I tore into a fortune cookie last night and it read:
You have had a good start.
Work harder!
Uh, little cookie, you are beyond wise! Now I must eat you.
But isn’t that exactly what this year is for me? The final lap, the big push, the grand finale? Time to go for the gold.
I know everyone is excited during New Year’s, but it’s always a tiny bit sad for me. I loved 2008. I made excellent decisions in 2008. I had an awesome year! Let’s review the successes of 08:
- I had gastric bypass surgery on January 22, 2008. It wasn’t a hard decision or a trying experience; it was totally and completely the right thing to do and I knew it.
- I presented at my first professional conference just a few weeks after surgery.
- I started the year at about 307 and ended the year at 177. This is exactly what I had hoped from the surgery: to get me through the 200’s so I can fight this battle in the 100’s.
- I got a job offer at another University and used that to secure a substantial pay raise in my current position. I went to a 4 day workweek. Said goodbye to a boss who wasn’t liked.
- I started a PhD program. I started a PhD program. On a fellowship. On a fellowship. This is a huge life-long ambition being fulfilled right before my very eyes!
- I became aware of how much I really can trust my husband. With me, these things are only built over time. I’m amazed by how he has loved me no matter what I look like, how he’s always honest with me, and that he’d give anything he could to make me happy.
That said, I wave a fond farewell to 2008 and look forward to 2009 when I will:
- Reach the goal weight of 145 and maintain somewhere in that area for the remainder of the year.
- Get my arms and boobies fixed, paid for free and clear through savings.
- Continue surviving the work-life balance that is taking care of myself, excelling at my job, and managing school. Keeping all three going is a big enough goal for the year!
And I’m going to stop there. I’m not resolving to do anything amazing this year, I’m not going to make myself a list of crap to stick to, I’m just going to take care of me and keep plugging along.
And if 2009 is anything like 2008, I’ll look back on the year with wonder!
Filed under: Nothing more than feelings, PhD, Rewards, Workin' for them Dollas |
Mega Meggs 
There is no doubt for me that you will have an amazing 2009! You did your major warm up in 2008 so you are all set to really take off this year!! I believe that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to and I will be here to cheer you on!
Wow, Meg – it’s so strange to read the year in review for everyone and to know how HUGE 2008 was for all of us. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you… I know that it’s much brighter than it has been in years past, and you deserve all the joy that comes along with the hard work you’ve put in!
I’m a lurker on your blog, but i just had to comment and say WOW! You have accomplished so much, and you should be so proud!