I started this goal with gusto back in January and then something happened and I just fell out with the whole format, not sure what but I just found my entries really hard to read, inspire and write. But for the purpose of completing this goal and getting it off the list here’s the yearly round up. Was this my best year yet? I guess so. The end. only kidding!
In Jan my major focus for 2009 was:
Photographer & Traveller
I started the year as a Traveller! with trips to Thailand and Barcelona in Jan / Feb, this along with funds tapered out to a few days in Wales (?) in September. And I guess I ended the year as Photographer, as it’s now my only source of income.
These are still two of my biggest passions.
Goal 1 was all about Me, health, diet, fitness, stress management.
I end the year as I start, same old eating patterns, same weight, same skin issues (although I tried Acupuncture and although it’s not cured it is better). But less stress now by eliminating the day job.
On a positive note; I go to Yoga far more regularly now I found a studio closer, 1,2 or 3 times a week – I still love it. I tried new forms of exercise; Pilates, jogging, but I realised I just like Yoga so I cancelled the gym.
Goal 2 Photography Goal
My aim was 28 big jobs – I did 14 and 5 travel/editorial jobs – I did 0 but I did maybe 8 other small jobs. I’m actually releaved that it wasn’t that hectic. After 2008 I put my prices up and the recession hit but because I had the day job I could afford to be picky.
I finally plucked up the courage in March to reduce my day job hours in May to a 4 day week. This really helped but I was just getting more and more depressed before an argument with my boss proved to be the final push I needed and I handed in my notice and left mid November 2009. I end the year with no regrets and really feel positive about 2010 for this goal.
Goal 3 Travel Goal
I was very ambitious for such a harsh year financially but I guess at the beginning of 09 no one really knew how things would pan out. We had a wonderful time in Thailand and I felt very lucky that we went. Barcelona was to see family and again it was lovely. Wales was a great weekend away and I had a weekend away with the girls but to be very honest, I didn’t enjoy it, it’s been on my mind since returning as to why we are friends. All I know is that although there was talk of the next trip, I know I won’t be going
Goal 4 Try New Things
To try and get out of my comfort zone:
-Pilates
-Jogged for the first time in years
-A month of saying Yes to everything
-New web company / new host
-Acupuncture
-Different make of car
-Jamie at home party!
erm…. can’t remember more at the moment
Goal 5 The Law of Attraction Goal
Apart from thanking the universe daily and being very lucky in finding white feathers everywhere it still counts even if you know they are from your pillow! ;) As an aside, during the two weeks I ummed and ahhed about handing in my notice, I couldn’t turn round without seeing a white feather, they were on the lock of my car boot, on steps in front of me, in my car, on my coat, on a bookshelf. I know this sounds very weird and stupid. Anyway I just never got my vision board together. I actually got the urge about a week ago and got a quarter of the way through maybe I’ll finish it before the end of the year.
Goal 6 Friends & Family Goal
This is one of my favourites, I actually got to expand my tiny circle of friends and the friends I’ve met and made this year have definitely made this year one of the best. TIGOTBMG was a highlight of 2009 – it was great to put faces to names. I’m really gratefu for all the friendships that seem to have grown over this year that started on 43T. I’m particularly grateful for all support I received when I was going through a difficult job crap time.
I did make a big effort to see family, I spent alot of time with C when he was over, I’m pretty sure he had the best time. I’ve tried to spend more time with Ma & Pa. L I see ALL the time, S,F,S, A I’ve called more and been in better touch with. The Gs well it’s good, it’s bad it’s ugly. Same old story.
Goal 7 Cooking Goal
This started fabulously and then I lost interest or time or my blender thing broke so I couldn’t mix anything… but I was quite ambitious moving from our staple diet of chicken and chips to:
-Salmon, Pesto and green bean parcels – made on a weekly basis since Jan as it’s so easy
-Thai Green Curry including paste – which was marvelous (but also broke the blender)
-Baked Apples – good for cold nights
-Cod wrapped in Bacon – one of Ms favs so he has had it precisely twice this year
-Pork marinated in Lemon, Rosemary and Garlic with Parsnip and Pears – a lot of effort
-Tofu & Miso Soup
-Blueberry & Bran muffins
-Horrific Chickpea Fritters (took about a year to make and then were yuk)
-Amazing Squash
-Amazing Squash with inedible dumplings
-A four hour slow cooked lamb which was amazing but 4 hours!!
-Sausage, Leek and Onion with sour cream and dijon mustard – mmm yum!
Summary
Best year yet? Oh why not! There have been some major highlights, leaving a job after 10 years has to count for something so although I didn’t keep up with the reviewing and goal setting in this particular format, life still happened, goals where set and achieved as well as surprises and nice things along the way. For me 2009 has been a good year.
