Resolute

Ugh, January. Fine, let's review. 2013 was a rough year for Jeremy. Although buying the house, my grad work, my dad's heart attack, and other miscellaneous events were enough to cause me great deals of stress, the greatest source of stress was my job. I don't like to talk about my work life on any kind of public forum unless it is a good thing. As such, I don't talk about my work life much on public forums. Suffice to say, I'm far from satisfied with how my work is going. 

Otherwise, most of the year's disasters had some kind of silver lining. 

Finding and buying the house was stressful, but I am pleased with the choice and I feel the price was fair. We got it for several thousand below appraisal value and our rates are decent. The house itself is generally well built, if dated. Most of what needs attention is cosmetic. I just hope the popcorn ceiling is not asbestos. 

I am almost done with grad school and met some wonderful people who I hope will be friends for years to come. The education itself has been life changing. 

Although the heart attack was absolutely horrid, my family is eating much better than we ever have. December was an expected mess of snacks and fats, but less salt than ever before. We've mentioned how we have a hard time eating out now, fast food is just soooooo salty. 

So let's take a look at the ol' resolutions of 2013. 

1. Get through the MBA program. 

Well, I switched to the 8-week courses option and those went surprisingly well. I was terrified they would absolutely cripple my ability to pass the classes. Not so, I had to sacrifice some other activities, but I think it is the best option. Only 1 more class. So, although I did not technically meet this resolution, I certainly lived up to the intention. 

2. Son-day posts every other week. 

This was one of the things I had to sacrifice. I just did not have the energy to keep up with the daditude blog. So, although many photos were taken, few were posted. Here's a picture of Jo on the thing my parents got him. 

He likes to 'go hide' in the bottom part. 

3. Attend either martial arts or fitness class once a week. 

For the most part, I pulled this off. During an exam week or other high stress week, I missed class. I also messed up my back for a couple weeks and missed then too. It sucked but it was another one of those sacrifices I had to make. I owe my instructors a huge thanks for their patience and understanding. In May, all this school non-sense is over and I will have free time to work out. horray!

4. Reduce my books by half. 

During the move, a bunch of books went to Half-price books. I added a few to my digital library, which I have no need to reduce. I've kept some of the best ones and although I would like to reduce my possessions further, I may be done with my books for now. It may not be half, but it feels like half. 

5. Save 30k toward the house down payment. 

We didn't quite reach 30k, I think we hit 27 or so. Turns out, we didn't need 30k. Let me tell you though, writing that check was crazy. Had we not moved on the house in 2013, we would have easily met this goal. Ultimately, a success to be sure. 

So, 2013 was a brutal year. It wasn't so much 'bad' as 'challenging'. We survived it and we made great progress on some important goals. I suppose I should set some goals for 2014. 

1. Complete the MBA. 

By May I should be done with my last class. It's exciting. Although I'm not one to put much value on grades, I actually would like to end the program with an A. It's a hard class though. If my group performs as well as they usually do, I have a chance. 

2. Figure out my career goals. 

I love working for UCO, and would very much like to continue to work for them. But, I'm ready for new challenges and the next step. I'm not sure what that will be, and the choices may be a little out of my control, but I need to start eliminating some options and moving in a solid direction. I'd like to have that figured out by the time I finish this MBA. 

3. Get back into my physical training.

Once the degree is done, I want to get back to going to martial arts at least 2 times a week, preferably 3 times per week. I'd really like to be getting 2 classes per day too. Fitness class, then kickboxing. I'd love to get back into Sayoc too. I miss that so much. I'd love to lose some of this grad-school weight, but I'd really just like to be healthier and stronger. 

4. Read 3 books, but not grad school books. 

I miss reading for pleasure. I'd like to finish Pirates of Venus and then read something by Jack Vance. Not sure beyond that. So many options. 

5. Get those Son-day posts a rolling. 

It is the main point of the blog after all. I'd like to get back to 1 per week. 

6. Finish the kitchen facelift. 

I have a few hours of airstone left to do. The only trick is I need to do it with Mo and we rarely have time together. I have buckets of PTO, should probably use some of that.