2013

I love New Years.  Almost as much as Thanksgiving.  But I love Thanksgiving more.  Because there's usually turkey.  And stuffing.  And dessert.  And I usually don't have to cook it.  And no-one notices that I eat.  A lot.  But, I love New Years for another reason.  It's the hope, anticipation, freshness of it that I love.  People, all over, think of things they want to accomplish.  They dream, plan, ponder, then on the 1st of January, the execute.  How long it continues after that is up to the individual.  I'm not one to boast of my dismal record of meeting goals or having resolutions last throughout the year, but I don't let that discourage me from continuing to think about ways to improve, or things I want to incorporate to my life.  Each year is different.  As, life is different.  Most years, in the past, I've set one or more running-related goals.  This year I have none.  Running has taken a back seat (though it is still in the car) to being a good husband and dad.  Lately, when I've gone to run a race, I've realized how much more I'd rather be at home with my family.  So, I'm going to push pause on that for a while.  Maybe I'll run a 5k this year.  Maybe not.

My goals aren't as concrete or numerical as they usually are.  I have some targets, but they remain flexible.  In 2013, I want to focus on:

• Health:  More strength training.  I can work out in my back yard, and therefore, don't have to be gone for hours to get my workout in.  I want to bike to work more than I did last year (a mere 49 days).  I want to run a fast mile race (pr is 5:14, ok, so I do have one running-related goal).
• Wealth:  I want to save more money this year.  We did great two years ago, and focused on our mortgage this year, but I want a little more cushion in the bank.  I also want to increase the side-work money I make working at races and certifying running courses.  This helps fund my Roth IRA.  If possible, I want to open up a taxable investment account. 
• Spiritual:  I want to read more books about being a better Follower of Jesus.  I have more work to do in this area than any other.  But I'm not going to let that discourage me.
• Family:  I want to do a good job raising our boys.  I want to be more in tune with Andrea's needs, and work on saying the right thing at the right time.  Providing relief when she needs a break.  I want to bring home flowers more.  I want to spend some quality time with each of my boys.

While I'm not certain how to measure my effort in focusing on these core areas (that may develop as the year progresses), I'm sure that if I succeed, it will be an amazing year.

I hope you all have taken some time to reflect on 2012 and plan and dream of the possibilities that 2013 holds.  Happy New Year!