Another new year, another goal to write more, so here I am joining Just Jot it January for 2019!  The rules for Just Jot it January, from Linda G. Hill (https://lindaghill.com/) are basically to Jot something down, perhaps using the prompt words, or not.  It is just a way to get you writing something in the new year (as far as I can tell).  So, my Jots will be a bit longer than some, since I am going with a 500-word “Jot” plan, but also plan on seeing pictures with my Jots, ’cause that’s what I do!

“Your prompt for JusJoJan 2019, January 1st, is whatever you want to write. If you haven’t already posted about your New Year’s resolutions, this would be an excellent time to do it! Have fun!” (https://lindaghill.com/2019/01/01/jusjojan-2019-daily-prompt-jan-1st/)  Except, of course, NOT one-liner Wednesday for me because these Jots are not only my 500-words a day challenge, but also part of my  Ultimate Blogging Challenge challenge (http://ultimateblogchallenge.com).

So I’m committing to writing 500 words every day for a month on my blog to kick off a new year.  Just Jot it and the Ultimate Blogging Challenge are both great venues for getting my butt in gear, and being accountable.  Linda asks about us to write about our resolutions, if we want to.  Like many, I try to think of a new year as a time not for resolutions (as those seem to always end in failure), but about goals you can aspire to, and reach in a variety of ways.  This is one such goal – writing more.  I already do morning pages most mornings, and try to journal whenever I remember to.  So lots of room for easy improvement there.  And I blog every day as well – I will just work on adding more words to my kitty pictures 🙂

Another goal is around my photography.  2018 was a good year for settling in with my camera and I definitely understand it much better.  So, 2019 will be a continuation of improving my skill, and taking more time with the big girl camera every day, if possible.

Then of course there is the obligatory exercising more.  Specifically trying to get my butt out the door every day to walk, and eventually run, again.  There really is no reason not to, except the dark and the rain…but that’s why they invented hoods and flashlights!

Finally, I am committing to more meditation. I already try to meditate every day, so adding a few more minutes a day shouldn’t be too hard.  Along with this comes the hope that I can be more mindful and present in 2019.  Especially when facing challenges at work where I find I react more than I should.  Reacting is easy, but it doesn’t help me get through the day without the old blood pressure rising.  Reducing stress is the name of the game for me this year!

And thus I come to the end of my first post of 2019, reaching 500 words and kicking off a new year with new/old goals to keep me motivated.  To reward you for your patience slogging through my goals, here are some scenes from last night’s NYE “party” with our friends Judy (who made the pavlova pictured) and Gord!  Happy New Year everyone.

Judy’s pavlova!

The weird birthday candle Judy brought – yes, she brought her own birthday candle!  It sparks, and spins, and plays Happy Birthday – and has not stopped (it’s out on the deck, hopefully playing too quietly now for the neighbours to hear).

Prosecco, and Seattle Space Needle fireworks on TV!  A NYE tradition 🙂