Lists

I'm big on lists. I have been my whole life. I love the sense of accomplishment of crossing something off my list. At work there are lists everywhere in my office: List of things to do, people to call, classes to coordinate, things to update on our website, etc. At home I have a grocery list as well as a list of chores to do on our fridge, a notebook full of books to read, another notebook with a list of words for me to look up. I stumbled across my list of things to accomplish for 2006...... I didn't do too bad. I will probably have to put some of them on my New Year's Resolutions List for 2007.....

1) Run 5 miles - I have accomplished this and am really proud of myself. I used to hate anything and everything associated with exercising. I started running because my husband kept on raving about how he loves it. So I gave it a try on whim. I wheezed, and puffed, and sweat - but now I'm a huge fan of running. Well that's not entirely true - I hate the feeling while running. But I love the feeling after running.

2) Read at least 3 books a month - I was an English major in college and one of my favorite parts of school was perusing Powell's Books for my assigned reading for the semester. For me there is no better assignment than "Go home and read the next 6 chapters." Unfortunately, I haven't had as much time to read as much as I would like. I don't think that I've met my 3 books per month quota, but I've done pretty well overall.

3) Get an iPod - This was obviously for my own entertainment as opposed to improving myself as a person. I've wanted an iPod for the longest time because I love music. It's such a huge part of who I am and I get such a thrill out of discovering a new song or music artist. I finally own the iPod I've always wanted and can often be found dancing to one of the latest playlists that I've created on it.

4) Learn how to swim - This is a life long goal. Eventually I will learn. I attempted to find a swimming class and got numerous responses saying "Why would we offer a class on how to swim for adults?" Maybe next year..........

5) Keep a plant alive for at least 6 months - I've been a notorious plant killer for as long as I can remember. The plants are still alive and I'm at two months so far.....

6) Go wine tasting - Is it lame that I'm 24 and I still haven't gone wine tasting? Sigh, maybe someday.

7) Take up painting - Still haven't gotten an easel, paint brush or paint. Will try again next year.

8) Start a book club - Started one with a couple friends. Unfortunately, our schedules are all so busy we'll have to make a better effort to get together and actually try to discuss the books we read sometime....