necessary or were not returning value for investment. For example, I’ve toasted a life insurance policy that I can only describe as being an instrument of diminishing returns. So, bye. (To be clear, I still have life insurance. Just not this policy.) I also viciously attacked some subscriptions. The plan is to go into 2025 feeling lighter and less broke. (Anyone else enjoying these inflationary times?)

Goal Number Three is about people.

I’m pretty good at staying in touch with old friends, overall. But particularly in light of the loved ones lost this year, I’m going to get better. I never want to have to say to myself, you could have spent more time with that beloved cousin in another province or the friend in Warman (a small city north of mine own) or even the one just 12 blocks away. Sending my love to all of you. I intend to be more annoying this year.

Goal Number Four has been inspired by looking around my poor neglected house. See: injured back, above, which sucks on the regular.

Having dumped a few monthly bills, I’m going to hire someone to clean my house from top to bottom. I’m tired of doing it, and frankly I have violently lost interest in this activity. (I can hear a chorus of “no kidding” and “it’s taken you this long?”) This is going to be my treat. My gift to myself. I hate clutter and I hate dust and I hate grime, so here I go. Yippee!

Wishing you all the best year, along with the achievement of your own goals. I hope 2025 brings joy and peace and all the blessings of love, friends and family.

And IF you want to catch up on the Adam and Grace Series before book six comes out . . . yeah, I know, shameless self-promotion . . . here.

*Parts of this screed were originally published in the January 1 edition of Your Saskatoon News.