2017 - Reflections

And so we come to the end of another year.  It's almost New Year's eve, but I've been reflecting today on the year now ending, and comparing the year to my goals set about 360 days ago.  Its interesting how the year turned out to be entirely different than I expected, but in a few good ways.  Some highlights:

• I finished my "run every road in town" project, and even got written up in a local magazine, complete with glossy photo!
• I managed to get myself to speak at a conference for the Institute of Management Accountants, and travelled to Denver for it.  Lots of work to prepare, but also lots of fun to do.
• While there, I got free tickets very suddenly to a Colorado Rockies game!
• I ran my first half-Ironman triathlon.  I say my first, but I'm not 100% sure I'll ever do another one (remember when I ran my 'first' ultramarathon)?
• I was on NPR!  Lots of friends heard me on the NPR Sunday Puzzle, where I did okay as well!  
• I visited two new states, including Colorado and Montana, where we took our summer vacation.  Water is cold in Montana all the time.......

Also on the plus list, my son finished his Eagle Scout, and was accepted into the college he wanted, so he is in good shape, and my other son continued to grow into his own, taking on more challenges in school.  My wife is doing well, and has recovered from some minor running injuries, and is ready to take on 2018.

On the down side:

• I wasn't able to run a marathon for the 2nd year in a row.  Bad timing and lots of workload got in the way, and I wasn't focused enough (I did do that half-Ironman, though, so it's really not all bad!)
• I did not lose some weight that I had promised myself and my doctor that I would do, nor have I gotten my strength training, nutrition, or flexibility where I want them (think those are related?)
• My home management (both familial and physical) still isn't in the groove I need and want.  Maybe it never will be......

I have been able to remain active in my community, at least partially, with Election, Scouts and church and (to a far lesser extent) running club, but candidly, work has me spread so thin that I haven't fully participated in any of those. 

Now that it's time to set objectives for next year, one of them is going to be achieving a better work-life balance, finding time and energy to do the things I want to.  We'll see how that works out, and I'll share my goals for next year (well, at least some of them).

Christmas Eve (squared)

It's December 23rd, or Christmas Eve Eve.  Another year has passed, and as always, I now reflect on goals achieved and goals ignored,  the good times and the bad, and also as always, I appreciate the fact that there was more good than bad.

It was an unusual year in running.  While it was my lowest mileage year in a long time, my running got me some attention this year.  I was written up in a local magazine, did my first half-ironman triathlon, and inspired others to join the running circuit.  I didn't get to do a marathon again this year (second in a row), but I'm ending the year optimistic, and signed up for one in May.

My weight - well, that's a different kind of high.  In looking back, I realize that this year has just been the latest in a string of years of decreasing interest in taking the steps I should be taking on nutrition.  Frankly, this is also the year that I realized what's really going on in my gut and in my head, and I'm starting to separate the two.  I had a really good fall in being able to handle certain trigger foods, and it's been a long time since I have had a doughnut (last one: National Donut Day on June 6th!).

My family - well, for the most part they are great.  My older son earned his Eagle Scout, and has been accepted at two colleges already, including one he really wants to attend.  My younger son is doing really well in school, and seems more comfortable with that environment.  Kristen is doing great too, now also in training for a marathon next year, while maintaining a better balance than I am.

Work?  Story for a different blog.  Suffice to say that I'm not sure if I'm a workaholic, or if I'm just in a really busy position.  It didn't let up at all this year, but I'm hopeful for a new role in the new year that may give me more of a break.

In my community, I'm stretched thin.  Mainly due to work.  Again, another blog post.  I haven't been as active with Scouting as I'd like to be, and had to step down from being an assistant Scoutmaster, as I couldn't make time for some required training.  I have been able to pick it up a bit this Fall, though.  I have stayed active in the Church, and got to speak at a conference, which was really exciting for me (and I didn't really mess it up).  Coming up this year will be some changes - I'll leave the parish Council (my non-repeatable term is up) and perhaps turn toward more political endeavors.

There's lots of planning to do for the new year, and some goal setting, some of which I'll share here at a later date.  For now, I've got a week off, and some time to relax.  Before the new year (and our fiscal yearend) starts, I'm going to take advantage of the break.