2014 Goals

I am not a big one for New Year's resolutions.  For change to take place in my life, I find that I cannot make a grandiose declaration.  Goals are a different story.  Goals seem more manageable, allow me to make small, gradual changes, check things off the to-do list.  Oh, the joy of crossing something off the to-do list!

• Read more books.  There will a number or reading challenge attached to this goal, but I haven't decided what it is yet.  Without a classroom of my own, I haven't read as much middle-grade or young adult fiction.  I want to do more of this.    
• Post something "meatier" on the blog at least once a week.  I am discovering that I haven't completely left behind my inner first-grade writer, and I often default to writing lists.  I would like to write some book reviews, classroom ideas, reflections, etc. for the blog. #nerdlution has helped me to make blogging a habit, so this is the next step going forward.
• Run 814 miles.  I had hoped to run 1,000 miles in 2013, but injuries prevented that.  Realistically, I probably won't be able to run 1,000 in 2014 either.  (Here's looking at you, 2015!) I ran 768.97 miles in 2013, so my goal is basically to top that.  

  

  The official tally from my Nike+ app

• Develop some type of strength training routine.  I need to step out of my exercise comfort zone (read as: running/walking).  I'm hoping to try some different programs and find something that works.

One Word
As I have watched Twitter over the last few days, I have been following the one-word tweets that seem to be popping up everywhere.  As I read each one, I kept thinking, "well, I need that one, too!"  I think I have finally settled on a word that seems to fit.  Strong.  2013 was filled with many blessings, but it was also a year filled with personal sadness and challenges.  Going into 2014, I know there are going to be forces and pressures, many outside of my control, in the year ahead.  I want to be strong and handle challenges with grace.  Physically, I want to rebuild what I lost last year and recommit to healthy habits, such as taking a multivitamin everyday, that make me strong.  Professionally, I want to make stronger connections, both with colleagues locally and in my PLN.  Blogging and doing more than lurking on Twitter/other people's blogs is part of this.

Happy New Year!

Annie