Be Like George










I started this year like I've done the past several: picking a word of the year rather than setting resolutions. The word for 2025 is curious. Its meaning, eager to know or learn something, seems motivating and more positive than worrying. I can be curious about crafts, work, relationships, my dog, new hobbies, opportunities to volunteer, gaining dual citizenship...that last bit I'm becoming more and more curious about as the year progresses devolves.

So far, my curiosity led me to learn a new skill: crochet! I'm a long-time knitter (20-plus years), and it will always be my favorite fiber craft. But I tried a couple critter kits and made myself an infinity scarf (with a bit of help from YouTubers hookers). I'm curious whether I'll be hooked, long term. 

I also started Spanish lessons on Babbel in preparation for our trip to the Dominican Republic in February (which was fabulous; I'll rave about that another time). I am SO curious: Why oh why did I take French in high school and college? Spanish would be much more useful and marketable. After three weeks of Spanish, I could say hola, buenos dias and ask where the bathroom is. I might remember more that I learned watching Sesame Street as a kid. On vacay, every time someone said hello, I had to think twice before replying "Bonjour." It has been 30 years or so, but I studied BEAUCOUP de français. So I was just a dumb American in a beautiful island paradise; is there any other kind of American these days, the world wonders. 

Where else might curiosity lead? I'm switching dentists. I set a goal to read 25 books this year. I'm in an Emotional Intelligence Habits discussion group at work. I might research dog training. My pup ought to learn some new tricks. For that matter, couldn't we all? 


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