I started the year off with a few posts..which I honestly forgot that I’d written. 2015 was a great year and a busy year so I thought it would be worthwhile to recap my ‘intentions’ from a January post and see how I did…and so here we go!

A BAD HABIT I’M GOING TO BREAK

I am horrible at time management once I’m home in the evenings.  Really. It’s the one time I ignore a to-do list – even when I want to get the stuff done.  So I’m going to work on that.

For the most part I would say 8/10 on this one. I managed to complete my graduate work this year and that involved some definite key use of the evening hours (and the early morning and weekend hours!).

A NEW SKILL I’D LIKE TO LEARN

We’re planning a BIG reno on the house in the next couple of years and our starting point is using some home design software to sketch out the initial plans.  Usually, I end up directing (AKA asking my husband) the changes on the plans because I don’t take the time to learn how to use the software.  This year, I’m going to learn how to use it!

2/10 maybe? Really, with the finishing of my grad work (which involved completing all of my data collection, analyses and writing in about 4.5 months) I failed on this. I understand what he’s doing, and it’s been helpful as we chat with various contractors getting quotes to be able to explain what we’re looking for in a new space..but I still can’t use it effectively.

A PERSON I HOPE TO BE MORE LIKE

One of my grad committee members – he’s gentle yet focused and gets things done.

This is more a lifelong goal it seems, but I would give myself a 7/10 at this point. I channel Al (said grad committee member) a lot, particularly when responding to students/student staff/staff that I advise and supervise at work. For my own work, I continue to focus on a sense of calm when the situation allows…that means at home too.

A GOOD DEED I’M GOING TO DO

I left a volunteer role last year after the organization changed and there wasn’t a next thing for me to step into that was available.  I was sad about that.  Recently, I’ve been asked to return to help out again – and I’m looking forward to it.

A PLACE I’D LIKE TO VISIT

Sandbanks Provincial Park – in the summer.  Swimsuits and sunscreen all around.

It was a summer with little travel…so this is a big ZERO! I only made it to the cottage a few times and most of that was spent in the cabin typing and reading. So this one remains for sure.

A BOOK I’D LIKE TO READ

My husband read this book years ago and loved it…and somehow in all of my reading I haven’t gotten around to reading it myself (even though everyone else has and it’s apparently becoming a movie!).  This is the year for “The Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein.

Under the wire but a 10/10. I read this over the Christmas holidays.

A LETTER I’M GOING TO WRITE

My maternal grandparents are (unfortunately) long gone.  However one of their best friends is still around.  She’s recently moved into a home and is a little lonely.  The home is far away so visiting in person is tricky, but I know (because my mom told me!) that she would really appreciate a letter.  So I’m getting on that.

A NEW FOOD I’D LIKE TO TRY

Mongolian dumplings….don’t they just sound yummy?