GEEZ where does the time go? Here my blog has sat here for almost a year with nothing exciting happening on it at all. Well, that should about sum up the past year! Nothing was happening so nothing was added :-) HAHA...and I'm kidding!
I have spent the past year working and going to school (such has been my life for MANY years now!) and just trying to figure out why I'm here, where I'm going, and how to get there. If you have answers, feel free to share!
This past year, I have spent time trying to make sure that the goals that I put into play actually were accomplished. I am happy to say that for the most part, they have! I have been lucky enough to find myself more financially stable, healthier than I have been in years (lost almost 50 lbs...with many more to go!), made time for reading, friends, and even the challenge of cooking...which I will probably never do again! I moved out of my 324 sq ft house that I lived in for almost 3 years, and even bought a car that has made a difference in my life for reasons I can't even explain! I have put in countless time and effort into my volunteer work at Streetlight and have seen the goals that the team set at the beginning of the year surpass what we thought was even possible. I also wanted to start volunteering on the Foster Care Review Board and was able to go through that process, be approved, and placed on a board (about a 6 month process). I'm thankful that I have the time and availability to contribute to my community and to gain experience that is going to make me more successful in my career. I have been able to purchase the computer I WANT which reduced my stress greatly! I made it a point this year to go back to Utah and see family and friends. Since I missed my 10 year High School Reunion due to a work trip, visiting Utah wasn't just about seeing friends and family I already keep in contact with, but I was able to see friends from school, catch up on their lives and families, and realize how incredibly far we have all come in life. I think it was better than going to the reunion actually so I'm happy it worked out the way it did. I have also been lucky enough to travel to St. George, Utah to support my little sister in the marching band and color guard competition she was in and steal a few extra minutes with her between her practices and performances. I'm so proud of her, she makes me laugh, and I'm thankful that I get the opportunity to continue to see her grow up even though I have spent most of her life in another state. My travels will continue as I go to Colorado next week and to Midland, Texas for Christmas to see more family. When most people put down "travel" as a new year's resolution, they are usually thinking something exciting and exotic but to me, my travel goals were to see family and friends that I haven't seen in a long time. Although there are people that I won't get the opportunity to see, I think that I will put "travel" down for next year also so I make it a point to continue to keep in touch with those I love. I am blessed (although some don't see it that way) that I have the time and freedom to make this a priority!
I still have a few things on my list that I hope to complete before the year is over such as the puzzle that is only partially done in my living room but hasn't been touched in WEEKS or actually applying for my passport. I'm not going anywhere but I want to be ready just incase an opportunity arises. They aren't big goals by any means but ones that I hope to finish before the beginning of the year. And if I don't, I will be thankful for the goals I have accomplished! New Year's is my favorite holiday and my most favorite time of year. Some people just see it as another day but I really use it as a time to evaluate where I have been and where I want to go. My life can get busy and bogged down with a "to do" list the size of China and an email inbox that is longer than that. It is too easy to get lost in those lists and forget to do something for yourself. I am so grateful for the year I have had. For the things I have been able to do. For the control that I feel that I have. For the friendships that I have made. For the small successes and the steps forward. I have also had heartache, breakdowns, tears, fears, and uncertainties. I have had doubt and disappointment. I have faced challenges that I thought I would never be able to overcome. But you have to take the good with the bad!
Sorry it has been so long since I last posted but hopefully this brief description of my life has brought you up to speed :-)
