2009 Goals (not resolutions!)

2009 is already of to a great start with lots of changes in MB’s life (all good things), lots of changes for the Knight family (all good-ish things), and that means it’s time for 2009 Goals (not resolutions!). As you know, I don't do resolutions. They don't work and they're typically shallow and short lived. (lose 10lbs, work out, etc.)

Here were my 2008 Goals (not resolutions!):

1. Love my job. Make a change to make it great or find the silver lining.

2. Set aside time to take a continuing education course. Either a language course, an art or cooking class, or something else that I enjoy learning about.

3. Set a good example for my nephew. I have so much to teach him! He may still be in the giggle and drooling stage, but he's going to learn a lot this year.

Let’s recap 2008's goal accomplishments:
1.I found a new job. It turned out to be one of the best moves I’ve made for a number of reasons.
2.I set aside time to take a class: Blueprinting Your Novel. I went to a few classes, but then family crisis kicked in (dad’s quadruple bypass) so I’m checking it off the list only because of the effort to actually sign up and attend 4 out of 9 classes.
3.I made several changes to my life because of my nephew. If he ever asks me about 2008, I feel like I can tell him without a guilty conscience. I didn’t make all the right decisions, I certainly wasn’t perfect, but I made changes to be a better example. I think he’ll be proud….once he stops drooling and learns to talk….whatever.

So for 2009, I’m going to cheat a little. I really liked my goals for the past 2 years, so I’m going to borrow from them and continue.

(drum roll please)

And now for the 2009 Goals (not resolutions!):
1.Continue to be a good role model for Lawson. This guy more than ever needs a support system in his family. I want him to grow up knowing he is loved, that he’s never alone, and that his crazy Aunt Mary Beth is going to be there to hug him when he messes up and whack him over the head when he’s a punk.
2.Let my guard down. No one will ever accuse me of not having a fun life, but I need to let my guard down more and let people in. No more “dead inside MB.” Ugh, just thinking about it makes me nauseous…. :)
3.Have a fiscally responsible year. That’s right shoe industry – this gal is on a budget. Save where it makes sense but splurge when I can. If I make a penny stretch, I can finally take that trip to Italy….maybe for my 30th birthday in October.

So there you have it. It’s going to be another great year!

2008 in Review

Let’s recap 2008 - keep up, we're going to go fast:

January: Set out to love my job...that didn't work so I interviewed some places, didn’t fall in love with anything, made the most out of my job, Happy Birthday Casey!

February: A few terrible dating experiences, work got better, traveled for work, life is good, Happy Birthday mom!

March: St. Patty’s Day Mess (good times!), enrolled in Blue Printing Your Novel class, ready to take on the publishing industry.

April: Dad has a heart attack and quadruple bypass, life begins to spin around me but I’m not keeping up, life is put in perspective.

May: Moved in with Alison, love my apartment, dating again, work is so busy I think I answer e-mails in my sleep, serious about the job search and answering the question – is there life outside of Fossil?

June: One of my best friends came out of the closet (good for him!), Florida trip for cousin’s wedding/family reunion

July: Vegas for Stephanie's b-day, made a boy cry (again), dating someone new, I started my new job at Freeman!, my sister and Lawson come for an extended visit…

August: Lawson is walking, Knight family life in slow motion

September: Happy 1st Birthday Lawson!, Chicago visit for work, catch up with old friends in Chicago

October: Happy Birthday to me and dad!, I realize for once and for all that I can’t hang with the party/club scene, Casey and Lawson move back to VA

November: Happy Thanksgiving!, I voted

December: Casey and Lawson officially move back to Texas, Christmas with loved ones, Happy 37th Anniversay mom and dad!

Phew, that was fast but 2008 was a good year!