Welcome 2016!

The past two years, I have posted about my yearly goals. And maybe they were too unrealistic, or maybe they were just too general/big. As I was thinking about what I want to accomplish this year, I came to the realization that goals set to be completed at some random, vague time during an entire year does not work well for me. Most of the goals I posted about for 2014 and 2015 remain uncompleted. While I do still have some general goals for this year, I have decided to set weekly and monthly goals instead. 

I might decide to post them occasionally, but no promises. Maybe if I keep them to myself and quietly work on them on a weekly basis, I will accomplish more this year. I did just commit to memorizing Scripture each week; my friend and I plan on calling once a week to quote our verses to each other. Hopefully this will motivate me to actually memorize more! 

And I do still have goals for visiting new countries this year! The past two years I did not reach my travel goals (I blame school), but this year looks to have more potential in that area. I've been working on travel plans for the past few weeks and am getting super excited about this year's itinerary. Maybe I'll share soon.... ;) 

Bachelor Degree- check!

Well, I did it. In a few weeks, my Bachelor diploma will arrive in the mail. 

It took a lot of blood, sweat and tears.... figuratively speaking at least. It was a ton of work including many late nights, long days, and mental stretching. Probably the hardest part of earning my degree was the fact that I worked a regular job (and sometimes 2 or 3 jobs) throughout the process. And as hard as it is to admit, I'm not as young as I once was. When I worked on my Associate degree just five years ago, I consistently stayed up to 1 o'clock in the morning doing homework. But this past year and half, that was a lot harder to do. There were nights I stayed up late for sure, but my body craved sleep way more than it did years ago. But nonetheless, I survived. Some semesters I felt that I had no life outside of school; even when I was working or driving, or trying to relax, my brain was already thinking of the next assignment. But its all over now! Praise the Lord, for his strength and grace that saw me through this process. 

Many people have asked me what's next...well for one, I plan on catching up on sleep. (though this week, that's not really happening, since I'm working nights, as well as days) I have been enjoying the Christmas season with my family and just relaxing for change. I've been able to read some books, of my own choosing, :) and work on some projects I've put off for a long time. As for what's next. Well, guess you'll just have to wait and see. I'm sure it'll be an adventure whatever happens.... :D

Here's a few random pictures from the past almost two years of school. These may represent some of the motivating factors that kept me persevering-

teaching my nephew about AK hockey :) 

Enjoying sunshine despite sub-zero temps

doing homework by oil lantern - no electricity for days

hosting friends breaks up those long nights of study

nothing like sushi and free dessert to renew the spirit

sunrise!

facetiming a very dear friend half a world away

2015 Goals

Even though last year, I did not accomplish all I intended to in 2014, still going to set some goals for this new year. Goals are good; they give me something to work towards. Even if I don't exactly complete them, probably still do more while working at them than if I had no goals. 

So, drumroll..... 
my goals for 2015 include....

Spiritual goals - 
1. memorize more Scripture. Last year, my intention was to memorize the book of Philippians. That did not happen, but I really want to memorize more of God's Word this year. So, I'm committing to 5 verses a month. 
2. fast and pray more. Have some ideas for fasting; I think one month I'm going to take a break from facebook. One month I'll go without coffee (gasp). And we'll go from there. It is partly an exercise in self-control and partly a way to focus more on God. 
3. Read through the entire Bible. Actually, I would like to read through the Bible in 100 days. It'll take some commitment and time, but going to give it a try. 

Physical goals - 
I've been wanting to be in better shape physically for a while. Last week, I went to a Krav Maga class.... whew. and realized just how out of shape I am! So, again its time to buckle down and do the hard things. I'm debating on taking the Krav class weekly and plan on playing more tennis, skating and running. We'll see how it all plays out. 
Also, this year, going to make a point of eating more healthy. Next month, I am planning on doing a 3 day cleanse. 

Random other goals - 
1. The other day on fb, I saw some people were talking about doing random acts of kindness throughout this next year. They were asking for people to join in and commit to blessing five people at some time during 2015 with a random act of kindness. So, I'm going to set my own goal.... once a month, I will bless someone randomly. Maybe with a note or small gift. And not someone I am close to, could be a stranger or a casual acquaintance. 
2. Last year, I set the goal of visiting 3 new countries.... but only added one to my list. So, this year, I am shooting for two new countries and one US state. (Kentucky, you have eluded me too long)
3. One goal, I am really looking forward to completing is earning my BA! (finally) I may have to do a little extra work to get it all together, but prayerfully by December I will have my degree in hand. And then the world awaits..... 

2014 Goals

What is it that you want to accomplish in 2014? A new year, a clean slate, a fresh start.... it's all there for your choices to fill up with. A friend asked me last week what was on my list to accomplish for this year. I hadn't really thought about it, so I took some time to.... 

I thought of a few things I'd like to do/complete this year. Maybe if I put them on here for all the world to see, I'll have more motivation to work at them. :) 

First - I want to memorize the entire book of Philippians. 

Whew, lofty goal, right? well, I think I can do it! I've read stories of people who have memorized huge portions of the Bible, so if they can do it, so can I! It just takes a bit of time. If I set aside a few minutes each day, it won't be that hard. Feel free to ask me through out the year, how that's coming along. 

Second - Run a 5K race. 

Not just be able to run 5kms, but an actual race. Preferably this summer, since I live in Alaska and there isn't many races in the winter time. :) I have Amber as my inspiration. I've never been much of a runner, but since I've started, it's been enjoyable. 

Third - Learn a new sport. 

I live in Alaska..... and I've never skied, snowboarded or played hockey. Crazy, right? Well, I'm planning on changing that. Probably will be terrible at whichever one I try, but am going to at least try! Last summer, I played tennis for the first time and loved it! Thinking I might try to take a few lessons this summer, so I can really know what I'm doing. Ha. any other ideas? 

Fourth - visit (at least) three new countries. 

Those I've mentioned this one too, say that should be easy for me. But not necessarily. I love most of the places I've been to, so always want to go back.... I have to plan and schedule for the new ones. Any guesses on what countries it will be this year? 

As of right now, that's all on my list, but maybe I'll do something new and exciting this year that I haven't even thought of yet! What about you? Anything you are striving to accomplish this year? You have 358 days left to get it done! 

Set those goals and start working!!