And welcome to party central!
Because my wúnderwifey Tina is being swept away by her sister, Jen, to watch The Rocky Horror Picture Show; a late Xmas present I hope they both enjoy thoroughly.
And of course, while the cat’s away…
Not that this particular mouse plans to get too wild. No, at the grand old age of 51, I think my wildest days are firmly behind me. Tonight’s debauchery will probably involve a film with plenty of fight scenes and car chases (plus a distinct lack of singing), a take-out, and a scoop or two of bourbon.
But that’s tonight, and before we get there we have the small matter of personal accountability to ponder.
You see, earlier this year (and no, I can’t believe it‘s February already, either) I set out three aims for this year. Not resolutions. No, nothing as firm as a resolution. Just things I'd very much like to achieve in 2026.
And of course, while the cat’s away…
Not that this particular mouse plans to get too wild. No, at the grand old age of 51, I think my wildest days are firmly behind me. Tonight’s debauchery will probably involve a film with plenty of fight scenes and car chases (plus a distinct lack of singing), a take-out, and a scoop or two of bourbon.
But that’s tonight, and before we get there we have the small matter of personal accountability to ponder.
You see, earlier this year (and no, I can’t believe it‘s February already, either) I set out three aims for this year. Not resolutions. No, nothing as firm as a resolution. Just things I'd very much like to achieve in 2026.
If you want a reminder, or don’t know what the hell I’m talking about, those aims are listed here.
And of course I also set a date for a progress check as a means of keeping my shoulder to the wheel. A progress check that is due, um, now.
So here goes.
Aim 1: Become a published author by this time next year.
The manuscript is finished. It has received one last, corrective pass, and there shall be no further ‘messing’ (as Tina likes to call it) with the structure or content unless, and I claim this as a mark on the progress chart, it comes back from the somewhat OCD-driven, pedantic friend who offered to proofread it for me.
So, tick
Aim 2: Learn Turkish.
Now, this one has been on the back burner while the Universal Credit thing has been occupying my mind, but as of this week (see, the blog as a means to keep myself honest does work!) I have signed up to Duolingo and completed a 5 day streak. Admittedly I only know the words for man, woman, girl, bread, water, milk, eats, drinks, and apple so far, but give me another day or so and I’ll be fully capable of ordering as many apple sandwiches as you want.
Tick!
Aim 3: Read a book a month.
Book one is done, and all in the month of January no less. This was a Hercule Poirot mystery penned not by Dame Agatha Christie but a lady called Sophie Hannah. It was a bit of a weird read, for someone steeped in Dame Agatha’s works, and I couldn’t help noticing stylistic and voice-driven differences, but it was a decent read. Book two, The Hollow Man, by John Dickson Carr is already underway.
Tick, tick!
And of course I also set a date for a progress check as a means of keeping my shoulder to the wheel. A progress check that is due, um, now.
So here goes.
Aim 1: Become a published author by this time next year.
The manuscript is finished. It has received one last, corrective pass, and there shall be no further ‘messing’ (as Tina likes to call it) with the structure or content unless, and I claim this as a mark on the progress chart, it comes back from the somewhat OCD-driven, pedantic friend who offered to proofread it for me.
So, tick
Aim 2: Learn Turkish.
Now, this one has been on the back burner while the Universal Credit thing has been occupying my mind, but as of this week (see, the blog as a means to keep myself honest does work!) I have signed up to Duolingo and completed a 5 day streak. Admittedly I only know the words for man, woman, girl, bread, water, milk, eats, drinks, and apple so far, but give me another day or so and I’ll be fully capable of ordering as many apple sandwiches as you want.
Tick!
Aim 3: Read a book a month.
Book one is done, and all in the month of January no less. This was a Hercule Poirot mystery penned not by Dame Agatha Christie but a lady called Sophie Hannah. It was a bit of a weird read, for someone steeped in Dame Agatha’s works, and I couldn’t help noticing stylistic and voice-driven differences, but it was a decent read. Book two, The Hollow Man, by John Dickson Carr is already underway.
Tick, tick!
Of course, none of these aims are anywhere near complete, but as I may have mentioned before ‘chunking’ them in this way will hopefully help me get there, bit by bit.
I’ll set another review date for the blog of the 4th of March and see how we’re faring then, but for now there are bigger decisions that need my full consideration.
Should tonight be fried chicken or a kebab?
Until next time!
#
Hey, there! If you enjoyed reading any of the above, why not take a look at some of my published work? Below you’ll find links to a number of short stories I’m lucky enough to have included in anthologies. I’d love to know what you think.
New Tales Of Old
Death Ship
Pestilence: Drabbles 1
Reaperman: Drabbles 3
The Musketeers Vs Cthulhu
Eldritch Investigations
Should tonight be fried chicken or a kebab?
Until next time!
#
Hey, there! If you enjoyed reading any of the above, why not take a look at some of my published work? Below you’ll find links to a number of short stories I’m lucky enough to have included in anthologies. I’d love to know what you think.
New Tales Of Old
Death Ship
Pestilence: Drabbles 1
Reaperman: Drabbles 3
The Musketeers Vs Cthulhu
Eldritch Investigations
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