I don’t make resolutions…I think it’s silly to wait until a specific day/new year to resolve to do something that you could do “today.” I do like to make a list of sorts though, to encompass my goals for the year.
Last year my goal was to survive 2016. And I can proudly say, I DID. Amidst broken vacuums, running toilets, blown out furnace (while living in Chiberia), my dog going through severe depression, teenager angst, pre-teen wanna-be angst, holding down a career where I supervise one of the largest pathology labs in the greater Chicagoland area, and maintaining a house…yeah. I survived. It wasn’t always pretty. There were meltdowns and crying fits a many. In about a month I hope to wash my hands of the stress of this year, and focus on all that I achieved. But I wont count my chickens before they are hatched. We still have a month or so (give or take) to go before my hubby returns. And then we will have the reintegration period which I know can be hard. But I digress…
THIS YEAR I’ve got a few goals in mind. First being, training and running the Chicago marathon in October. I swore I’d never do that race again, but, well, it’s Chicago and it’s the 40th anniversary of the race so I couldn’t help myself. We’ve already got a hotel booked so that will help tremendously with the logistics of packet pick up and getting to the start line which was one of the main reasons I never returned to the race that “popped my cherry” so to speak. The race where I became a marathoner. It was such a life changing day, and even though my sister won’t be running this time with me physically, she’ll be there with me every step.

Secondly, I plan on really getting back in the kitchen. I’ve ordered a couple text books, one from the Culinary Institute of America, and one on sauces that came highly recommended from a few Chefs I know so that I can better learn more about this passion of mine. Sure, I am a good cook, but if I ever hope to open my own restaurant (pipe dream more than likely but it doesn’t hurt to try)one day, I need to hone my craft. The ultimate goal is to be in the food industry in a creative aspect be it cooking, plating, photography so I think studying these two books will really help.
Lastly, my goal for this year is to do my best to live each day to the fullest. Slow down, take deep breaths, let ALL the anxiety this last year has caused me GO and move forward with my wants and needs, even if just a little. While I have done my very best to do this over the last year, I know the last year was lived for my kids and my husband alone. Any needs or wants I had, took a back seat. Everyone needs a little something for themselves, so I am looking forward to a little ME time again. I just haven’t figure out what that ME time will be yet, LOL. I’m hoping more running, more cooking, more writing, and lots of time with my hubby and family this year. More focusing on what I have, not what I don’t have. More light, more traveling, more sunshine both outside and in my heart. You know…all the good stuffs I’ve sort of shadowed this past year.:-)
What are you goals for the year? Do you make New Year’s resolutions?
Cheers! Thanks all for reading and commenting!
Michelle
If you’re ever in my area, the Culinary is right up the street! 🙂 I”m with you – I don’t like New Year’s Resolutions – I try to make lasting changes in my life. But the new year is good to reflect upon what has worked and what hasn’t! Miss E
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OOOOOOOOOOO how awesome would THAT be!? To meet you AND go to CIA!! Thanks love. xoxo
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You summoned up your needs so beautifully in the last paragraph.
Wish you all the best in this coming year and hope you will get all that you have planned for yourself. Me time is so important dear and hope you get it.
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Thank you so very much!!!
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I really want to do something with food someday too! Like you, I didn’t have much time to learn anything new in the kitchen, so that’s one of my goals this year too! Happy New Year!
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Great!! Maybe we can learn from each other!!! Happy New Year!!
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You should pat yourself on the back for all you accomplished this past almost-year with your hubby deployed. Here’s to 2017 being a little bit more about Michelle! xoxo
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Thanks friend! I appreciate your support this last year!!
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I’m so glad to hear the “reintegration” time is drawing near. I’m not a resolutioner but there is something about the New Year and the fresh start that it symbolizes that makes me wanna reevaluate and go forward.
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You expressed how I look at the new year perfectly!! Thanks, Marcia!!
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My goal is to see you at the Chicago Marathon 🙂
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Definitely!!!!
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That’s exciting that you’re planning on the Chicago Marathon again! Good luck 🙂 That’s great that you’ve already got your hotel nailed down. And living each day fully is a great goal. Me time is so important.
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I know that that reintegration can be really difficult — I hope it’s better than you think.And you absolutely deserve some ME time — you’ve deserved it all along. I hope soon you can begin to focus on things that make your heart sing, again (and of course a safe return for your hubby).
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Thanks, Judy!!! Last time it wasn’t so bad, he did have a terrible time sleeping for several months. Hoping he’s able to get rest soon as he terribly needs it!!
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Chicago Marathon? Very Cool! Congrats on getting through all of those things in 2016 and Happy New Year 2017!
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Thanks, Pete!! Happy New Year!!!
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I haven’t set my goals definitely yet but I would love to run Chicago again. It’s one of my favorites!
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I need a redo for sure! Hehe!
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I am like you, I don’t do the resolution thing, just goals whenever I feel the need to set one:)
I think it’s awesome about your Chicago plans!!!
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Thanks so much!
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YEAH you survived! It hasn’t been a second of easy, and let’s be honest, it might not be this year either. But you know that you have strength beyond measure, and that will never leave yoU!
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Suz!!! Thanks for stopping by! You are right, this year will have its challenges, too…but at the end of the day we will be together and together we’ve gotten through so much!
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Wow didn’t know you were going to run Chicago again! That;s a fantastic goal and I look forward to watching you crush it! Have a great weekend
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Thanks, Deborah!! Found last month I got in the lottery! Have a great weekend too!!
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‘Me time’ is something we all need…hope you find plenty of it when your household returns to ‘normal’ and your hubby returns home….best of luck Michelle! 🙂
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Those books look gorgeous. I’m so glad you’re taking some time for you after this year!
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Aren’t they gorgeous! I just love them so far!!! Thank you so much!!
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Hi!
What great goals you have set for 2017! Good luck at the Chicago Marathon! Also,I hope you find the time and motivation to spend more time tending to yourself and doing what you obviously love doing – running, cooking, travelling, reading and writing! Good luck to you and your family in 2017!
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Thank you, Adeline!!
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What excellent goals! Good luck in the culinary field and at the Boston marathon! Have a great 2017th!
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Thank you! Although I’ll never run the Boston marathon as I am not fast enough! LOL
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