Memoranda

Hi from Big Bear, CA (a 2011 photo)

Before we leave the single digits of January, I’d like to wish all two of you reading this a happy new year.

There’s something refreshing about entering a new chapter in life, whether it’s a new calendar year, a new age (the number kind of age), or just a new chapter or adventure in life. My “new year” is on pause until next week, when I get back home from my seasonal travels (current home, not parent home or last home), but that hasn’t stopped me from making some goals this year. I’m putting this out there so you can check up on me from time to time and keep me accountable, or just hold it over my head that I’m a failure when one or more of these ceases to actually occur.

2012 goals

Become a better conversationalist. I lean introvert, and never more so than when in unfamiliar situations with unfamiliar people. I just freeze up and fall silent. But no more…I’m making it a goal to get myself out there and develop some new skills.

Be a better friend. It was simple when I could hop on the freeway or even a one-hour flight back to spend time with my best friends. Though I’ve made several trips back to California already this fall and winter, it is not financially feasible for this type of travel to continue. Life changes so quickly these days, and even though I can’t be there in person for my friends, I’d like to learn to be there more for them behind the scenes, whether it be through phone, email, Skype, or whatever. Yes, I’m hoping to finally settle my life-long feud with the phone (ugh).

Write a book proposal. This one is a biggie, and the biggest risk by far. I’ve got an outline (or two or three) of what I want to do, and I bought this book to help guide me (on the recommendation of an author/blogger), so this is what I’m pouring myself into for the early part of 2012.

Tell me about your 2012 goals.