As the soft whir of propellers from neighborhood drones drifts over the fence in the backyard, I’ve discovered that finally getting that hot tub does not attract space aliens. It attracts other things with cameras, spinning them into your orbit. And all you can do is wave and hope that the footage it produces goes viral enough that the face-recognition system at the airport sends you to the front of the line at the TSA—where you’re greeted with a hearty laugh—and a, “hey! You finally giving that hot tub a break?” from the stern-looking fellow at the shoe-check station.
So, yes! The “big” goal of 2022 (and 2016-2021) is finally done. The backyard is landscaped, with the hot tub and deck in place, and it has been a lot of fun to enjoy as a family. We do tend to visit the hot tub at night, when drone activity seems to die down—at least we’re too busy looking at the stars to notice.
Other Things Accomplished That Were on Last Year’s List:
–Join an Improv Club. I did it! I joined and attended a month’s worth of sessions online in the hopes of becoming more spontaneous at work. It paid off months later when I spontaneously pulled my back out and hilariously used people’s offices to roll around on the floor to stretch the muscles back into place. Oh, the fun! (My back is working just fine now. What a hoot!)
Things that Weren’t on the List:
–Took dance lessons with Nate. I actually dropped the improv lessons to spend more time in the dance studio with Nate, and it was fun. We learned a lot of new dance steps we can practice in the kitchen—when our backs aren’t hurting—and when we’re not recovering from surgery or some kind of plague.
–Went to a Monster Truck Rally. My cravings for dirt, noise, and gasoline fumes were completely satisfied for years to come. Monster Trucks rock, but I don’t need to go to another rally. This one is safely off my bucket list.
–Celebrated a one-year anniversary as a copywriter at my new job.
–Wrote 52 more short stories with 31 acceptances and one Best of the Net Nomination, which I’ve never had before.
Goals for Next Year:
–Attempt to Organize the Closets Again. If I use the word “attempt,” the goal is already accomplished because an attempt can be anything, such as opening a closet door and sipping a beer.
–See What Purple Hairspray Looks Like—on My Head.
And that’s it. I think that’s a sturdy foundation from which other goals can just explode like firecrackers and grenades of self-improvement and progress.
Happy New Year!
A Special Note: The Fixin’ Leaks and Leeks Family had to say good-bye to SeaTac “the action cat.” He was put to sleep shortly before Thanksgiving, and we really, really, really miss him—and his cute furry face, poking up over the countertops whenever we’d start a crafting adventure. He certainly enjoyed a good project, and he will forever remain a valued founding member of the Fixin’ Leaks and Leeks Team.
Your Turn: Do you have any goals for 2023? Feel free to share in the comments.
Fixin' Leaks and Leeks 
Awh. Sorry about your cat! Will you get a new one? I love cats. (Though I weirdly don’t have one.)
Funny stuff here, as always. Purple hairspray? Really? I look forward to seeing pics of that. You may be even more adventurous than I am!
2023 goals: walk again, get the band to play for my birthday for real this time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! We might get another cat, but we’re not quite ready yet–and I am hoping you can walk again–keeping my fingers crossed–and I definitely want to hear all about a band playing at your birthday!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Understood about the cat.
Oh, gosh, I’m excited about the possibility of the band. 9 months away, but I always get excited early. 🙂
Also excited about walking again. You’d think that would rank higher than the b-day thing. Huh. Shrug. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sorry to hear that you had to put SeaTac to sleep. That’s always so hard.
Your short story output and acceptance rates are phenomenal! Kudos!!
I have plenty of writing goals for 2023, most of which are probably overly ambitious. Only time will tell . . .
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was a hard decision to make, but best for SeaTac, who just wasn’t eating–for several years–no matter what–and the steroid shots were no longer working. And I can’t wait to see what you publish in 2023!!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know what you mean. Years ago, I had our dog put to sleep because the vet couldn’t figure out what was wrong with her, and she was suffering.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing!!.. I started a to do list for 2023 and the words of Rose Milligan come to mind.. 🙂
Dust if you must, but wouldn’t it be better
to paint a picture, or write a letter,
bake a cake, or plant a seed.
Ponder the difference between want and need.
Dust if you must, but there is not much time,
with rivers to swim and mountains to climb!
Music to hear, and books to read,
friends to cherish and life to lead.
Dust if you must, but the world’s out there
with the sun in your eyes, the wind in your hair,
a flutter of snow, a shower of rain,
this day will not come round again.
Dust if you must, but bear in mind,
old age will come and it’s not kind.
And when you go, and go you must,
you, yourself, will make more dust!
(Rose Milligan)
SeaTac hasn’t left, he is in your heart and you can visit any time… 🙂
When tomorrow starts without me
And I’m not here to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
Filled with tears for me.
I wish so much you wouldn’t cry
The way you did today,
While thinking of the many things
We didn’t get to say.
I know how much you love me
As much as I love you,
And each time you think of me
I know you’ll miss me too.
When tomorrow starts without me
Don’t think we’re far apart,
For every time you think of me
I’m right there in your heart.
(Alena Hakala Meadows)
Hope you and your family have a wonderful New Year filled with peace, love, happiness and life is all that you wish for it to be and until we meet again… 🙂
May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life’s passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!
(Irish Saying)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, my goodness! Thank you! You have left the kindest words here–and they mean so much to me. Blessings to you always and especially in the new year. Cheers!
LikeLike
Sorry to read about the cat. 😥
I’d go to a monster truck show annually if I could.
Well done on the landscaping, but wow, you have drones come by. I’d find that offputting and would want to shoot a net at them to bring them down.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was hard to say goodbye to SeaTac. He was the best cat ever. The Monster Trucks were so much fun to see in person. I can definitely understand why they have so many fans. And you are welcome any time at the Fixin’ Leaks and Leeks Headquarters to shoot a net a drones–that might make for a great project for this blog site too. Hmm #Goals2023.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy New Year, and happy tubbing too! One goal I have for 2023 is to try and expand my social circle a bit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy New Year!! Yes, expanding social circles is so important. I started a book club a few years ago, but it has dwindled–might need to bring it back.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So sorry to hear about SeaTac. It’s so hard to lose our furry pals.
I am retiring in 10 months, so I have to make sure all is in order. Not a goal, I guess; it’s a requirement.
Drones over your hot tub? Ugh. It seems there’s no privacy anywhere.
Happy New Year and good health and happiness to you and those you love. 💥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks–SeaTac was the best furry pal ever. Congratulations on your retirement! Happy New Year!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So sorry for the cat. My goal for 2023? Keep me healthy. Happy new year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Paola! Yes–keeping healthy is a great plan for the new year. Happy New Year!!!
LikeLike
Aw, so sorry about SeaTac. Never an easy thing to go through. 52 short stories?! That’s like one a week–damn girl, you’re prolific!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks–he had quite the personality and was super snuggly too. Yes–I write one story a week–usually flash fiction–so under 1,000 words. That’s about what I can manage these days–and it’s fun. Cheers!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so sorry about SeaTac, he will be missed by all of us! I wish I could offer a real hug!
As for resolutions… surviving the year with my health in a better place, my sanity intact and my blogs more active sounds like the plan!
Happy New Year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! We certainly do miss SeaTac–he was an awesome member of the Team 🙂 Yes–surviving is the goal for sure! And I can’t wait to read more of your posts! Cheers!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like shoe-horning in ‘attempt’ to every resolution–I shall attempt to fit back into my ten-year-old wedding dress by trying to zip it up (rather than ditching the extra five kilos). Sorry about SeaTac.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes–“attempt” is a great way to make a resolution work–all gold stars! Thanks for the condolences for SeaTac–he was the best cat, ever. Cheers!
LikeLike