Resolving

As 2009 draws to a close, I reflect on the year and think about the coming year. Who I am, who I want to be, what I want to do, and how I will execute these goals. My personal goals are not quite "new years resolutions." I don't believe in making public statements that are not achievable, or not consistent with who I am.

I reviewed my "Resolving" post from last year, and I can say that I achieved most of what I said I would do. I will continue with more of the same:

• Caring for my partner, family, and friends by lending a hand, giving a call and paying attention, and sending all those birthday cards. In 2009, I sent 200+ cards and anticipate the same in 2010.

• Sharing a smile, even with people I don't know. A smile may be the only good thing that happened to someone, so I resolve to continue to smile often in both a physical manner, as well as with my words.

• Making lemonade when life serves you lemons. I had a rough year in part of my life, and I resolve to move forward, held held high, and accept and appreciate the support I get from those who care for me.

• Trying to take time to have more fun, including riding my Harley with my club, and continuing to practice my Italian with my Bocci buddies, among other things. I wish I didn't have to "schedule" fun, but if I didn't work at carving out time to go ride, play Bocci, visit my family, and celebrate life, I would be bogged down with chores, work, and feel burdened. My burdens are lifted when I take time to enjoy, to smile, to laugh, to share, and to contribute to the welfare of my friends and neighbors.

• Continue to love and care for the man who means the world to me, who accepts me for who I am, with all of my faults, foibles, and klutziness. My beloved partner deserves nothing but my TLC, as he returns his to me.

• Continuing with my community service, and supporting good people to run for office in our local elections, stepping down from my own. It's time for me to take a break!

• Show those that I love that I love them, each and every day.

Anything I didn't do that I said I would in 2009?

Yep: I didn't build that gazebo in the back yard. Gazebo-building took a back seat to reflooring our upstairs hallway with hardwood. Man, that took a LONG time.

Anything new for 2010?

I didn't say this last year, but I should have: I will continue to follow the example set for me by my best friend, AZ, as well as thoughtful and caring friends with whom I exchange email regularly (in alpha order) Bama, Brian, Clay, Derrell, Eugene, Kelly, Kevin, Paul, Sue, ... and more. I hate naming names because inevitably I'll forget someone. If I have, please pardon me!) These people are wonderful, thoughtful, insightful, caring human beings who mean a lot to me. The example they set by what they do and how to they do it is one that I will continue to try to follow.

More new things for 2010? Well, some new leathers are making their way into my motorcycle gear. I'll share about growing and changing focus from fetish to function as I continue my journey in life. New boots? Well... probably. I have my eye on some boots that I don't have and would like to have, so when my boot fund is adequately financed, I'll make the move. Declutter? My partner is King of "getting rid of stuff" and I may just help out. Oh, and I'll try to relax and just chill out; kick my boots up in the hammock and watch the world of the animal antics in our back yard park. Just sittin' and chillin' is very hard for me to do, due to what my twin brother calls my obsession with acting like "Taz" in the Looney Tunes cartoons. (giggle) It's really my Type A personality.

I would love to take a long, long ride on my Harley with people who want to stop and smell the roses. About 200 - 400 miles per day is do-able. More than that, I just get too tired and it's no longer fun to ride. I hope I can find some buddies who want to take a road trip with me for a week or two, perhaps north to the Canadian Maritimes. That has been a long-term desire. Having ridden a Harley in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, I know what such a trip can be like. I wish my partner could join me, but due to his disability, he can't. But now that I own a touring class Harley, it's time to take such a trip on my own bike, if only I could find a few people who don't want to ride long 15-hour days and drink all night.

Are there places to which I would like to travel? You bet! But travel beyond the US or Canada is not in the financial picture for me due to the devalued US Dollar. I just can't afford it. Within the U.S., I would love to return to visit my old stomping grounds in Los Angeles, my favourite City By The Bay (San Francisco), or rent a bike and go riding through Zion National Park. Better yet, have my buddy Clay take me to the Calgary Stampede with all those cowboys! Woof!

Overall, I resolve to continue my life's journey by sharing joy, loving life, extending a helping hand, supporting my lovely aunt through her 95th year, caring for my partner, doing a good job at work, having some fun, but most of all, taking action. It's one thing to talk about it. It's quite something else to do it. That's my goal: do it, and with a huge smile on my face. (And in boots and leather, too!)

May you have a wonderful 2010. Happy New Year!