I’m over the difficult “hump” of goal-setting, as the last four categories are much easier to plan than the first four. This one is a fun category in many ways — “expressing myself” through socializing with friends, cultural outings, and enjoying music, books and movies. Of course, I’ll find ways to make some of it look like “work”, partly cuz I’m inherently a blue, but even bluish yellow activities are fun for me!

As with previous categories, there is some momentum here. I’ve had past success with organizing my music (I’m interested in the Billboard lists dating back to 1945), movies (Oscar winners and box office favorites), outings for movies with friends (including the Mid-Month Movie Madness for Men), finding time to go for evening coffees with my friend Amanda, various party events although they tend to be more kid-friendly these days, catching up with Seb at lunch or Mike at a hockey game, going to the theatre with Andrea, or organizing birthday parties or a bachelor party. All of which is surprising given that I’m primarily a “blue” — which means yellow energy neither comes easy to me nor is it normally a spontaneous choice for me. Usually, group activities are my last choice, just ahead of root canal surgery with a rusty spoon. But, like any good blue, I’ve managed to figure out the roles/activities that work for me, usually with somewhat controlled environments or specific roles (host, formal guest, etc.). The lack of structure in social activities is usually what turns me off, not the opportunity to socialize with friends. And small predictable groups are usually preferable to large chaotic ones.

For the immediate future, though, my social time with friends is frequently limited by McGurgle — not all the activities are kid-friendly, and of those that are, we still have to schedule / adjust to fit. Sometimes it fits, sometimes it doesn’t. We can’t do everything, and as a blue, I don’t want to do everything either — it isn’t “re-energizing” for a blue, it is usually draining. It doesn’t mean you don’t EVER do it, it just means you recognize it and match your attempted output to your energy levels (i.e. don’t go to a large chaotic party if you’re already feeling drained).

I want to continue the MMMMM outings for movies, although I’m not really interested in 3D movies, and far too many of the ones I’d choose of late have been 3D. Maybe the balance will shift again. In terms of formal socializing, we used to host Remembrance Day parties, and I’d like to do one again this year, although I don’t know of what size yet. Or maybe a corn roast earlier in the year. For informal socializing, I’m hoping to be able to still go for coffee outings with Amanda, brunches occasionally, and a hockey game with Seb and Mike. Plus regular outings with other friends, format to be determined! (Shhh, don’t tell anyone, but sometimes a “blue” can manage to be spontaneous!).

For books and movies, I’m using the website to post my movie and book reviews, and I’d like 50 of each up by the end of the year. More importantly, I need to get a better handle on my ebook collection, and start pruning my paper books. I’m also determined to finish organizing at least 20 years worth of pop billboard music by the end of the year.

I also have a pretty decent set of items for the Bucket List for this category — 18 items — although some of them could have gone under the learning category. And, because I need the extra “yellow” to balance out the other colours, I’m thinking I’ll keep four of them on my goal list for this year:

• Learn to knit;
• Play Pai Gow poker in a casino;
• Have a movie extravaganza weekend (i.e. a whole weekend of watching movies!); and,
• Develop a list of top books (draft # = 600) to read.

The last one is partially done, I just need to get organized on it to finalize and link to my Kindle reading! On with the social category!