December 31, 2012

End It On This

[No Doubt]

I have to agree with Joff that 2012 has been a long year. For how much time it took to pass, I feel I should have accomplished more of my 2012 resolutions. Let's access:

1. Cut KC's student loans by half.

Check, check. Actually, A BIG CHECK. You don't even want to know how big of check this is.
(Let's just hope one day it yields even bigger checks in our favor.)

We made double payments, applied gift money, etc, etc...but what a relief to have this number widdled down to something not necessarily manageable, but more manageable than before. I don't anticipate to keep up with this effort now that we are in a house. But at least our monthly payment on the loans is no longer the same amount as our mortgage payment. That makes a difference!

2. Keep a cleaner apartment and in general take better care of my material things.

I failed so miserably at this. It's disgusting. Literally. Our apartment/now house is disgusting.

I don't even know if I made it a month. And sadly, I think I actually digressed in this area. To the point, where two weeks ago, KC's dad recommended we start a "chore chart". [Shaking head.] I'm pathetic.

You wouldn't ever guess I am a messy person, huh? Well, you guessed wrong. I am horribly messy. [I am good at deep cleaning, but surface...image cleaning...horrible. Just horrible.]

3. Spend smarter. Look for the best deals, don't get caught up in impulsive buys, upcycle rather than buy new, and find alternatives to products that can be replaced by reusable rather than disposable.

Um. Nope. Didn't do this one. I am a smart spender naturally...so it's not like this was very needed. I mean look at #1. We obviously accomplished that by spending smarter in other realms. And I found...I just can't keep up with the work to spend even smarter. But, I'll keep working on it. However, I wouldn't say this is a failure. It was just incomplete. Does that even make any sense?

4. Complete my first sprint triathlon.

Haha...

I took 2nd place in my first sprint triathlon AFTER having already completed my first OLYMPIC distance triathlon this year.

Bragmuch. I know. But I feel that it is deserved bragging rights. I put a lot of work to get those rights. Okay? Hate me. I don't care.

I didn't expect to like triathlons as much as I did. This was a challenge I am so glad I took. My athletic life has transformed so much this year by taking on biking and swimming.


It improved my running -- I beat out my 1 mile, 5k, 10k, and half marathon PRs by leaps and bounds.

It transformed by body -- I lost 17 pounds, 2 pant sizes, and just got "tighter". This new body has made reaching my goals lighter. Literally. Did you know every pound of weight makes you 2 seconds slower per mile. That's 34 seconds faster per mile.

It made me dream more -- I am now working towards qualifying for Boston and a podium placement at Spudman. Both big dreams with no deadline on myself. But, I dream of getting there one day. Even if it's 20-30 years down the road.

It grew my passion for exercise -- I am now pursuing an exercise science degree at the University of Utah and hope to be a certified personal trainer in 2013. I would love to coach runners and triathletes one day.

I made more friends -- as I became a part of the triathlon community I found that they are extremely kind and generous people. I got the chance to volunteer at a race and experience time and time again friends giving back to the world of sports. I joined the Triology group and made friends with people engrossed in their athletic passions who helped me along the road and led an example of working towards a better you. I've really enjoyed that part of this sport.

5. Journal/Blog more

Over the past few months my drive to blog has decreased. But as a whole, 2012, was a success. I blogged more than I have in a given year. And this may end up being one of the more rewarding resolutions.

So, there were ups and downs. Successes and failures. But coming out of this year, I think I am a better me. I am a happier me. That's for sure. I think that's the point here.

What did 2012 make of you?

2 comments:

  1. Good for you! Even partially completing goals is a success in my book! It means you are moving forward, and nobody is perfect in everything. As long as we keep trying, we will get "there" eventually :) Good work, Gen. I'm proud of you!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Krysta! Sometimes it's hard to admit when you don't succeed. But, I agree. I am taking it and working even harder this year. Eventually I'll get this life thing figured out ;)

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