Real resolutions: New Year’s high and low
All of January is a good time to reflect and look forward. We asked our staff and readers to consider two things: an aspirational, “high” resolution (“spend more time with family”) and a concrete, “low” one (“set up the printer”).
Adam Anik, Montclair Local photographer — High: My website WILL BE launched, but never finished. Low: I will start something small and positively finish, but heaven knows what that would be. I'll start to downsize my LP collection...
Lisa Annitti, Montclair Local stringer, local playwright: High: I will absolutely finish my Novel(la)/write a new one-act. Low: I'm aspiring to make even more progress toning at the gym. I’ve Been at it for 11 months.
Steph Auteri, Montclair Local columnist, “All Write Now” — High: I'll be launching a website in early 2020 that will be a resource for those wondering how to find or advocate for better sex ed. Low: I've been learning how to play the ukulele this past year, so this year I'm going to play around with (probably terrible) songwriting.
Michael Guerriero, owner, Gelati Montclair by Mike — High: to care about myself as much as I care about others. Low: to create the biggest new ice cream flavor of the decade!
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READ: YEAR IN REVIEW 2019: A DEVELOPING YEAR FOR MONTCLAIR
READ: MOVE OVER, ITALY; GELOTTI OF MONTCLAIR TAKES THE GRAND PRIZE
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Rebecca Jones, Montclair Local stringer — High: I will get more involved in action to fight climate change. Low: I will finally put out the bulky waste, that which can not be upcycled, recycled, or freecycled, of course.
Loyla Louvis, Montclair Local columnist, “Mother Matters” — High: launching a one-year online coaching membership for moms, and working on a TEDx talk scheduled for this summer. Low: my home mortgage will be paid in full at the end of this year!
Elaine Molinaro, artistic director, Culture Connection Theater — High: visit Japan and see Noh, Kabuki and Bunraku traditional Japanese theater. Low: A definite and specific goal in 2020 is to hold public improv performances for CCT's Circle of Sparks Playback Project.
Gwen Orel, Montclair Local culture editor — High: I do need to write that play and finish a middle grade book, but aspirationally for Montclair Local I want to write a story on every school in Montclair. Low: It’s me. I’m the one who needs to set up the printer.
Erin Roll, Montclair Local news reporter— High: Get some of my short stories and novel manuscripts off to an agent or publisher, and go on a writing retreat. Low: take a few yoga classes.
Merrill Silver, Montclair Local stringer — High: I have written and rewritten, edited and edited again a children’s book. I am determined to get it published in 2020. Low: I will use the SmartBoard in my classroom and not be intimidated by what I can’t do but rather, be proud of all the things I can do.
Melissa D. Sullivan, Montclair Local columnist, “All Write Now” — High: I will learn to do the best I can and trust myself that it is enough. Low: I will finally settle on a scheme for the kids' bathroom — dinosaurs? Disney? Disney-dinosaurs?
Allison Task, life coach — High: I’ll meditate every day. Low: I’ll move to a new office space.
Robin Woods, Montclair Local columnist, “Robin’s Nest” — High; I will conquer my fear of writing query letters to large national publications and come up with a brilliant collection of writing samples that will dazzle the editors. Low: I will deliver the huge stack of gifts to those I missed connecting with during the holiday season, sort and wrap them. or just open up a gift shop in my home.
— compiled by Gwen Orel