At the start of 2015 I said that 2014 was the year I found out I couldn’t do it all. So humbled. So wizened. Then came 2015. The year I found out, apparently, I can’t do anything. Oof. Rough one. If the year was a race, as I hobbled across the finish line to 2016 I’d have been getting pity claps from the guys taking down the barricades and timer clock.

“Hey, you forget something? Oh! You’re a runner! Uh, I mean, good job! almost there, buddy! Whooo!”
But I made it nevertheless. Obviously, it’s been pretty quiet here on The Byronic Man. I foolishly declared some months ago that I was back! Huzzah! That went… poorly. To extend the race metaphor, I’d stopped for water, ate an energy gel and burst back in to the race! And immediately pulled a hamstring!
I’m saying it was a tough year, is what I’m saying.
A lot of great things happened too, don’t get me wrong, but man…
So here I am again. A quiet renewal. Am I diving back in to the blog? I’d love to say yes, but then again, it was my intention to post on January first, so… you know… But I sure miss the creative outlet, so maybe I’ll do a little reconfiguring, a little restructuring. Because who knows what there is to learn in 2016?
January 11, 2016 at 5:23 am
Welcome back?
January 12, 2016 at 11:57 am
Thanks, but yeah. Keep the receipts on those house-warming gifts.
January 11, 2016 at 7:27 am
Go for it! But be good to yourself, too. Remember Abe Lincoln’s “little by little does the trick.”
January 13, 2016 at 8:53 am
True, but Lincoln’s blog was also sooooo boring.
January 13, 2016 at 1:34 pm
You’re too funny! Are we both talking about President Lincoln? Did he have a blog? Or a log (as in cabin)?
January 11, 2016 at 7:54 am
Get some new running shoes, that always helps.
January 13, 2016 at 8:53 am
That applies literally and metaphorically, actually.
January 13, 2016 at 11:31 am
Yep, that’s what I was thinking!
January 11, 2016 at 8:12 am
To the guy who wrote this post:
The is the personal blog of a kinda funny guy with a great name. Used to work here regularly. We now think he’s been kidnapped by crickets or is in jail somewhere. If you find him, don’t lose him. We’ll send a GPS and duct tape.
January 13, 2016 at 8:54 am
Funnily enough, the name applies more to what I’m imagining for the current incarnation of the blog then before.
January 13, 2016 at 9:00 am
Then begin incanting. *grin*
January 11, 2016 at 9:13 am
Sorry to hear about your tough year.
But yeah! Quiet renewal is good. And lots of creative outlet-ing. Keep it up. We’ll be here.
January 13, 2016 at 8:55 am
I’m actually stunned how many people are still going! A fiercely dedicated lot.
January 20, 2016 at 5:40 am
Your writing is worth the wait. *twiddles thumbs patiently*
January 11, 2016 at 9:26 am
Two small children, a full-time job, and a few surprise extra responsibilities? Yeah, been there. The blog is always the one to take the hit. But the good part is that it is house-trained, doesn’t require constant supervision, and is happy to see you when you get back.
January 12, 2016 at 11:59 am
I was reading something recently where she wrote that her advice to a friend having kids was, “You’ll be doing everything pretty half-assed for a while” and then felt that was negative. Not wrong, of course, but negative.
January 11, 2016 at 10:05 am
Write when you can. We’ll read it. And laugh our asses off more often than not.
January 13, 2016 at 8:55 am
Hopefully at the funny posts…
January 13, 2016 at 9:37 am
Hopefully ONLY at the funny ones. Never at you. Or not often.
January 11, 2016 at 11:00 am
I feel you’ve found my letters and read each one out loud.
January 11, 2016 at 2:18 pm
I feel ya, buddy. Been a rough one (or two) for me. I do miss writing, and as you say the creative outlet. It’s like I need an oilcan or something, I’m so rusty.
Write when you can, live in the moment. Those 2 little ones won’t be little for long. And you’ll miss all that.
January 13, 2016 at 8:57 am
This morning my 3-year-old was lying on her big, stuffed frog and making it “swim” across the house, giving it encouragement on how to swim. Yeah, I ain’t missing that.
January 11, 2016 at 2:33 pm
Don’t get the runners shits half way though the year, I’m really rooting for ya plus I’ve got money on this race
January 13, 2016 at 8:57 am
I won’t ask what results you’re betting on.
January 14, 2016 at 9:50 pm
Trust me bud, you don’t want to know
January 11, 2016 at 5:11 pm
I was away from WP for almost six months, and it turned out that the bulk of bloggers I follow had also been away extended periods due to the same virus: Life seems to require more recovery time lately. Babes before Blogs: Children and spouses. Jobs before Blogs: How we buys houses. Us before Blogs: How we’re not louses.
Take the time you need for family, work, and self. This blog began for YOU, and should take a back seat whenever you do.
January 13, 2016 at 8:58 am
Oh, it totally began for fame, glory, power, and wealth. It was not a good plan.
January 12, 2016 at 8:03 am
Unfortunately you’re in great company with other great bloggers that don’t blog enough bc life got in the way. I’d say I’m in that group, but I’m not great. And my excuse is pure laziness. So feel free to say “…at least I’m not Hedonist-bad”
January 13, 2016 at 9:00 am
Yeah, but with the name, “laziness” is like staying in character. “Why are you being so lazy?” “Uh, check the name? It’s research.”
January 22, 2016 at 12:59 pm
Sorry that things aren’t going your way. On a purely selfish note it is nice to see that I am not the only one who can’t get it together on their blog. I am sporadic at best.
It is always fun to read you whenever you might show up.
March 14, 2016 at 4:58 pm
Everyone has tough years. At least you are trying
March 23, 2016 at 11:31 am
I had to traipse through a lot of confetti, discarded orange peels and Dixie water cups to get here, but I made it! Bring on the renewal!! (Sorry, that was loud.) 2016 is going to be a good year.