I won’t lie, I came here with the intention of writing the book review for The Aeronaut’s Windlass. But, the longer I gaped at the blank screen, the cursor blinking its impatience, the less I knew what to say.
Perhaps Monday will be better.
I’ve been going through old posts, curious to see what goals I’d planned for 2015, and how the year actually stacked up in comparison. Sadly, I didn’t accomplish much of what I’d planned. And that’s almost entirely because of school and the second job.
I did it to myself, and while it’s lamentable, I don’t truly regret it. The second job is worth it. The education is worth it. I’m finally comfortable with the fact that the writing isn’t going anywhere. It’s a part of me, and I will always make time to do it. Taking the time to pursue education and experiences is not a bad thing.
So, last year I wanted to write 104 posts. That did not happen. Instead, there were 75. Not terrible, so I’m not going to beat myself up about it.
I wanted to finish the edits on Vessels, which most definitely did not happen. Again, with the unforeseen time-sink of the second job, I can’t really be upset with myself. I did finish the first round of edits, so I at least made some serious progress.
I’d planned to finish the rough draft of Jordinn’s Story, but again, that did not happen. Again, I’m not too worried about it right now.
I wanted to read 30 books and 15 short stories. I blew that goal out of the water.
I also want to point out that, yet again, there were more views on the blog in 2015 than in any other year. That’s continuous growth for four straight years. Not too shabby. Granted my views for the year are less than what some bloggers get in a day, so there’s that…
But, that’s not why the blog is here. I’m glad you all stop in and read my words. Some of you have been following me since the beginning, and the fact that you still stop by blows my mind. The blog is a place to share my fascination with all things reading and writing with a community that understands completely. It’s at once humbling and utterly ego-boosting to see that people read what I write in any capacity. Especially my typically unorganized, rant-y posts that are mostly just stream of consciousness dribbles.
I use the blog as a place to decompress and get some direction. My mind never shuts down, and sometimes I just need to get everything out so I can shuffle through the mess and find the bits that actually require my attention. The blog is perfect for that.
There are a lot of things I want to do, not just this year, but in general. Blogging helps me prioritize and keeps me moving in the right direction. Without it, I’m fairly certain I’d unravel at any given moment, the threads of my mind unstitching me bit by bit.
But, I’m here. I have goals, some of them pretty lofty (Summa Cum Laude here I come!). And with some patience, ambition, and organization, I’ll achieve them all, one by one.
Have I mentioned that I am horribly stubborn? I’m sure by now, you’ve figured that out. I am still writing this blog, after all.
Anyway, thanks, as always, for reading this. You help me. You inspire me and encourage me, even when I’m hard on myself for the time and work I let slip away. If you keep reading, you’ll see me accomplish all those things I dreamed of, and you’ll know that, on some level, you helped me along the way.
I promise.
See you Monday, Blogland.
BZ
To Write These Words Down... 