A Year in Reflection

2005 is about to end. I'm not too sure how I feel about that. Are there things I didn't get done, things that I wanted to do? Sure. Did I accomplish any of my 2005 goals? Of course. Did I have a good year overall? Yes, I have to say I did. This year started off in a state of depression, which was very gradual in lifting, but lift it did. In fact, the reason for the depression nearly reversed itself in March.

Let's look at this year in a list...

1) Marathons completed: 2. I am extremely proud of this, since on December 31 of last year one of my New Years' resolution was just to finish a 5k (the marathon desire came after I finished the 5k in January)

2) Major cities traveled to: 3. I went to San Diego (marathon), New York City, and Washington DC (marathon). This year I traveled to California and New York for the first time, which just tickles me. I had a great time in both places and each time came home with a self-esteem boost. Plus, I saw the Pacific Ocean and BROADWAY!!!

3) Screenplays finished: 0. This was a disappointment, but I'm not going to dwell on it. Never mind that I've been working on the same script for two years, but I've had a busy year with...

4) Career changes: 1. I am finally teaching high school, which I've been talking about doing for about 3 years now. I'm taking the "sink or swim" route, which means getting my certification while I'm teaching and taking lots of classes and taking exams, but it's worth it.

5) Relationships: 3. Ones that survived longer than 2 months? 0. I am ok with this. I enjoyed my time with them, but they're not what I want. What can I say? I guess I'm picky.

6) Cooking classes taken: 0. Yes, this was a goal that never happened. Sigh. Maybe I'll try again next year.

7) Pounds lost: 0. Pounds gained: 13. At times this bothers me (especially when I look at the clothes I was wearing last year or on the occasional night of loneliness), but people tell me they can't see it (and they in fact tell me I look like I've lost weight - I guess my eyesight isn't the only one failing). Plus, despite the weight gain, I've finished two marathons and have planned 3 half-marathons, and 3 10ks before April 1.

8) Theatre castings: 0. Auditions: 0. I didn't have the time: I've been taking night classes since February.

Overall, I am pleased with my year. I was in a down state about a month ago (I get melancholy when I PMS, I hate to say) and I ran into a guy I used to work with. I haven't seen him in about a year, so I told him what I've been doing. As I was telling him, I began to perk up because I really have done a lot this year!

New Years is only three weeks away. I don't celebrate New Year's. I'm not superstitious, but I've realized that when I celebrate New Year's I have a crappy year, but when I don't I have a great year. This theory has been going on for nigh on 7 years. For example, three years ago I went out to a club for New Year's. That year I had tonsillitis, a bad relationship, I worked under an evil boss and I accomplished nothing of importance. Two years ago, my then-boyfriend took me out to a nice dinner and we went to a party afterwards. That year we broke up in January (which was a good thing, actually), I had the worst work-related year I've ever had and my heart was squashed almost beyond repair in the fall. Last New Year's Eve I worked, and I had a fantastic year.

So what will I do on New Year's Eve this year? I'm not sure. Maybe watch a video and do my nails. I will tell you one thing, however: I will be in bed long before midnight.