Year 2007 in Summary, Part 2

(Santa Cruz Wharf to Wharf Race)

I am following up the first half of my year's summary by saying that this past year wasn't all bad. If there was crushing disappointment, it was also a year of good relationships, and also a year of great physical fitness, maybe even the best of my life. The previous year, 2006, I had lost a few friends because of arguments, or because we had simply grown apart. This past year, however, I made some close, new friendships, and found myself surrounded by positive people. Strangely, I find myself to be well-known, and in the center of groups - something I rarely experience.


That is not to say I don't have things to work on when it comes to relationships. I am still working on having more tact for instance, and refraining from talking before I think (New Year's Resolution #1). Also, I need to work on communicating things that are unpleasant to others, and to stop compromising things internally before I even negotiate (New Year's Resolution #2), which is hugely frustrating for me, and had even in some ways lead to my financial problems.


Financially, there was an unusually large amount of cash flowing out of the M. & M. household due to home renovation, toys, and unfortunately, financial irresponsibility:
(1) Bamboo wood floors
(2) Popcorn ceilings removed
(3) American Clay walls - in other words fancy pants plastered walls
(4) Interior decorating costs
(5) Repainting costs
(6) Custom, exotic hardwood coffeetable
(7) M. and M.'s brand spanking new DUI drysuits
(8) Cozumel and Alaska vacation
(9) Late fees applied to HOA


Yes, you got that right: I lost thousands of dollars in late fees, and debt to the HOA. Which leads to attempting to be more financially responsible and organized (New Year's Resolution #3), even though it may mean a few less hours of enjoyment, and a few more hours of pain.


Physically speaking, it has been an excellent year.
(1) I ran the Wharf to Wharf in Santa Cruz and had a blast. I had never run 6 miles straight before. (See picture above).
(2) I work out at the gym at least twice a week.
(3) I can swim up to 1 mile at a time.
(4) And I will run up to 3 miles at a time regularly.
If I could continue the focus on having a buff bod this coming year, than I will have achieved my wishes (New Year's Resolution #4).


As far as work is concerned, I have less concrete goals, and more state-of-mind goals. If I can be less hateful and angry, and try to catch myself before I think these distracting thoughts (New Year's Resolution #5) than I think I could perform at work even better, and also be a happier person. This also combines with my work goals of learning the value of time better (New Year's Resolution #6), and finishing off what I start (New Year's Resolution #7).



Finally, my ultimate goals of travel and adventure have been temporarily placed on hold. I am evaluating whether I need to give up these goals or not, and whether or not these goals are contradictory to my financial goals. I am sure I will keep you all posted.