Every December 31st I make a compact list, (used
to make a long one but noticed that it was almost impossible to do everything
on that list), of goals to reach each year. This past year was not any
different.
Always at the
top of my list was to start a diet and lose weight. I learned to stop putting
that at the top many years ago. Now I just choose to try to be as healthy as I
can and accept the body that was given to me. At most, it rids me of
frustration and failure.
Making a list of things I can and have control over
has made me a more relaxed person. Getting rid of stress is always on my list.
Reading more is a way that I reduce stress therefore I have been doing that increasingly.
Apparently, my addiction to buying more books has also increased. It doesn´t
frustrate me though, it gives me immense pleasure.
I have reduced expenses by not driving in this hectic
city. In the end the math works out, and I get to know so many interesting drivers.
Stories which are so vastly different from my own. Always giving me ideas to
write about.
Yes, so many ideas to write about…
Now we have reached the point of my failed resolution.
I had planned to write and post 2 or 3 articles here on my blog. I haven´t been
able to do so with such ease. I blame it on lack of planning and too much free
time on my hands. Yes, you have read it correctly, too much free time. I have
cut back on my work hours, and my schedule is well put together at work. I have
two days off and two whole afternoons. I only teach 19 hours a week. I get home
thinking of all the activities I will accomplish, but then decide to take a
short nap, and instead of pumping me up, recharging my energy, I sleep longer than
I intended and then just procrastinate. At other times, I play an interesting
but time-consuming game on my cell phone. I became addicted to it at the end of
the year and now I am like a prisoner. Because of this, I am starting to
understand what goes on with the young generation. It has awakened a monster
inside of me that can spend hours just itching to win at each level and overcoming
the difficulties. In the end, there isn´t a prize and I get frustrated for
having spent so much time playing. Then I start convincing myself that it is
good for the brain (which is a fact). Where does all this soothing self-talk
come from? While I enjoy it, I also feel that I need to punish myself for
wasting time. Wasting time is a bit too harsh. I will change it to spending my
time.
Hopefully I will be able to keep this resolution of writing
and posting going.
Written: March 13, 2026, while my 3rd year
HS students take a reading comprehension test. 😊
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