2016 Goals

I have determined to set out a list of goals for this new year.  I've done resolutions in the past, unsuccessfully.  I want to set and obtain goals.  And they are selfish.  I don't have a goal of volunteering time somewhere, or putting others ahead of me.  When 2017 rolls around, I want to look at this year and think 'I had a great fucking year.'

I want to read ten new books.  I made a point a few years ago to read six.  Half of them were history/non fiction which made it a bit difficult.  Still, I felt great about getting through my list.  I am just over half way through a book I have been working on for a few months, so I won't really count it.  I suppose my goal will actually be ten and a half books.  And I've given up on the 'comics aren't books' argument.  When you think of comics, you might think of childhood and cartoons.  I tell you what, though, some comics and graphic novels rank up there with the great novels.  It's a genre that I have yet to tap into and I am excited to read a few.  

I want to find new and different music.  This last year, I really branched out.  I found some indie rock bands, I bought some rap and hip hop albums (something I thought I would never do) which turned out to be a great risk and great reward.  So if anyone has ideas/suggestions, throw them out there.  I will give them a listen.  I found myself diving into music more and more last year.  For whatever reason, I would listen to some music I've had for a number of years, and hear something I hadn't heard before.  For example, 'Battle Born' by the Killers.  I've listened to that album numerous times.  But there was one day I was driving home from work and I don't know what it was, but it was like listening and hearing the songs for the first time.  The album is actually sad and there's a lot of heart break and relationship stuff in it.  At least that's what I got out of it.  

I want to get a tattoo.  I've been going back and forth for a few years on the idea.  There were times when I was all for it, but stopped myself.  The main issue is cost.  I know what I want, I have a solid idea where I want to get it.  It's just a matter of justifying paying for it.  Time to start saving now I guess.  

Setting aside me time.  For a while, I was doing things like bowling and disc golfing by myself.  It might sound weird and lame, but it's great to just get out of your own head and not worry about anyone else for a while.  It is great for your mental health, and if you find something you enjoy doing, who cares if it doesn't include anyone else?  The past two years, a podcast that I listen to (Welcome to Night Vale) has toured the country and made a stop in the Twin Cities.  I made a point to go to each show.  It was great.  I ate at different reataurants each time.  I got to see a live show that wasn't a loud concert that left my ears ringing for the next two days.  I got to see something that I enjoy listening to live and in person.  

So that is what I want to try and accomplish in 2016.  While it isn't the most ambitious list, I want to do something that I know I will enjoy doing.  I kind of want to make 2016 about me.  Which is a weird thing to type because I don't really see myself as a selfish person.  I just have those moments throughout the year when I wonder if I am really accomplishing anything.  And these goals, I think, will let me know that I am.