Today I participate in a blog hop hosted by Michael D'Agostino of A Life Examined. Please visit Michael's blog to sign up. Now let's go to the hop!
Michael's question for January, 2016 (Look! I remembered it's a new year!) is the following:
What are some new year’s resolutions you’ve had in the past?
Michael also states: If you don’t believe in new year’s resolutions, you can either explain why you don’t or you can talk about a big resolution you made that wasn’t necessarily on new year’s day (for example, in March this year I decided to start uploading a photo of myself to Facebook every day. I’ve been going for 284 days now and the majority of my friends love it).
I don't think my answer to the question seems important. I must dash off to friend Michael on Facebook so I can see a picture of his darling face every day. And so I can remind him frequently that he is exactly one foot shorter than my son.
Now, let's get around to the question: I don't believe in new year's resolutions. They seem bound to die. Instead, I set goals for myself when I need to do so. Sometimes I achieve my goals. Sometimes I realize they aren't worthwhile. But I seldom give up because the goal is too difficult to achieve.
The most important goal I achieved was finishing college. It took me twenty years to get that BA in English, but I've been the proud owner of a college diploma since 1998. Now, hang on a minute, and I'll tell you how many colleges I attended. Take two to the power of ten and subtract twelve and . . . I have to think. Do not make a sound. I guess you can tell I didn't major in math.
I think the answer is six universities, but I might have missed a couple of places. We spent a lot of years moving from one place to another for my ex-husband's education and career. I'd take a few classes. Then we'd move, and I'd take a few more classes.
I used to feel angry that it took me so long to graduate. I don't care anymore. I care that I graduated summa cum laude, and I have accreditation as a writing tutor at the advanced level from The College Reading & Learning Association.
I AM PERSISTENT!
If I hadn't been a grader for a professor and a tutor in the university writing center, I don't think I could have started Janie Junebug Righting & Editing.
Thanks for a great question, Michael. I hope you visit Michael at A Life Examined so you can see the complete list of participants in the question of the month. They'll all appreciate a visit from you.
I'm writing this post on Sunday night, which means that in a few minutes the first episode of the final season of Downton Abbey begins. I'm swooning. Quick! Bring my fainting couch. Rue La La currently has fashions inspired by Downton Abbey. It's a good thing I can't walk in heels because I'm not one bit tempted to buy a pair of shoes that costs $959.99. Not that I'd be tempted if I could walk in heels. I swear I would not be tempted!
Ah, the Dowager Countess has one more season to give everyone hell:
This photo is nice, but who is that girl? The one with the long hair who is seated in the middle at the front--though not the front where Matthew nearly lost the use of his penis. Who the hell does she think she is?
One more shot for my beloved pals Rita Pita Pan and Karma at SoulComfort's Corner. Rita, I know you're watching.
I know I said that was the last, but I cahn't (I write with an English accent) resist one more, bitch:
Infinities of love,
Janie Junebug
I agree with the resolutions compared to goals. I set my goals at the beginning of the year but I add/change them as needed too. I hope I actually finish my list this year.
ReplyDeleteI don't worry about actually making a list and finishing it. I think, Oh, I need to do XYZ this year, and then I try to do it. I don't need to pressure myself. Someone else did that for me for thirty years.
DeleteI'm with you on the resolution bit, Janie. I am the same way!
ReplyDeleteLet's stick together.
DeleteYou seldom give up because the goal is too difficult to achieve... That's called a backbone!
ReplyDeleteThat's funny because I broke mine in five places.
DeleteSay it ain't so...
DeleteOkay, it ain't so--except it is. It happened in a car accident in 2009 and won't ever heal completely. I don't worry about it.
DeleteLast year's new years resolution was to do a pull up (but more because I had just gotten into trying to do one around that time.) Still can't, so that one's still on the table. I"m also trying to cut back on drinking. LE SIGH.
ReplyDeleteI watched downton last night! Honestly, the first ep didn't totally wow me (the mrs. hughes/mrs. patmore/mr. carson plotline was mehh...). Looking forward to next week's!
I've never been able to do a pull up, and my drinking goal is to increase it.
DeleteNo resolutions for me just the goal of writing as much as I can every day. Happy New Year Janie :)
ReplyDeleteThat's an excellent goal.
DeleteI don't do resolutions either, but I set goals every year and keep monthly track of my progress. Then I set smaller goals every month as needed.
ReplyDeleteAll the best in 2016!
All the best to you!
DeleteJanie, I was watching with you, even watched the hour before the show started with all the actors commenting, etc. I was not disappointed! All the characters are right on, and the writing of that show is phenomenal!
ReplyDeleteI think it's fascinating that Julian Fellowes was a not-very-successful actor until he was asked to help with Gosford Park because he's an expert on English country houses of the past. He turned in a 75-page treatment that wowed Robert Altman. He wrote the script and won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay--the only Academy Award won by Gosford Park, though it was nominated for best picture, best director, and I think Helen Mirren was nominated for best supporting actress. He went on to create Downton, and he writes ever script himself. I don't know how he keeps track of these intricate plot lines. I'm not even sure what day it is most of the time.
DeleteHi Janie - I don't do Resolutions .. but must do a plan with some goals this week - so I know exactly where I stand ... enjoy Downton - I still don't watch it .. though I did see Maggie Smith in The Lady in the Van recently ... Happy New Year and all the best - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of The Lady in the Van. Is it new?
DeleteYou should feel proud of your degree. I have a few friends who took years to get their degrees too.
ReplyDeleteBully for all of us!
DeleteThanks for the shout out, Janie! Since I don't have TV per se anymore I must wait until they put it online so I can watch it on the internet. Therefore I will have to wait a day or two, but I will be watching! Of that, have no doubt, m'lady. I'll be sad to see it go.
ReplyDeleteYou were very persistent in getting your degree. Good for you! I had no idea it took you so long and you went to so many colleges. You do what you have to do, right?
Have you ever seen The Comma Queen on youtube? She's on The New Yorker channel and I always think of you when I watch her. :)
I haven't seen The Comma Queen (I hope she's attractive since she makes you think of me), but I've seen Grammar Girl. I think I've also been to a site called Down and Dirty Grammar.
DeleteMy last resolution that I have stuck with is that I no longer make New Year's Resolutions. I found it too much pressure. Congrats on having your degree! I watched Downton as well. My hubby and I love it!! I had to snicker at Mrs. Hughes's dilemma
ReplyDeleteI don't need any extra pressure. I have enough as it is.
DeleteDo you think Mrs. Hughes is really Miss Hughes and is called Mrs. as an honorarium? It's possible she's never been "with" a man.
DeleteI've never seen Downton Abbey--maybe I'll start binge watching it!!
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't stream on Netflix, but it's on Amazon Prime. Or you can buy the entire set of DVDs, watch them, and give them to me--your favorite ducky.
DeleteGood for you for sticking with the degree. Not many people would be that persistent.
ReplyDeleteI hated not having a degree. My ex-husband has a Ph.D., so I felt many people looked down on me.
DeleteTypically I don't get involved with shows that become a rage with many people. I have yet to see a single episode of Downton Abby which is added to my list of other such series that I'll probably never even binge watch on Netflix or wherever.
ReplyDeleteI've got you beat in years in obtaining a college degree. It took me 37 years to get mine which by the time I got my BS in Business Management it mostly amounted to a lot of BS as I was near my job ending and not being able to land another one before settling for Social Security. I'd like to have continued for my originally planned BA in English but it would have been too expensive to do so I think. I only went to 2 colleges to get my degree and if I'd completed my stint at the first one--a task that would have probably taken maybe one more quarter of study--I would have saved about $30,000. Oh, the stupidity of youth and the vanity of older age.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
I know what ya mean. I had a great scholarship and three semesters under my belt when I quit college to work full time. Then I ever so stupidly got married. That made everything so much more difficult.
DeleteI'm more like you, I set goals.
ReplyDeleteThat's great that you got your BFA!
Occasionally, I get out my diploma and look at it.
DeleteMine are framed, and hung downstairs. I rarely look at them, but they are there.
DeleteI love the Dowager. She gets the best lines. Persistent is a good word for you!
ReplyDeleteHappy 2016!
Thank you. Happy 2016 to you, too.
DeleteI feel like it's probably going to take me twenty years to get my college degree, too. Hell.. it's been around eight years already.
ReplyDeleteI've never watched Downton Abbey, though I've heard good things. I doubt I could get my partner to watch them with me.
It doesn't matter if it takes twenty years or thirty, if it makes you happy. I wanted that degree come hell or high water.
DeleteWilly Dunne Wooters is watching Downton. I told him he had to start at the beginning. We're on the fourth season, but I watch the current season without him. I didn't know if he'd like it, so I told him it has lots of mysteries and scandals. He loves it!
DeleteHappy New Year, Janie! My goodness you are a persistent gal, but oh I betcha feel mighty proud of yourself for sticking to your guns and getting earning a B.A. I didn't do too well in English. The subject was a bit intimidating. I blame it on my low self esteem now, but in those days I had no clue. While I certainly can't remember the rules, I always try reading out loud what I write to see if it sounds right. This helps alot. It's kinda funny, but I was just thinking about looking for ways to brush up on on my grammar. I hope my ole pal Google can help me to find some easy reminders that will stick with me. Hmmm, New Year's Resolutions...I use to make them all the time. This is the first year I decided to skip making a list and just live life because many of the area I always aspire to improve are simply with me on a day to day basis anyhow. I think I'll strive to keep short term goals in my grasp and when I completed these then I can move on to a new set. Here's to another year in Blogosphere, my friend. I hope life is good to you and me in 2016! ;)
ReplyDeleteI think the best way to learn English is to read classic books by great authors. That doesn't mean you have to read The Scarlet Letter and Great Expectations. I learn a lot by reading books by Anne Tyler. My favorite is The Accidental Tourist. I get the feeling that if I happened to meet Anne Tyler that we would get along well. I'm trying to start a new feature on my blog called Tip Tuesday. I'll provide a grammar/writing tip every Tuesday. I haven't done much yet because I have so much editing I need to finish.
Delete6 universities? You were persistent. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteI love that Downton Tabby picture. :p I watched the first two episodes of Downton Abbey but couldn't get into it.
Happy New Year!!!
It's not for everyone. I'm pleased that Willy Dunne Wooters likes it.
DeleteOk I haven't made a New Year Resolution is so bloody long can't even remember what it was maybe something like eat healthier, also I have never watched Downton Appey just saying
ReplyDeleteIs Downton popular in Australia?
DeleteYou did it! That's what matters. Well done.
ReplyDeleteThank you, kind sir.
DeleteI'm all a-flutter over the last season of DA... I get to cheer on Edith and have no patience for Mary one last time. No resolutions for me either. Thanks for stopping by my blog!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you!
I still need to watch last few episodes of previous season, so maybe that should be my resolution. I'm excited for this, the last, season!
ReplyDeleteOh, yes. Finish that season.
DeleteHa ha, Janie. This was a happy post. I can hear the upper class English accent coming through! Bring on Downton Abbey! :-)
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm so glad you can hear my accent by reading it.
Delete"They seem bound to die." Lol, that's a great way to describe resolutions, most of the posts I've read for this question share a similar view. Goals are better because they can be changed and reprioritized :)
ReplyDeleteGreat way to say it.
DeleteI love Downton Abby and now love Downton Tabby even more. So funny! And I basically love everything that comes out of the Dowager Countess' mouth. Maggie Smith is amazing.
ReplyDeleteMaggie Smith is beyond amazing. She had cancer and endured chemotherapy while she made one of the Harry Potter movies.
DeleteWait! The final season started? Sorry, I can't comment any more, I need to go check my DVR.
ReplyDeleteHope the series was not killed in my DVR show listings.
If it's not on your DVR, then check PBS online. They usually put the episodes on their Web site.
DeleteWow, that is persistent. Well done on getting your BA after all that time.
ReplyDeleteSo how many seasons of Downton Abbey are there now? I've seen the first four on Netflix, now I'm waiting for others to become available. Are you serious about not knowing that girl in the front of the photo?
We're on the sixth and final season of Downton. The girl in the middle . . . the girl in the middle . . . oh, you know it is I, Queen of Grammar. We royals must stick together--unless it's Camilla.
Delete