Happy New Year! Last night I made a bah humbug post about not needing arbitrary days and times to make a fresh start. Every day, every hour can mark a new beginning if we choose. But there are some dates that just beg to be used. There’s something psychologically satisfying about dividing time into chunks. So let me review my decades and look for themes before I say what I have planned for the next one.

I don’t remember much of the 70s. I only got to experience half of the decade. I do remember turning 4, just after one of the only times I remember moving house. I know, some people move dozens of times but I moved when I was 3 and lived in the same place for the next 34 years.

The 80s were all about school. I was good at academics and terrible at people. I remember hating algebra homework and programming the VCR to record Friday Night Videos so we could watch Janet Jackson and Paula Abdul.

The 90s were about growing up. Finishing high school, first job, first boyfriend, marriage, children, coffee shop that was fun to run but failed… Life teaches more than school ever could, and if you pay attention the lessons stick.

2000s were about settling in. Now they seem like a blur. Routine, work, get the kids through school. Not that nothing happened, but it all fit into the routine.

2010s have been about change and adaptation. Moving, loss, working around limitations, watching my kids turn into adults. Making plans for me.

Now we’re moving into the 20s. I can set up my intentions, but I know that can go sideways. Still, this decade gets to be about me creating a life for me. My kids get to find their own way. I’ll be there to support them, but their lives are not mine. I can’t live for or through them. I get to be an example for their future. Hopefully positive.

So, specific plans are in order for the new year. I have three main projects to work on. First is a change of career. Second is to do with my property in Alaska. Third has to do with this blog and writing. I’m working on the career change. I have a couple of people to talk to and a couple of quick certifications to get for one of my possibilities. Those have to be done this week. The Alaska plan is for the summer. I want to get a first cabin put in on my land. Coordinating that with my job change might get interesting, but I’m determined. And finally, I have decided to do a 60 day blog challenge. That means I will post something every single day from now until the end of February and beyond. No excuses. I know what I’m going to write about. You see… I’ve been thinking a lot about camping lately…