fruition

When my 30th birthday approached earlier this year I was really nervous about moving into another stage of adulthood. But shortly after officially being alive for 3 decades, I began embracing it. I've come a long way in 30 years and I have much to be proud of. But I also realized, that probably more than ever before, I have to be very particular about how I maneuver through the next couple of years. The near future is a critical time period for accomplishing the goals that I have set for myself. With that being said, as 2010 winds down and new years resolutions about weight loss, and dropping addictions begin to be a part of daily conversation, I figured I may as well join in.

The significance of establishing goals are self-explanatory. For me, writing down these goals, allows for a much needed degree of accountability. I'm great at establishing goals, just not that good at following through and accomplishing them. So hopefully as I live through my 31st year, I will find myself working on accomplishing my plan.

save money. - I basically live pay check to pay check. It's an awful feeling. I've looked over my monthly expenses and found a few ways I can cut back. Let's see if it will work.

invest money. - The roommate introduced me to the stock market earlier in the year but I just haven't had the opportunity to really dive in (see above). Even if its just a few dollars a month, I will invest some of the little bit I have. Gotta invest in my future.

travel. - I've been dying to get out of the country. 2011 is the year it will happen. Possibly Argentina in November. Also, I've never been to Cali so I definitely look forward to making it out west this year.

document my life. - In '06 I started blogging and since then I've been on and off with this blogging/journaling thing. I want to be more consistent with it this year. In addition to blogging, I think it's just as important for me to document the moments of this year with images as well. So, at some point, when I can get enough money saved up, I'll buy a Dslr. Until then, I'll just have to settle for the cybershot and my holga.

career. - I have a love/hate relationship with teaching. To be honest, I have learned so much in my first 4 years of teaching, both about history and teenagers. But even with that said, I don't know how much longer I will last in the profession. The problem is, if I'm not teaching I'm not sure what I will do. So for this year, I'll be reflecting a lot about my strengths and weaknesses and determine whats the next move. It could mean the end of teaching.

create. - I love writing. But recently I have been a bit of a funk. It's my goal for this year to create something of substance. I have several ideas that have been loitering in my mind for quite sometime but this year I have to put them to paper.


new every month. - I tried this last year but it didn't really work out. Every month, I want to do something that I have never done before. Eat at a new restaurant, go to a soccer game, volunteer, make a vision board, have a picnic, etc. Just try something new every month. I'm excited about this one!

school. - I want to go back to school just don't know for what. PhD. in Cultural Studies, or get another Masters and try for the MFA in Creative Writing. The decision will be made this year. I thought I would never say this but....I miss school.

Time to make it happen.