New Year, New (and Renewed) Goals

I don’t know about you but I’m welcoming 2016 with WIDE OPEN ARMS. I’m ready to start a new year and look forward to all the great things that are on the way. I'm already claiming it. In light of the start of the new year I’ve spent the last few days thinking about what I want to accomplish. 

Vision board? Check.

Focus and resolve? Check.

Preparation for new challenges? Check.

I love making lists so this time of reflection is perfect for me. Here’s a look at what I’m planning and some of my favorite moments from 2015.

Simply put in 2016 I plan to travel, blog, and read more. Those three things always bring me joy so they are a priority. One of the first activities I’ll be taking part in is snow tubing at Snoqualmie Pass. I’m nervous and excited. Because I grew up in the south my experience with snow is limited. It would be nonexistent if not for random snowstorms.

There were some valleys last year but they are a part of life. Rather than dwell on the negative I’m choosing to focus everything that went well. It includes exploring new places, spending quality time with loved ones, a promotion at my freelance gig (YES!), and starting a new job (YES!!!).

Ultimately everything works out like it's supposed to and I'm happy with where I am today. I also celebrated my two year anniversary of moving to Seattle. It feels like I’ve lived here much longer. At the same time it’s like I relocated yesterday because I've only scratched the surface of what the area has to offer. Below are a few of my favorite moments of 2015.

1) Visiting The Pacific Science Center. The butterfly house was fun. You can see how excited I am in the picture below. Jeff and I were able to get very close to butterflies. More in A weekend of firsts: Pacific Science Center, Space Needle & Pacific Northwest Ballet 

2) Kayak lesson. I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried something new. This summer I'll be heading to Lake Union again for kayaking. More in Kayaking 101 on Seattle's Lake Union

3) Visit to Deception Pass. The pass offers amazing views. I'm looking forward to going back again and visiting the park this time. More in Day Trip to Deception Pass

4) LEGO convention. I ended up having ten times more fun than I expected. Plus there was a Lego version R2D2. More in LEGO time! Get Your Brick On

5) Family visit. In July my Mom, nephew, and niece came to visit for a week, I hadn't seen them since I moved to Seattle and I couldn't be believe how much Justin and Kai had grown up. It's all happening too fast. Seriously. Their visit was special and fun. More in  Welcome to the Pacific Northwest Edge family

Mom, Kai and Justin in Portland, Oregon

At the gum wall in downtown Seattle

Justin and Kai on Bainbridge Island

"Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful." 

-Joshua J. Marine