Alas, here we are. Another year, another new year’s resolution, another year of challenges and opportunities. At least that’s what I’m telling myself. Did I sell that right?
2019 was a pretty spectacular year, still stead-set on braving new experiences and getting out of my comfort zone. I would say the two weeks in Europe certainly solidified that effort.
2019 highlights:
- Europe Trip; England, France, and the Netherlands. Bonus: got to meet a long-distance friend of almost 10 years. That was truly the highlight. 🙂
- New gym with a class structure. That’s right, forced interaction with humans–and they’re not bad! It was the next step in my fitness journey and it’s certainly what I needed. I love their classes and instructors.
- Riding on the coat-tails of the prior item; did my first 5K run. I know, who am I? I hate running, or maybe not so much.
- Self-care centric; I started and finished my Accutane treatment, as I’ve written a few times now. It has cleared my skin–heck I’ve worn a sleeveless shirt for the first time in my life. The question of whether or not I can pull it off is something else entirely though. Ha!
- I’ve acknowledged and managed my hyperhidrosis, taking botox treatments for underarms and other medication to address the general problem.
Leeds Castle (Kent, England) 
Amsterdam, Netherlands 
Paris, France 
Turkey Trot 5K
2019 was great and I think 2020 will ride on the momentum built. There are a few more runs I signed up to attend throughout the year, so I plan to build and maintain that stamina. I want to travel more this coming year, initially planning to return to the UK, but there are a few other events on the horizon that may make this difficult…
I’m starting school. In fact, my first day was technically today. I’m going back to broaden my horizons, expand the available jobs. While I’ve been very happy with my current job, having been there and the industry for 12 years (including acquisitions and transfers), I want something different. That’s not to say I’m not extremely grateful for all the opportunities awarded, but it’s time for a change. The over a decade of experience has in some ways burdened me with certain knowledge and a position that’s always in the “hot seat.” To be frank, I’m getting tired of being in that hot seat. It’s incredibly draining and the compensation has well… I’ve reached a potential limit without sacrificing a certain quality of life and work-life balance. There’s a lot more details that I can’t get into involving my direct superiors and the changing climate of the industry. Suffice to say, it’s time to seek greener pastures. Going back to school was the logical next step.
I’m getting a puppy.
A dalmatian to be more specific.
Meet Riverbelle (River)
“A dalmatian? Why a dalmatian? You know they’re high-energy, right?”
Yes. I’ve read on the breed for a couple of years. I’m familiar with their temperament, needs, and health concerns. I fell in love with one while a friend was babysitting one some time back. Considering my active lifestyle and my desire to get into running, I could use the companion. Plus, maybe now I’ll finally be able to hit all the hiking sites I’ve been wanting to. I practically live in a forest being in the PNW.
As you see, it’s already set on being a busy year. I don’t think I’ll make up my mind about the UK for a couple of months. If I do go, it’ll likely be October again. I think that was a pretty good time.
The biggest struggle in all this apart from being a dog-parent that I’m sure will set as routine, is staying on track for school. I want to finish in under three years with all my certifications. It’s going to be a challenge. I’m a huge procrastinator (remember that third book?). I got a planner set to mark out milestones and hopefully keep me on track. Though somewhat ironically, it’s proven hard to keep to the planner.
If the planner proves its worth, I’ll add the unfinished book projects. That’s right, let’s tack that on as well.
Here’s to 2020!