Well, Happy New Year. It feels almost unbelievable that we’re entering 2025. Did 2024 speed by like a meteor for you too? I have to say, though, that despite last year’s zoom-by, it had its issues. I deeply hope 2025 is better than last. I have my profound doubts, in part because of the upheaval awaiting us at the hands of the U.S. president-elect and the attempts at appeasement coming from our governments — well before inauguration. Not sure that’s a good idea. Preparation and connection, yes. Appeasement, not so much. Regardless of what you think of the guy, it’s going to be a ride, and I have a great many concerns (more accurately, terrors) about our economy.

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. Trying to move on, I suppose it’s New Year’s Resolution Time. Sigh. I swore I would not do this ever again . . . and that was several years ago. Yet here I am. 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. For me, these things just do not stick. 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.

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. Am I right? Still, it doesn’t hurt to think about a few goals.

Here are some of mine.

1. I’m going through our budget. I started in December. I’ve killed off some items I decided 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. As we get older, the payout gets smaller, and the premiums were dumb. 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?) It really does not hurt to give the household financials a good goingover at least once a year.

2. 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 (even on the phone or by text) with that beloved cousin in another province or the friend in Warman or even the one just 12 blocks away. Sending all my love to all of you. I intend to be more annoying this year.

3. There’s a small chance that I may decide to semi-retire this year. SEMI. I will keep working, because what on Earth would I do with myself? I am not a hobby person. I write. That is all. Well, not quite, but pretty much. But I think I might back off just a bit. This is in large part because, I have learned, I love sleeping in. More than I can say.

4. I have two books in progress. One is at 54,000 words and needs to be maybe 75,000. The other one 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.

5. So having dumped a few monthly bills, I’m going to hire someone to clean my house from top to bottom once a month. I’m tired of doing it; it hurts my back; and frankly, I have seriously 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. Not having to do it is the number one reason, but having a clean house is the bomb. 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.

– Joanne Paulson