Long Time, No Blog!

Wow, it's been awhile since I've updated or even thought about my blog. I just didn't feel I had the time for it anymore and was sure nobody really read it anymore, so why bother. But, recently I experienced some things in my life that has made me question some of my choices, beliefs, and priorities in life. And with facing these, I was encouraged to start my blog back up. Even if it seems no one is reading, maybe there is and maybe it will help them, or at least me to get things out and off my chest. So with that said, what better way to start back, then to pick up where I left off. My last post was New Years Eve of 2009. It was 1 yr after setting "Five-Year Goals" for myself. My five year period was set to end December 2013... that's this year! Where does the time go?! I am 4 months away from the ending of that five year period, and sooo much has changed. I'll use this post as a way of updating you on the progress that's been made with those goals and a brief summary of the time we've missed. Below should be the last post, which was 1 year into the 5 yr period. And within that should be a link to the original post. Here's the August 2013 update on each goal.

Goal 1: 'To obtain a Master's degree in my field of study.'
--> Update: I did enroll in a Master's program and was set to obtain my degree in the Spring of 2011. However, I did not complete the necessary course work required and subsequently, did not earn a degree. Long story short, I got sick in 2010, had to go into the hospital for 6 weeks, had double hip surgery, and became depressed. I lost my desire to pursue the degree and began to lose interest in my career because of the physical and emotional demands it required. I eventually worked through the physical set back and considered the possibility of trying again. Each time talking myself out of it. As of today, I have no intentions of moving forward with this goal, as I am considering a total career revamp which doesn't require it. As time moves on, maybe things will change and this will come back on the table, for now, its a dream deferred.

Goal 2: 'Become an active part of my community and church.'
--> Update: I have become active in my church. I am now one of the Sunday School teachers for the Preschool age group. It took some bouncing around and trying different areas to find a home, but I absolutely love working with those 3 and 4 yr olds and helping them learn about and encounter God on there own level. I am not very active in my community just yet, but I have been doing some volunteer work. I have made several trips volunteering at the local rescue mission and food bank and more recently, donating and delivering household goods to the elderly. So it's still a continued work in progress.

Goal 3: 'Adopting a healthy lifestyle'
--> Update: This is a constant work in progress and will forever be that way. I have made strides and I have had set backs. At one time I was exercising regularly, then I stopped. Food choices and learning what is REALLY healthy and right for you is an everyday trial and error situation, so there's always going to be room for improvement. This will forever be a constant goal and a daily battle.

Goal 4: 'Buying A House'
--> Update: I became a homeowner in October 2011. I thought house hunting would be one of the most fun and joyous events of my life. Boy was I in for a surprise. It was actually one of the most stressful processes I've ever gone through. But once the process is over and it's yours, there is no better feeling. Next step, trying not to go broke furnishing it! LOL.

Goal 5: 'Paying Off School Loan Debt'
--> Update: All of my undergraduate loans are officially paid in full! I still owe on my graduate school loans, but its still a work in progress. (I'll explain in later post). Just know, its not done, but that goal is definitely still active!

Final thoughts: So this post is really long. Who knew I had so much to say? lol. So I'll end it with the goals update. I'll give the summary of the past 5 years in another post. Until then, what are your goals? Are you working on them? Have you achieved some? Leave your updates in the comments section!