2009?

Stealing from josh, I have a brief list of things I'd like to do in 2009. Not nearly as extensive as Jen's, I think I have a nice balance of things I know I can check off, and things that might be a challenge. In no particular order.

• read all 4 Twilight books - check!
  
• run a 5K, 10K, half marathon
• pay off debt
• start grad school - check!
  
• take GRE - check!
  
• visit Africa
• save $5000
• bake 2 new pies, and 2 new cakes
• make a meatloaf
• listen to meatloaf
• learn to appreciate red wine
• call my brother once a month
• email my grandma once a month
• do the 5C3 challenge
• memorize a book of the bible (1 John or Philippians)
  
• look into an IRA
• read Once a Runner
• read and discuss The Shack - Check!
  
• make a really nice tasting batch of wine
• wear glasses more
• Update - Go 2 weeks without biting my nails, then quit for good.
  

The Year in Review - 2008

Since everyone else is writing about their 2009 goals, I figured I may as well jump on the boat and write about mine. First, a recap of 2008 success and failure.

• Whine Less - Success. I really think I'm a happier, less anxious person than I was at this time last year.
  
• Stay aware of the world around me - Failure. I subscribe to lots of news feeds on Google Reader, but somehow, I can never seem to read the NPR or other world news. I'm hooked on Kottke.org, though.
  
• Run better - Success/ failure. I did find some really great runs last winter and spring. I sometimes truly enjoyed my ridiculously long runs. And I achieved a personal record in the Door County Half Marathon. But shin splints made me drop out of the marathon, and I haven't run any meaningful distance since.
  
• Be a better friend - Success/ failure. I've done fairly well at keeping in touch with my missionary friends. Writing letters is hard when it takes so long for them to be delivered. And I've grown closer in some of my friendships. Birthdays have been forgotten, however, and I've definitely lost contact with several good friends.
  
• Super Secret Fifth Goal - Success.
  

NLDS

I don't win things. Rarely to never. Door prizes are offered to the person sitting next to me at meetings. I get Bingo a second after all of the prizes are claimed. My scratch off tickets have always been duds. I'm not saying I'm unlucky, just that I don't win things.

Until now.

A few weeks ago, I, along with several of my friends, entered my name in a drawing to buy tickets to the National League Division Series, should the Cubs clinch the division. Then I put it out of my mind, assuming that millions of people had also entered their names.

Well, this Tuesday, I got an email stating that I was lucky enough to win the opportunity to purchase up to two (2) tickets to a playoff game at Wrigley Field! So this Thursday, October 2, I will be heading to Wrigley to watch the Chicago Cubs play in a play off game, an experience that more devoted baseball fans than I have yet to have.

I won.

TV I Can Get Into

In the past week, nothing has helped me decompress after the ridiculous stress of a new job more than some good new tv.

Seinfeld, Scrubs, and Office reruns have all been getting old and 24 has sucked in recent seasons.

Which has caused a revival of Netflix Instant viewing.

For Couple Quality Time: Weeds. Hilarious, yet serious, bringing up some serious family and political issues. Plus, the half hour segments are perfect for that time when dinner is in the oven.

For "I have a migraine" Friday nights with the roomie: Heroes. I can see why people are so into this show. We watched 6 episodes tonight, and I plan on watching at least that many more before the weekend is over. I just can't believe it's a network show, with all the sex and violence.

Underemployment No More!

Well, ladies and gentlemen, I became inspired by all of your letters of resignation, and decided to write on of my own. After three years at menial jobs in the Wauwatosa School District, underpaid and under-appreciated, I am finally being rewarded for my "patience."

Last Tuesday, I was offered, and accepted, a position teaching seventh grade math at Longfellow Middle school in Wauwatosa. My last day of preschool is tomorrow. I start new teacher orientation on Tuesday.

I'm pumped.