Auld Lang Syne

Well, it's really that time again; out with the old and in with the new. It's hard for me to believe that 2008 is really over. I guess because I had silly notions in the back of my head about where I'd be in my life by the time I was 28. Ushering out 2008 means soon ushering in turning 29, and all too soon, the dreaded big 3-0. On the positive side though, while the last few years have been a ride, and I'm not where I thought I'd be in my life by 28, I have to say I think I'm actually happier with where I'm at. I think lessons I've learned the last few years have taught me more about who I am, how where I'm from impacts me, what I like and what I don't, and I'm damn proud of figuring all that out. Crazy things happen when your train derails!
With these few hours of reflection I've been doing today, also comes reflecting on my goals for 2008, and thinking about new goals for 2009. I got somewhat off-track throughout the year with some of my goals, but I think I'm overall pretty happy with how they turned out. I think half the success in goals is setting reasonable ones. So I tried pretty hard to do just that. I also think that a successful goal is one that becomes habit in the future, so I tried to set goals that I would continue. My ratings for the year are Busted, Working it, or Abandon, which mean that they'll continue into 2009 with no further mention, they'll be listed again as specific items in 2009, or they're just not working out and need to be abandoned respectively.

• Volunteer 40 hours/year; Result: BUSTED

Volunteer opportunities were plentiful this year, and I'm proud of the impact I made on my surroundings. I had well over 40 hours working at the Humane Society of Huron Valley as a greeter, I rocked various "special" events for HSHV like art fair and gift wrapping at Borders during the holidays, AND I even helped at a few things like Project Grow for Rachel's birthday and checked out some Master Gardener meetings with Kristal. I'd say that's a pretty successful bust.

• Read at least 2 books/month and update goodreads; Result: BUSTED

I've rediscovered my love of reading this year, and am proud to say I managed to read 37 books. I love goodreads.com's format for keeping me focused on what I've read and when, and love updating my reviews. This will carry over into 2009 for sure.

• Workout at least 3 times/week; including swimming, running, and stretching/lifting; Result: Working it

I started off the year right and worked pretty hard until May, when I fell off the wagon after a trip to Jamaica for a friend's wedding. Vacation always messes up your goals. :-) I got back on track throughout September and December, but I'm hoping to make these goals stick by further defining them for 2009.

• Continue yearly "Girls Weekend" tradition; Result: BUSTED

Wine Tour through the Leelenau Peninsula was a complete success, and one of the best trips I've ever taken. I can't wait to see what trip ensues in 2009!

• Meet with Kristal once/month to redefine/evaluate goals; Result: Working it

I think my accountability partner and I met only about 4 times this year. It's hard to find time to get together! In 2009 we'll make it only every other month and set days/times in advance.

• Break my nail biting habit; including getting manicures as necessary; Result: BUSTED

Have you seen my nails lately? It's hard to believe that I was once even a lady who had messed up nails! I didn't get manicures as often as I would have liked (turns out they're expensive) but did treat myself a few times at the beginning of the year, while in New York, and a few times over the holidays. I've got one scheduled for 2nd week in January too.

• Update facebook/blog sites weekly; Result: BUSTED

You've seen it here yourself. Since I stared in May, I've updated this blog at least 6 times/month, even when things seemed too busy! I love this forum of communication, even if it's only me that reads it. "Online scrapbooking" as I've dubbed it, is my new fav.

• Update my wardrobe with staple pieces; Result: Abandon
  

I did actually manage to update my wardrobe with some great pieces (Clothes shopping with Kristal in September) but that was mostly due to me not being able to fit into some of my old clothes! I'm hoping new fitness goals for 2009 with solve some of this problem, otherwise I'll continue to update as I can afford.

• Try one new drink/week; Result: Abandon

This proved to be much harder than I anticipated. Apparently I'm a creature of habit, and I like what I like. No plans to give up drinking in 2009 though, so I'll have to figure out how to work that into my healthy and wellness goals so there's no conflict there.

And now that I've talked all about how I did for my goals in 2008, I unveil for you: Goals 2009. I'm ready to kick your butt this year new goals! (Birgy, I stole your category idea here)

Health & Wellness

• Meet with accountability partner 6/yr to track progress towards goals
• Walk/jog at least 2 miles/day - 3 days per week
• Lift weights/stretch 2/week - 20-30 min/day
• Take daily multivitamin, calcium, Iron, and Vitamin D supplements
• Eat food, Not too much, Mostly plants. Cut out the HFCS!
• Update fitday.com food log and graphs at least weekly

Social

• Send Christmas cards out by December 15th
• Listen to one new CD or Band/month
• Plan and take one camping trip
• Plan and take one canoe/kayak trip
• Enroll in and complete one creative class/quarter
• Complete one random act of kindness/month
  

Financial

• Pay off complete credit card balance by March
  
• Save $50/month to an emergency fund
• Save $150/month to a savings account
• Finance a trip to Belgium & Germany in April
  

So there you have it, a complete list of goals I'm working on. I'll be celebrating their arrival at The Churches 'Stash Bash 09 tonight, and will be anticipating greatness with a few jello shots and some bottles of bubbly. Happy New Year Everyone!