Photo credit: Chris Perardi

Some heavy metal drama. This weekend I did my first Illinois Marathon Mini-Challenge.  The Challenge was 5k on Friday night, and hours later on a cold and rainy Saturday morning I did my first 10k. I usually knock out a 5k a few days a week, but was not properly trained for the 10k. Given that I ditched my training program for a crazy work schedule, less sleep, and more wine over the last 7 weeks, I was proud of myself for finishing!

Disclaimer: Under no circumstances is this photo to be taken seriously :-)

Usually around November I start pondering my goals for the following year. For once, I can honestly say that I hit almost all of my goals and then some in 2011. I wouldn’t do any of it differently.

I really only have one goal for 2012 (note 1), but the other 11 items are important too!

12: Give more, because I have too much.

11: Start learning the Chinese language. I have a feeling that sooner than later I’m going to need to use it.

10: Help Evan realize that reading on his Kindle is just as exciting as playing Plants vs. Zombies on his Kindle.

9: Be more proactive at obtaining the things I want.

8: Continue being frugal. (Note: It will be time to execute that early-30s plastic surgery plan before you know it.)

7: Write more, stare at the screen less.

6: Leave the continental USA for at least 1 week despite that fact that it’s an election year. (Note: Visit my sister in Hawaii and stroll the streets of Rome with a bottle of wine in my backpack.)

5: On my birthday, wear that red mini-dress that still has the tags on it (Note: results of preparing for #3)

4: Run the mini i-Challenge in the Illinois Marathon, April 27-28.

3: Continue my 2011 resolution of having more Evan time and less work time.

2: Work my ass off this passion-filled, sleepless election cycle.

1: Don’t settle for mediocrity—-at all.