A New Year

I saw this on facebook.

I think it's a great idea.  It might be done on this blog, though.

I'm not big on resolutions because I think you should set goals at any time.  That said, last year I did have a resolution:  to finally get my kitchen remodeled!  That one was accomplished.

For the upcoming year, I have several professional goals, which I won't bore you all with here.  These could mean some pretty big changes for me, which is scary, but hopefully good.

Personally, I want to get my house de-cluttered.  This is a summer goal since it will be an If You Give a Mouse a Cookie type of thing.

I'm already looking forward to some travel this spring.  In February I'm visiting my friend, Suzy, in San Diego.  Over spring break, Suzy and I are going to Washington D.C. just in time for the Cherry Blossom Festival.  Summer travel is dependent on the professional and personal goals above, but I'm hoping to do a sort of road trip through some states I haven't visited yet, and see a few friends along the way.

Gratitudes from 2012

Several things happened in 2012 which I am very grateful for.

I had visits from several friends:  Ann, Jenn-Cali, Suzy, and Judy-Nut.

I loved going tubing for the first time with Jenn-Cali.  It was quite the adventure.  I got to see San Diego's lovely bay and have a great visit with Suzy.  Got to see Ann twice!  Both times had a great dinner.  I met Judy-Nut for the first time along with Betty and we had a late lunch at the new mall downtown.

I went on my very first ever business trip to New Orleans.  I learned a lot of great things and had a nice review of stuff I already knew, but needed to hear again.  I got to know some of my co-workers better and have a great time learning during the day and having fun (and eating and eating and eating) at night.

My cat got very sick.  I spent a couple of weeks feeding her with a syringe.  Thankfully, the vet was able to bring her back.  She's minus a few teeth now, but has her spunk back.  I'm so glad she's still here with me.  I know she's getting old and the end is inevitable, but she's my "baby" even if she's a psycho cat.

I am very grateful for all my friends, old and new.  They help keep me sane!  (Well, sort of sane.)

I am thankful for my family.  They are my rock.  I am so blessed to have a family that I never doubt will be there for me.

I was given a grant through Chevron and Donorschoose.org for 8 ipod touches which my students love!

I am thankful for my health and my home and all the lovely technological comforts I'd probably go nuts without.

I'm sure I've forgotten more than one important thing about 2012.  So much happens in a year!  I'm wishing all of you a happy 2013.

Joell