Another Year, Yadda, Yadda

 In the past, I’ve waxed poetic on the new year, resolved to achieve all sorts of idealistic goals, chosen a word, embarked on fitness and nutrition “journeys,” yadda, yadda. 

Not this year. Nope. Expectation is the mother of disappointment, and so I’m lowering my expectations for the year. 

Lower. 

A bit lower.

Almost there.  [Said in the voice I use to tell George he’s halfway through a marathon. He usually wants to unalive me when I say that.]

Keep going lower.

Any expectations left? No? 

Good.

I’ve always been an optimist, but a few years ago, I read a book on stoicism and decided that while I came out of the womb a “glass is not just half full but refillable” optimist, I might want to temper that optimism with a spot of realism. 

So here are my “realistic” resolutions for 2026:

I will do some stuff. Some stuff will be useful, some frivolous, some fun, some not so fun, some likely rather painful, but there will be stuff done.

I will write some stuff. Some stuff I write will be useful, some frivolous, some fun, some not so fun, some likely rather painful, but there will be stuff written, even if it’s just grocery lists.

I will create some stuff, even if no one cares. 

I will love some stuff and some people. I will offer grace, peace, and a sympathetic ear because I’m wired that way. 

I will hate some people and some stuff. I will hate myself for this, but as long as students turn in AI-generated essays, I will hate. I will keep open the possibility that quitting teaching is a good thing, and I will hate myself for that, too. 

I will say yes to some stuff. There will be consequences, some good and some bad. 

I will say no to some stuff. There will be consequences, some good and some bad. 

I will do my best, even if my best isn’t the best because I’m a human. I will beat myself up, but not as badly as before because I’m learning.

I will continue to learn, unlearn, be right, be wrong, get excited, get frustrated. Because life is that way. 

I think that’s enough. Can you relate?

And now for birthday cards. Karen’s Card Shop is critically low on birthday cards and somewhat low on sympathy and get well cards. I pulled out some pretty designer paper that’s been gathering dust in a closet and made a bunch of cards. Here are a few. 

I have found that my style of cards doesn’t sell well in the shop, so I’m trying to stretch into more colored card stock and less white space. But not always. These made me rather happier than I thought they would!

Last night, we celebrated with friends as usual, only this time I won the Fruit Ninja tournament handily. The tall guy in the middle usually wins. 

Aria the friendly kitty photo-bombed us.

This morning’s mood,
despite the opening of this post.

And as for New Year’s Day, 2026, I wish you a peaceful one full of love and compassion and crafty goodness. 

Mercy, grace, peace, and love,

Susan