Dispatches from the middle

I am. Not a lot of sleeping going on lately. So, instead of painfully extracting thesis sentences that would likely have to be re-written anyway, I’m going to keep a birthday resolution by writing about my birthday resolutions for this year.

Last year I gave myself a set of ideas, goals and resolutions on my 30th birthday. I posted them on the wall above my computer, so I inevitably read through them at least once a day. Some I met, some I didn’t, some changed over the course of the year to reflect changing interests and priorities, but having the piece of paper on my wall and the list of points staring down at me every day helped to keep me focused. So I’ve done it again! Here goes:

1. Vocalize! Articulate! Communicate! Let people know what I think, want, and need. This is something I constantly struggle with. Let the struggle continue!

2. Try paragliding again (this time with Gravol). The first time was amazing. But I felt like crap and puked everywhere. The instructor, who was kind enough to put up with me and my vomit, suggested taking some Gravol before I fly, if I ever try paragliding again. Will do.

3. Run two ultra/marathons, and a half-marathon under 1:40. Not having run a marathon in a couple of years now, I’m realizing how much I miss the intensive training and racing. It plays a pretty central role in who I am. So it’s time to get back to it – all I have to do is survive them. The half, on the other hand, needs to be fast. I’ve only got 3 minutes to go to get to 1:40, so let the mile repeats begin!

4. Work on core strength, foot strength, and flexibility. How cool would it be to be able to do the splits?

5. Start writing and publishing. Anything really – a novel, short stories, poetry, articles, essays, whatever. It’s been a dream of mine since I was tiny, so as soon as the thesis is done, this work needs to start.

6. Continue blogging. This was a new development last year, and this year’s goal is to continue in a more consistent, involved fashion. Expect weekly posts. Give me shit if it doesn’t happen.

7. Start working full time and focus on professional development and broadening the knowledge base. I’ve decided, regardless of where the thesis is at – and it had better be just about done – when my current contract is up for renewal, I’m going to start working full time (trusting my employer will have me). It’s a job I enjoy very much, but it’s not possible to do it justice on a part time basis. And there are all sorts of professional and leadership skills I’d love to work on developing.

8. Visit two new countries. Boom.

9. Reconnect with friends. I feel I’ve been quite negligent with my relationships over the past many months. There are so many people I would love to see or call or email – less hiding in the apartment, more hugging and chatting!

10. Spend more time outside. Transit time is the most obvious way to achieve this in an already busy schedule. I’m planning to sell my car soon, but in the meantime, I’ll walk back and forth to work (great way to clear my head before and after work), and put some effort into biking, hiking, and camping over the summer.

11. Seek adventure. Just generally. Say “yes” to things. Stay out late.

And this shall be my 31st year. I’d also love to learn more of really any language. Spanish, Russian, and Japanese top the list in terms of priority right now. However, concentrated language study is not feasible at the moment, so it’s a goal contingent on opportunity. I’ll do what I can.