I’m 43 today. My mom’s pretending I’m 23 because of what her youngest child being 43 means in terms of her own age*, but I’m actually glad I’m not 23. I was pretty clueless and lost at 23. There’s been a lot of growth for me in those 20 intervening years. It wasn’t all fun, but most of it was worthwhile and I’m glad to be who and what I am today. I started to call this Happy Birthday, Loser, because it’s going to contain info about resolutions I made last year that I didn’t follow through on, but I don’t actually think I’m a loser and I decided to own that more this year. And to be nicer to myself. So, Happy Birthday, Self. You’re pretty awesome, if you do say so yourself, and you do.
As I said, I didn’t have a lot of follow-through on my 2011 List. Here’s the breakdown:
| # | Goal | Progress |
| 1. | Lose 30 pounds (Down to 160) | Gained about 60 pounds |
| 2. | Finish a half marathon | Done – I walked it, but I did finish |
| 3. | Write first draft of the Kaylee novel | Haven’t gotten past discovery yet |
| 4. | Log all the books I read on the blog | Yay! I did this one! Well, I haven’t posted them yet, but they’re in a file ready to go. |
Well, that’s half done, which is better than I thought when I sat down to write this. You all know 2011 was pretty rough for me, so let’s just call it good and move on to the 2012 List.
| # | Goal | Progress |
| 1. | Lose weight to 180 | |
| 2. | Start running again and run a 5k | |
| 3. | Write first draft of the Kaylee novel | |
| 4. | Log all the books I read on the blog |
Pretty much the same as last year with a few tweaks. I don’t know what I weigh today and there’s no way I was stepping on a scale on my birthday, so I don’t know exactly how much I gained last year. I do know that it was more than the 50 pounds I lost on the Program. So this year my goal is to get back to where I left off with the program. If I manage more, great, but I’m not going to push for it. I’m planning to start back on the program next week (too many birthday plans this week), so I’ll post my weight here as of Monday morning and every Monday or Tuesday after that.
I am going to push for exercise. I want to start running again. I had trouble with it after my surgery – it was a longer recovery than I expected. But I think I’m ready to start again, so I’m going with my goal from the first list of running a 5k.
With the boys in school, I’ve got some free time coming up. I’m not use to that and am trying to ease into it so that I don’t go crazy filling it up with stuff and end up burnt out by February. One of the things I know I want to use it for is writing. I plan to blog every week, but I also plan to finish a first draft of a novel. That’s not a crazy goal. It’s within my grasp and I’m going to do it.
The last goal, logging the books I read, is just a continuation of the goal from last year. I like doing it. I can look back at the list and remember that I did take time for myself. Time to read, which renews my spirit and helps me cope with this fast-paced world. It’s important and I’m worth it.
So, not a crazy list, but a doable list. I can do this and I’m going to. Thanks for the support!
*She’s kidding about the 23 thing and Mom will probably be by later to tell you that herself. At least it will get her to comment. 🙂
So, alright, here is dear old Mom to comment, dear daughter. I have to agree with you about the twenty years of growth, the years look pretty darn good on you. Your maturation is far beyond that of your Mom’s as well as your intelligence and skills and I admire both. As far as the age thing is concerned, I was kidding and I know that you are aware of that since I don’t hesitate to give my age. Most of the time I feel like a pretty young 71 (almost). Though I must admit that some days that number scares the heck out of me.
in my opinion your goals for 2012 are certainly lofty enough and as you said doable. My goals have to do with decreasing numbers also…and I am not talking about my age!! I look forward to hearing of your future successes. Go Girl.
By the way, I am mighty glad you are who you are today…I am darn proud of you and always have been. I know we have experienced our differences but I also know that we have a pretty great relationship and that we both cherish it. Not all moms and daughters can say that.