If you're new here, or if you forgot, Manic Hobgoblin lives in my head rent-free. Sometimes he yells with conviction about things I should be doing or helping him do. Sometimes Manic Hobgoblin whispers silly ideas on rapid repeat until I take notice. Sometimes Manic Hobgoblin goes dormant, then rears his full force of persuasion at an inopportune moment. He's been making many demands of my time and attention lately, such as going to test drive some new cars. Consequently, I am late to publish his resolutions for 2026. Apologies. Here they are.
1. Speak only in obscure riddles. People will find it delightful and intriguing. People may infer more depth and insight than intended.
(Editor's note: Manic Hobgoblin has been doing this for years. It's not a new resolution. It makes for many misunderstandings. Speaking in riddles, or with implied secret meaning, is not intriguing, but irritating.)
2. Master the art of ballroom dancing.
(Editor's note: Sounds time consuming, but best wishes.)
3. Complete abandoned projects from the past such as, but not limited to, DNF books, culinary school for pastry arts, EGOT status, and piano playing.
(Editor's note: Nope. I quit all the above examples, and more, for valid reasons. I refuse to assist Manic Hobgoblin with this resolution.)
4. Successfully appeal the Securities and Exchange Commission decision to revoke trading and brokerage license series 7/66. Make some money moves. Do some big deals.
(Editor's note: If Manic Hobgoblin approaches you with an investment opportunity, politely decline. Back away slowly, and get to a safe place, preferably with multiple witnesses available. Manic Hobgoblin no longer has a sponsor firm or a valid license to provide any financial services.)
5. Buy a struggling professional sports team. Offer options and rights to the film about the team's Cinderella story before the playing season even starts.
(Editor's note: Oh, Manic Hobgoblin, you are exhausting. This might work?)
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I personally don't make New Year's resolutions. I have set a book reading goal of 55 books for 2026. In 2025 I read 78 books, with full disclosure that approximately 20 of these were audiobooks. I find that listening to an engaging podcast or an audiobook helps me stay on task during chores and manual tasks such as gardening. I have a home project on the horizon. I have been test driving new cars with my sweet husband, but haven't made any decisions yet.
