Monday, February 01, 2010

January Wrap-Up

So I have some pretty lofty goals for 2010.  Only one month in, how am I doing?
  • Read 3 books: Terrier; Women, Work, and the Art of Savoir Faire; Chalice.  In progress on two others: Love in the Time of Cholera, Angel Time.  Means I'm slightly behind on my book-a-week goal, but it's probably a "stretch" goal anyway. 
  • Splurged on a TV/DVD combo for the kitchen so I can have something to watch when I'm cooking. Otherwise I'm well on my way toward paying off my car.  My tax refund is in, and in the next few weeks I should be getting my company's bonus.  I'm hoping that will take care the rest of the balance, but I'll have to wait to see.  Keeping my fingers crossed for a good performance review.  I'm nervous! 
  • Wrote 10,134 words in January!  My blog accounted for 57% of the total, so for February, I'm going to try to write more on my novel than I do on my blog.  But so far I've been consistent at writing every few days, and that's a good sign!
  • Raced well. I've decided on a couple of trail runs to do as my February runs.  The last couple of weeks had a good schedule of workouts and combination of running and lifting weights. 
  • Attended a Symphony concert.   Was inspired.  I definitely should do that more often.
  • Challenged my cooking skills!  My mom asked for one of Paula Deen's Gooey Butter Cakes for her birthday, pictured above.  It was easier to make than I was expecting, but it was very well received at her party.  My niece Ava bounced very happily when she got some.  I also was responsible for bringing breakfast for my team at work earlier this month.  I brought in smoked salmon on wheat pancakes and fruit with cream cheese frosting on sugar crackers.  The guys at work cleaned me out of the fruit things because most of them got queasy at the thought of salmon. 
The year has gone well so far.  This month was filled with more good days than bad, several inspiring moments, and increasing amounts of hope for the future.  I know they can't all be this good, but I shall revel in the small accomplishments.  January has been a month well lived.

2 comments:

Amanda said...

Great job, Ann! I hope to read Love in the Time of Cholera in the next few months. I"m a little intimidated by it, I have to admit.

Ann said...

I've read Love in the Time of Cholera before but that was at a time when I didn't pay a whole lot of attention when I was reading. It's a slow read for me now since Marquez packs so much into each sentence. But it is a well done book and you'd probably enjoy it.