Approximately twenty years ago my boss called me into his office and asked me where I hoped to be in five years.

I described being in a wonderful relationship, living an idyllic life in San Francisco. The place where my partner and I lived would be beautiful, with hardwood floors, French doors and more. Of course, we would entertain guests regularly each weekend.

That dream never panned out, for many reasons, but I think it’s always important to work towards our realistic dreams and desires. Not pie in the sky dreams, but measurable goals. Upon much reflection, I’ve got a new set of goals to share with you.

Visit Sierra Once a Year

It might seem odd that my goal is to see my daughter only once a year. However, I need my goals to be realistic. Currently Sierra is attending university in England and I have no idea where she’ll end up. She loves Europe, so it would be no surprise if that is where she’ll stay permanently. I would love to see her more often, of course, but I cannot foretell her future.

Clear up IRS Problems

My problems with the IRS is a disaster. It’s not that I owe them large sums of money – I’m a small fish, but I don’t know the who, what, where, when and how’s on what I’ve filed for, or what I may or may not owe them. With so many years of living with a bottle in my hand, being homeless, and major memory gaps from medication, I don’t even know where to begin. I’ve been given info on an IRS help center. I don’t think they’ll be able to clear it all up for me, but they could probably point me in the right direction. I’ve also been given some referrals for tax specialists and attorneys, but none will see me now that it’s January. It’s been ages since I addressed any of this, so waiting until after April will not be the end of the world. It’s a weight I must get off my shoulders.

A Full-Time Writer

I’m already a full-time writer, but I want to be a person making a living as a full-time writer. My true goal would be to have at least two novels published. For most people, that wouldn’t make enough to live on, but it is my dream. In the likelihood that it’s not enough, I could also earn money freelancing.

Live in Uruguay or…

I’ve made no qualms about it, I am ashamed and fearful for my country. The fact that Donald Trump will be our president is bad enough, but even worse is that nearly 62 million people voted for him. They made it loud and clear that it’s perfectly okay for a foul mouthed, misogynistic, racist, xenophobic who makes fun of the disable, to be our president. I am disillusioned, and as an interracial gay couple, Maurice and I have decided it’s best if we move out. Unfortunately, circumstances are keeping us here right now, but that doesn’t change our minds for what may come down the road.

As I’ve said numerous times, Uruguay seems to be the best spot for us due to their very liberal laws regarding gay rights, and the ease of becoming a permanent resident We aren’t closed minded to other locations, so who knows where we’ll end up, but Uruguay is our top contender, with Ecuador being a distant second.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Per BMI charts, my weight should be about 150 lbs. That seems ridiculously low, so I set my goal at 160. My short-term goal is to lose that extra weight by the end of this year or the beginning of next year. My 5-year goal is to have kept it off.

I’m sure there are many more dreams and goals I could add, but these are the top contender. Five is plenty. If you’re looking for a book that could help you get a direction in life, I suggest “Callings” by Greg Levoy.  And, what about you? Do you have any realistic, long term, dreams or goals that you’re working on?