Welcome to 2012!

2012 has arrived! 

I am so excited for the adventures this new year will bring!

I've been doing some reflecting this weekend and using those reflections to guide my goals for 2012.  2011 was a year FULL of blessings and wonderful individuals.  Here is a recap of my year in the form of a top 10 list where the order plays no part at all:

1. Weddings: Kailee & Andy Janssen, Katie & Brandon Neil, Katrina & Ethridge Netz, Kyle & Lindsey Staudt, Jamie & Keaton Cornish, Kyle & Jill Thomas, Whitney & Dustin Clark (I may be forgetting someone...)
2. Student Teaching and staying with Deb Halfpap
3. A teaching license and job at Harding Elementary in Mason City
4. A summer of play on the farm with the Anderson Family and Samuel
5. My first apartment on my own
6. Concerts: Big Country Bash w/ ZB and Huegel, Zac Brown Band with Huegel, Abby, Aaron, and Theo, AND Easton Corbin with my brother and Kailee...and I met Easton.  That was a key moment.
7. Family time going to Josh's demo derbies, the Iowa State Fair, and just spending time at home
8. My first class of students
9. Social studies and service-learning conferences at the local, state, and national levels
10. Friend time at home, in Des Moines, in Dubuque, and home in Cedar Falls - lots of love to those who have hosted me over the year: Katie & Brandon, Kyle & Abby, Tony & Felly, Kelly & Dan, Kyle & Lindsay

With such a wonderful year now in the past, I had to think hard about where I want to go from here and the things I most want to accomplish in 2012.  Clearly I want to continue the great things in my life currently, but what more can I do to become better and make the world better in turn?

Here's what I came up with so far.  These are not 'resolutions' exactly but goals, with deadlines, to achieve.  I've never been one to share these types of things, but I know 'research' says I'm more likely to achieve them if I've told someone about them.  Hold me to it.

1. Begin a masters program.
2. Finish 1/2 of my teaching portfolio.
3. Take care of me: go to doctor, dentist, eye doctor, and lose 15 pounds.
4. Plan time more specifically to improve work/life balance.
5. Be in relationship with others (this one doesn't really have a deadline, so I guess it can be my New Year's resolution)

I did find a wonderful FREE printable that I'm using and you could use too to track your progress over the next year on any goals you've set in your life.  I love that it asks for a deadline and lets you set a reward!

You can find it from Get Buttoned Up here: http://getbuttonedup.com/tools2/free_printable_master_goal_setting_form_template.pdf (they also have many other organizational hints and printables!)

Enjoy the challenges and blessings 2012 is sure to hold!  Be open to them and let them change your life!