New Year...Same Me.

I do L.O.V.E. resolution time. Though I'm a little tardy in documenting it to the blog, I try each year to make a goal to grow intellectually, physically, and spiritually...and this year was no different. Last years resolutions were very attainable, but having these goals burning in the back of my mind kept me always striving for more. 

Intellectually, I wanted to read 14 books. I read 21, so I'm really excited that I was able to surpass my goal. My favorite book (for a fun, free-read) this year would have to be "We Were Liars" by E. Lockhart. Moreso, I have found a lot of new blogs that I enjoy reading and feel like they are pushing me to be a better teacher, mother, and Catholic. 

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Physically, I set a goal to again run 365 miles. I lost count about July...but I had to come in close. I have absolutely loved my gym membership at the MAC. Though I didn't use it a ton over the summer (who wants to run inside on a beautifully sunny day?) I did frequent the MAC for it's spin classes, Zumba, and some swimming. I really appreciate the 24/7 locations, and hit up the one by my house for a lot of 4:30AM runs once daylight savings arrived, and can stop off at the one by my school for an afternoon workout on days that I just can't pull myself out of bed that early. The miles added to my shoes this year were for stress-release. I only ran one race...the M2M Nebraska. It was super fun, and a great reason to keep up with some miles, but it was too busy of a year for much more, and I am at peace with that.

Spiritually it was a fun year of growth. Mark joined RCIA classes and I have learned a ton from him as he comes home and quizzes and questions me over my faith. I attended a Bible Study with teachers most Wednesday mornings, Friday morning Mass, and got to watch as my oldest received her First Holy Communion. I also really enjoyed watching the girls step up and take part at Mass or listen to them lead all-school prayer on the intercom in the morning. Emma could make a spit-fire of a nun some day...that girls faith is on fire!

Mark and I also made a plan to have a few more date nights. We set our goal to go out once a month and we did it!! We had to get pretty creative to make it work each month, but it was worth it. The best night out would have to be our anniversary. Though we were chaperoning 14 students in Spain, while they were off for an hour of "free time" Mark and I ducked in to a little outdoor cafe in Madrid and enjoyed a dinner out all to ourselves. The atmosphere was amazing and it was so fun to share the evening with just him and reminisce about our past year together.

So...goals this year. All the same. It was a lot of work to make all of my goals this year, so I would like to try to do it all again. It will hopefully ensure that I keep up with my running, seek out some time for reading, grow in my faith, and make sure to keep my husband as a priority. Am I being lazy for not pushing myself to surpass my last years goals? Will I be disappointed at the end of the year if I haven't exceeded my previous years goals? It was a lot of work to make my last years goals a reality, so I truly feel like if I can do it all again, it will be a success.