It's that time of year again: Another year gone, and other that's started out with a bang! I rang in 2014 on a sailboat in the British Virgin Islands with Boyfriend and his family. It wasn't the wildest, but it sure was beautiful and relaxing. We returned this past weekend to the "polar vertex", which immediately made me wish 1) I had never returned from BVI or 2) that I had never gone in the first place so my body hadn't been reminded of what hot weather feels like. Going from temperatures in the mid-80s to the teens? SHOCKING!
Per usual, I've been taking some time to reflect on 2013's goals and readjust them for 2014. Upon first glance at last year's list, I was a bit disheartened. There are so many items I didn't complete...like, way more than half. A second and solid third look helped to put everything in perspective.
Pretty similar to 2012, it was a bit of a building year. The year 2013 began in a valley. I was still adjusting to living in Richmond and a new job that, frankly, I did not like. BUT! By springtime, I was actively applying for jobs. By summer, I had interviewed; and in August, I officially had a new one. As soon as that happened, marathon training began and ruled my life for the remaining months. Aside from the subsequent foot injury, my 2013 ended much different (and stronger!) than it started.
The accomplishments I'm most proud of this year:
Training for and running a full marathon
Oh my, what an adventure! You can read all about it (probably more than you ever wanted or cared to know in my posts - weekly training posts here and race recap here). I loved everything about the journey and actual race. I've never felt so powerful and alive and joyful. If you are considering doing one, please do it! It will be hard, it will require commitment and courage, and it will be worth it.
Finding a job that makes me happy
As alluded to, I started a new job in the non-profit field in August. I've never worked for a non-profit before, but was confident that it was a good fit for me after a few years of working marketing & sales jobs that gave me no real satisfaction. It's nice to be at a place where: 1) We are all working towards a greater common purpose, 2) Coworkers genuinely care about each other and are positive, 3) There is no shortage of stories and people that put my own life struggles into perspective.
Falling in love with fried & poached eggs
I did not grow up being served fried, poached, hardboiled eggs...really, any type of egg that was not scrambled and cooked extremely "well done". With my father being a doctor, combined with those undercooked egg warnings on menus, why in the world would I try it? Because EVERYONE eats them, loves them and doesn't die. Well, this year I made a decision to open-mindedly try them. And yes, America, I love them too...as long as all of the whites are "white" and not translucent.
Buying & eating more local
My favorite thing about the city I live in is its attention to "local". There are so many local restaurants, festivals and farmers markets, which I've fully embraced this year! I love starting weekend's with a Saturday morning trip to the South of the James market to taste, see, learn about and buy what is currently in season and being locally grown. One of my favorite ventures this year was buying local eggs. I loved the varying shapes, sizes and color of shells; and I never imagined yokes could be that yellow!
Mastering the Biscuit!
Y'all, I just really love biscuits. The ingredients are so simple and the process couldn't be messier, but how can you argue when something so buttery and pillowy? If you've read through my posts (see below), you know the main tricks are to not over-think (or over-knead) and use (local) self-rising flour. Once you have the base recipe down, the possibilities are ENDLESS!
Now, the down and dirty breakdown of my 2013 goals:
Food Goals
- Use the following items in a dessert:
Pomegranate(no), cherries(no)...
Sweet potato: Sweet Potato Ham Biscuits, not quite a dessert but baked!
- Make the following items homemade:
jam or preserves (no),bread bowls(no), pita bread(no),crackers(no)
Granola Bars: PB&J Chewy Granola Bars
Nut Butter(s): Cinnamon Honey Nut Butter
Ice cream sandwiches: Mini Rainbow Cookie + Chocolate Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Make the following fun and/or challenging foods:
Regular croissants (no), French or Sourdough bread (no), cake roll (no),dessert pizza (no), fritters (do Apple Cider Doughnuts count?)
- Make a gluten-free baked good -
- Perfect the remaining (blueberry) pancake methods:
self-rising flour (no), yeast (no), "overnight"(no),corn (no), lemon (no)...
- Continue the RVA breakfast search! - Oh, we continued to brunch but not all of them were posted about (sadly!). Check out my "RVA Breakfast Search" tab on the navigational bar for the list.
- Try poached eggs (Eggs Benedict?) and fried eggs (over-easy/medium) for the first time! - Ordered them, made them and LOVE them!
Personal Development Goals
- Run four races of varying lengths:
- Monument Avenue 10K - Yes! here
- Twilight 4 Miler - Yes! here
Marine Corps Historic HalfMaymont X-Country 8 Mile Trail Run- Richmond Marathon - YESSSS! (see links at beginning of post)
Start volunteering with a food-related organization by March (no)- Redesign the Pursuit of Sweetness blog! (half-fail...progress was made, but execution was lacking)
Attend a blogger conference(no)Take a photography class(no)Go to church at least once a month(no)- Travel to one city I've never been - I ended my year in the British Virgin Islands with Boyfriend's family! That counts!
- Donate blood - Accomplished in June, in between races (Boyfriend and I had a donation date!)
What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2013?
Aw what a great year! I'm proud of you for all that you accomplished! Quitting your job (and running a marathon!) is such a scary thing and it's nice to hear that you have found one that makes you happy!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lindsey :) I guess 2013 was the year of courage! I loved reading about your 2013 running highlight, and great 2014 goals! That's at the top of my current to-do list.
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