I don't really believe in New Years Resolutions. That said, I think that there are a few things I need to do, for my own good. Thus I am resolved to make a few changes in my life right now. We'll just not call them New Years Resolutions, okay? Everyone knows that NY Resolutions are usually broken by February. :)
Resolution #1: Read more quality literature.
I do read some quality literature. Jane Austen is one of my favorite authors. I find her stories timeless. Sad, funny, with caricatures of people that I can see in society even today. Banana Yoshimoto, Mark Twain, Margaret Atwood, Alice Walker, etc. These are all authors I read on a regular basis that are considered "quality literature."
But generally I stick to a lot of what's referred to as "genre literature." Thrillers, mysteries (usually of the darker kind, not "cosies") and romantic comedies. Now, let's be clear here. I do not, and will not, ever say that just because an author writes in a genre, it means that he or she is a bad writer. I do not feel this way *at all*. Generally, I think that genre authors are the ones that are most true in what they write about the people and culture we live in today. Nor will I ever diminish the achievement of writing "an rollicking good yarn."
That said, I DO need to read less genre literature, and more literature that, perhaps, makes me think a bit. Where I feel I'm learning something. With that in mind, I hit Barnes and Noble on Friday night with a list in mind, and picked up a whole peck of books. (The rest I will get through our wonderful library system, but some of these had months-long waiting lists.)
So far, I'm enjoying myself, although I remember one reason I like genre fiction so much -- the writing is much warmer and more accessible in general. It seems like, in a lot of mainstream fiction these days, the writing creates a distance from the characters that I do not particular enjoy. I want to be more a part of things; I want to feel a warmer connection. But I persevere!
Resolution #2: Stop staying up so late.
Let's just say that, so far, I haven't actually started on this one, and leave it at that. :)
Resolution #3: Exercise more.
Hate to be one with the pack, but doesn't everyone make this resolution? But I do have supportive friends at work, along with treadmills and a shower, so I expect this one to start up as soon as I can kick this stupid @#$% cold.
Resolution #4: Make more of an effort to keep in touch.
Oh, I'm great with people who are on IM, but not so great with email these days. And my real life friends? Those that are on IM, well, I make plans with them. Not so great about those that aren't. In fact, I've gotten positively lame. I have tons of friends, especially from theater, that I just ... never see. I need to change that, which will also help me to not feel like a loser when I don't have plans on weekends. :) I could have plans if I actually contacted people and made them, after all! I'm too passive about it, 'tis all.
Anyone made any interesting resolutions?
