The days are ticking down to the inevitable, a time when plans are made, changed, remade, ideas are brought to fruition, then die before the day is out.

Yes, I’m talking about New Years eve. What are you goals for the year?

I have a few in mind this year, not all writing orientated, which makes a change. Normally I don’t make personal resolutions because I know that New Years isn’t the right time to make such things, because tomorrow is another day for a procrastinator, and I often decide to make a goal and start on the track to achieving it straight away.

This year, I’ve started eating healthier, but making Japanese meals when I cook three nights a week, and having smaller portions when my partner or son cook the other four nights.

I got a new job, part time, working 20 hours a week and earning good money from it too. It feels good knowing that I have an income while I wait for my books to start selling.

I learnt Maori at a conversational level, and I love to learn, but what I want to study next could mean a few years not writing, which isn’t really an option for me right now. I will put that on hold for a bit, and see how things progress. I have enjoyed not studying for the last half of the year, the first time in a long time that I haven’t been filling my brain with information. But my job does a good job of doing that, so I’m not really missing out.

I’ve also been going to the gym since pole was cancelled. I could go to another pole studio, but that would mean driving an hour two and from Nelson to do that…and that isn’t economical for me. So instead, I go to the gym three times a week, do a bootcamp once a week, and walk the other three days.

Next year, I will start to see results of my gym going. I have a personal trainer that I’m working with, and I want to lose some weight with it. i think with the regime I’m on now, I should start seeing some results soon enough.

Writing-wise – you all know how I went this year. I’ve been pleased with progress, but getting a new job has kind of put a dampener on things, along with going to the gym, but I think I have a workable solution, which is what I’m all about.

I plan on having a blog post before New Years with my writing goals I’ve achieved this year, and a one the following week with my goals for 2026, so keep an eye out for those.