NEW YEAR RESOLUTION: 2023 Will Be Different in Wenatchee

NEW YEAR RESOLUTION: 2023 Will Be Different in Wenatchee

Anyone who knows me, knows I’m a workaholic. I love what I do. It gives me the opportunity to be creative in so many ways. But when I look back at all the things I did in 2022, there were less than a handful of fun things that I did. And they were all work related. I rarely got out. I get out out bed, head into work. After work, I go home, take a shower, go to bed. Are you like me? Eek! I hope not. Maybe you’re not as bad as me. So how can we make a change? It all boils down to two things. 

First. Time management. So basic, yet sometimes we just don’t plan. When I was a kid, my family got to explore and travel and do fun things. How did we afford this? My parents were not rich by any means. But I learned from my dad that when you save money for bills, food, clothing, emergencies, you also need to save money for fun. Fun stuff! No matter how big or small that might be. OK, so then what? 

While at a late night Duran Duran party in LA, I was chatting with Ryan Seacrest, who has got to be one of the busiest individuals in entertainment. His LA morning radio show, American Top 40, American Idol, Live with Kelly & Ryan, production, executive producer, and the list goes on. I asked, “I saw a photo of you and your girlfriend (at the time, Teri Hatcher) on the beach, enjoying life. And now you’re here when you’ve got to be up in a few hours for your morning show. How do you do it?” His answer reminded me of my dad. “Schedule fun.” Just like he would schedule a meeting, an appointment, shopping, cleaning, etc… Don’t fill your calendar on your desk with just tasks. Put in writing, no matter how small it may be, ‘I’m going to (for an example) schedule fun during my break to….have lunch by the river.’ 

Second. Accountability. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said I was going to do something fun. Even write it on my calendar. But then I don’t do it. Often times it’s because I’m alone. Sure, I’ve done things on my own. Go out to dinner at a fancy restaurant or see a movie by myself. But after awhile I just say, why bother. But when I make plans with someone, it happens. Same thing with working out. I used to have a trainer. He knew what I needed to work on and he helped me stay in shape. On my own, I make excuses.

So now what? What ‘fun’ can we put on our calendar? And who can we have hold us accountable? For me, I’ve lived here in Wenatchee for almost two years. Like I’ve said before, I don’t get out, and most of my fun has been work related. So I really haven’t even seen much outside my commute to work and home. 

APPLE CAPITAL LOOP TRAIL: That’s right. I haven’t done this 22 mile loop around the Columbia River. I’ve always wanted to. I don’t have to walk it, although I’ve done 20+ miles just walking around Disneyland when I go home. But I have a bike. And who knows. It could become a routine I put on my calendar once a week during the warmer months. And I’m getting a bit of a workout.

OHME GARDENS: Here’s another one where people are a bit shocked that I haven’t visited yet. Especially since I love taking creative photos with my iPhone. It’s also a great place to get out and enjoy the peacefulness. 

APPLESOX AND WILD GAMES: OK, this I’ve done a few times. Again mostly because of work. But perhaps I could buy season passes, and go to all if not most of the games. And here’s the bonus. When I did go to AppleSox games at Paul Thomas Sr. Field, I noticed there were quite a few who attended regularly and when they would arrive to their seats, they were always greeted like Norm walking into Cheers. I loved that. I want to be a part of that. 

WATERSHED Again, I’ve gone to the three day country music fest for work. But it’s always about work. Last year I didn’t even check out a concert. Not even Morgan Wallen. Maybe in 2023, not only actually stay long enough to catch a show, but camp out. That’s gonna take a lot of planning! 

LOCAL TRAVEL Mission Ridge. Badger Mountain. Leavenworth Ski Hill. I’ve never been to any of these places. I’m not a skier or snowboarder. Heck, I hate snow. But places like Mission Ridge hold events such as live music nights, host comedy shows, and dining. Speaking of Leavenworth….you’re gonna shake your head again…I’ve never been there. I’ve watched the live cam high above Front Street Park. And I’ve seen a couple of Hallmark Christmas movies that were filmed there. Absolutely beautiful. 

A BIT OF A DISTANCE TRAVEL I was talking with a co-worker who is also a fan of the 90’s TV show, Twin Peaks. We both talked about how we want to visit some of the locations where they filmed the cult classic series. The Snoqualmie Falls! I wanna stay in room 315 at the Salish Lodge & Spa, aka The Great Northern Hotel. And of course we have to go to the real life Double R Diner, Twede’s Cafe for some damn fine cup of coffee (“black as midnight on a moonless night”), with a slice of cherry pie. Or perhaps take the Amtrak to a Mariners game. They are playing my Dodgers in 2023! Or maybe find a small town out in the middle of nowhere Washington like Wilber and find out why Billy’s Burger’s is worth the drive. 

I know this is starting to sound like a small bucket list. But perhaps that’s what I also need to do as we get ready for the new year. Too often when I think about my past I tell people something like, “I WORKED in Sacramento.” I think it’s time to enjoy life and say, “I LIVED in Wenatchee.”