Now that I’ve taken time to reflect back on 2016, it’s time to look ahead. If I think about my goals for 2016, they were a bit too lofty. So in the name of practicality, I’m keeping it simple this year.

• Read 52 books. This is totally doable for me. HERE WE GO. Tell me what books you loved reading recently.
• Practice gratitude. I always talk about this but I struggle with it so. I’m starting out with one thing a day, and if I have more, so be it.
• Meditate. I go hot and cold with meditating, it’s true. But I do find great value in it. I’m starting with 10 minutes a day.
• Write a book. My book on underemployment to be exact. I’ve already pitched the idea to an agent, so we’ll see if it has legs after I submit my proposal. *eeeeeeeeek*
• Fitness. I truly don’t enjoy exercise. I’m lazy or… whatever. But I also know that it’s good for you and ultimately gets your creative juices flowing, helps you live longer, and is overall a decent idea for anyone who would like to thrive in life. Soooo… any ideas welcome.
• Dabble in creativity. This is another thing that’s good for your brain and overall well being. As long as I can remember that it does not need to be perfect, whatever it is. I keep talking about water color painting. Maybe it’s finally time to take a stab at it!
• Send more snail mail. I like to get real mail and send real mail. I’m slightly obsessed with fun stamps… Send me your address! I pinky promise not to sell your information or stalk you or any off the wall thing like that :)

What are you doing this year? Anything good?

2016 was one hell of a frigging ride. Here’s the cliff’s notes version of my year.

• Finally got a big girl job with things like retirement, vacation/sick time, and health insurance
• Ended my years long job search for a position in higher ed (I’ll stop whining now, I promise)
• Starting making ends meet (halle-fricking-llujah)
• Tried Zumba
• Three funerals, four losses. Can we talk about this for a minute? FOUR LOSSES IN A YEAR IS TOO DAMN MANY, OKAY??
• One wedding
• Gained a step-mom! My “family” has grown so much over the past 8 years. If you’re a part of that expansion, whether you’re on Mack’s side or my side, know that I love you <3
• Stepped into a Catholic church and did not immediately catch on fire (it took about ten minutes)
• Did my first podcast!
• Stopped drinking coffee (too much anxiety up in here)
• Presented at an annual, national conference in front of about ~60 strangers
• Got horrifying stage fright and one hell of a vulnerability hangover
• Vowed to get better at public speaking
• Got another dog named Pippa (though something  like Gollum is more fitting). But boy is she cute!
• Traveled to:
  • Jacksonville, FL
  • Maidens, VA
  • Orlando. FL/HOGWARTS/ DIAGON ALLEY
  • Atlanta, GA
• Pitched my book idea to an agent
• Decided to actually write the book no matter what
• Reunited with a long lost friend
• Made new friends
• Read oodles of books – 48 to be exact!
• Bought a house- we close sometimes this month (hopefully (the date has been pushed (but it’s not our fault))).

I’m late to the 2016 reflection party, but life happens. Stay tuned for a post outlining my goals for 2017!