2018 - how does that happen? I'm 40, Liam is 5, life is moving so fast. I've been reminded recently that life is precious and you have to enjoy what you are doing and make the most of what you have. Sometimes, that blows up in my face...sometimes I want to just spend a day on the couch in my pjs watching TV...but sometimes I find this streak of motivation that reminds me of all the things I can and should be doing.
So, I have been thinking about my goals, resolutions you might say, quite a bit the past few days. Sure, I could have spend some time last week and actually having these all done by New Year's, but I was having way too much fun with visits from the family to worry about that. I have had a few days back at work, back in routine and some time to reflect on 2017 and look to 2018. Reflections will come later, hopefully, but for now, I'm ready to outline my main focuses and goals for 2018.
1. Mountain Biking - this year was my first awesomely fun season mountain biking. I made it up hills I cried on last year, I didn't really even get bloody and I really did embrace and enjoy the speed and rush of it all. So, my plan for 2018 is to get into the season earlier. Last year I didn't ride until July or August. This year, as soon as the weather is good and the trails are dry, I plan to hit and make the most of it. My 2 main goals for the season are to ride Lair O' the Bear to Pence Park and back in under 2 hours. Last year, I only went one way, the mostly downhill way - this year - under 2 hours. My second goal will be to ride to the first split up Three Sister's without stopping. It's a serious climb all the way up and I want to make it! Oh yeah, and I'm going to do a race this year - it's already in the books, now I just need to sign up!
2. Running - just do it, even if it is only once this year...and enjoy it...get outside, get lost and enjoy running.
3. Camping - spend at last 1 night under the stars camping each month. While this might end up us being in the camper in the front yard, I want to be reminded to get out, we have the toys, we best use them. Within camping, I'd like to take at least 2 backpacking trips from our "base camp," even if it's just a mile into the woods - there is such an amazing feeling about surviving on what you have on your back, sleeping in the peace and soaking in the endless starry skies.
4. Hiking - do it more! Take at least 2 hikes without the kids - longer hikes to connect with myself and nature again. And make Liam and Cora hike more. I want to work with Liam on a goal for hiking for him, counting his miles, something to help him. He has been a good hiker, but I'm ready for him to be my hiking buddy (he promised he would be the other day...he also promised to hold my hand for forever, even in high school - please don't burst my bubble on this one).
5. Fitness - still finalizing this, I have a few things in mind, but right now, just improve my strength and cardio.
6. Family - many of the above goals involve the family, but to always put them first and remember how hard we are all working to make our family great - we each play a part, reminding the kids how important they are to the family and showing them could do so much for them, for me, for all of us.
7. Home/House - I always want our house to feel like a home, but sometimes you need to deal with the house parts. We will spend one month of each year decluttering, cleaning and organizing a room. We can paint, rearrange things, get new furniture if we think we need it, but also eliminating things we don't need. I also have plans for a quick remodel of the kitchen, but first we need to finish the garage and the upstairs bathroom...then, I'm super excited to maybe get a dishwasher. But first - January - overall organization before we make messes!
8. Read - at least 3 books - currently I'm working on Granite Mountain, you know, the terribly sad one that they made Only the Brave out of - the movie I haven't seen yet, mostly because I am going to cry through the entire thing...I haven't cried in the book yet, so that's a good sign! I'll take suggestions for anything more uplifting that that!
And for now, I will stop this list. I have a few more overall goals - like being sure to allow myself to take some breaks, separate from what I love to recharge, maintain a positive outlook, play with the kids and make sure we all see and be the good in the world. Life is too short not too, right? So, I plan on working hard this year, but also having fun, lots and lots of fun. I want to make memories and laugh a lot...you know, the really hard laughing that hurts, especially after you worked your abs too hard that day...that's what I want 2018 to bring, and sometimes you have to work for what you want! Who's ready to really kick some ass in 2018? Looks like I am!
