2018 Year in Review and Goals for 2019

At the beginning of 2018 I set goals for myself as opposed to making resolutions. I even have categories for these goals that I'll continue to use for 2019.

Personal Projects

This is more a "throw everything that doesn't fit into the other categories" category.

My biggest accomplishment for this category was completing the baby books Michele made for me for Violet and Lincoln. Don't count the years it's taken me to complete these handmade books. I know how old the kids are...geesh! I must admit I went a little overboard with the stickers and embellishments but what I have is better than any Etsy or Pinterest baby book currently on the market. I also finished the entire 46 book "In Death" series by JD Robb. There's actually a 47th book but I'm waiting for the price to go down before purchasing.

Also in the category not finished but put on the list for 2019 is finishing the Christmas books for 2016 and 2017 and now 2018 and scrapbooks for Michael and Melissa of their school years. I tried putting together the terrarium Melissa and Jamie got me last Christmas. In my defense on this project I had no idea there were live plants in the box. So when I went to put the terrarium together several months later...well let's just say the plants didn't make it. I also didn't keep my blog updated in a timely manner but I did update my digital photo frame and switched the cable boxes in the office and the bedroom.

Home Improvement Projects

I hit a home run in this category. My kitchen got a complete remodel with new tile, countertops, sink, lights, blinds and appliances. The living room is now a more modern up-to-date color along with new lighting fixtures. You could park a fancy new car (which, by the way, I also got) in my pristine garage and I shouldn't have to worry about painting my house for another 10 years. I didn't get the basement wall touched up, the coat closet painted or my bedroom ceiling crack repaired.

Diet & Exercise

I like to call this category "What were you thinking?" I had the usual "lose 10 pounds" at the top of my list but I didn't do very well. In fact, I think I have 12 pounds to go for 2019! I also didn't play as much golf as I wanted nor did I take the much needed golf lessons but I did get my great looking golf bag holder installed in the garage.

I set a goal of walking 2,000,000 steps. I can proudly state that I walked over 3,100,000 steps and earned at least 4 Fitbit badges. I also walked 700 virtual miles on the Appalachian Trail and walked one 5K Color Run. I attempted the River Walk at Adventure Oasis and took 10 Zumba classes. I start, think and organize many more diet and exercise activities than I actually complete. I believe my family is trying to tell me something with their gifts of exercise equipment and anti-aging facial products. Call me crazy but for 2019 I'm going to set a goal to walk in three 5K runs and compete with Bruce in weekly Fitbit steps attempting to beat him 13 out of 52 weeks (trust me, that's a lot)!

Crochet Projects

I made three afghans for my house (changing my mind on the living room after the paint job), a winter scarf for me, slippers for Violet and Melissa, a new mimi for Lincoln and 3 baby afghans for friends. I might have to cut back on the crocheting for 2019 as it's starting to flare up the arthritis!

Travel & Concerts

I'm changing the category name on this one next year to Travel, Concerts and Major Events. My goal is to do something extra special each month. For 2018 my goal was 2 concerts - I actually went to 7 - James Taylor, Rod Stewart, Billy Joel, Hall & Oates, Train, Bob Seger and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

I also set a goal of going on 2 vacations - I took 5 - Chicago, Las Vegas, Florida, the outlet mall at Osage Beach and the outlet mall in St Louis (I'm counting the malls as vacations).

Social Activities

This category was a complete disaster. I had grand aspirations of going to weekly happy hours with friends during the Spring, Summer and Fall - didn't happen. For 2019 my goal is to have lunch, dinner or drinks with friends, old and new, at least once a month.

And there you have it. Not quite the exciting life I'd like to be living but way more than what I thought, especially when you put it in a list. I continuously add to my goals list throughout the year. I know there are more things I want to accomplish before I turn the dreaded "65" in 2019. Stay tuned!