New choices

2010 has been a different kind of year. It really seems like it flew by quickly. Not a whole lot of it really stands out for me as I look back. In the Spring I became excited about a potential trip to New Zealand and focused on saving for that. Then when it became apparent that it wasn't going to happen, it was quite a letdown. But, there was Cycle Oregon, which had its moments. It wasn't all bad, and really it's not a bad thing to say you rode 400 miles on your vacation (for me anyway).

Towards the end of this year, I am choosing different things to avoid the holiday slump I usually get myself into. My patterns of laziness and working late have resulted in some weight gain and decreasing self-confidence. Time to make a conscious choice to do more and eat less. Simple as that. But I need to be held accountable, I need to commit. These things don't just happen because I will them to. So instead of dwelling on how disappointed I am that I let this happen, and continually berating myself for it, I choose to look ahead. What's done is done. Go forth and be healthier.

I am choosing to spend a few days with my family this year, which is different from what I usually do. While traveling may be stressful, I will remind myself that it always works out and that it's okay to be unselfish and give up a few quiet days at home to celebrate with my family for a change. I'm sure it will be fine.

Another exciting choice I am making is embarking on a whole new and different line of work next year. While I will still be working semi-full time at the job I've held for 5 years, I'll take on part time responsibilities with a new digital marketing agency. I'm super excited to work with people who are passionate about their work and to put to use all the reading and research I've been doing over the past several months.

So to myself, I say let this old year go. It's time to look ahead to the new one, with optimism, enthusiasm, and ... maybe just one nostalgic photo of my sweet Bubba (Morrison) from 2007. Merry Christmas.