And what's NOT on my list

So my list of resolutions got me thinking of a few goals I've had in the past year that I realize in looking back are insane.  Here's what they were and what they taught me.

Be jobless.  Less of a goal, more of something I actually did.  I quit my job that was making me miserable with no back up plan.  The idea was to be jobless for a few months.  Check.  It made me happy, but it made it hard.  I learned to follow my heart and how to be self-reliant when things aren't just handed to me.  I also learned that hard work pays off.

Find a new job that pays more than $X/hr.  My "number" was still a pay cut from where I was (and even where I had started), so I didn't think it wasn't too much to expect with my degree and experience, especially living in Southern California, but it was hard to come by.  I ended up taking a job for less in a new industry that intrigued me.  I now love my job and the industry.  I found a great company, great people and great room for growth.  I paid my probationary period dues and now get paid what I know I deserve (well, closer to it anyway).  It also reaffirmed my belief that things happen for a reason.  Everything in its right time and place.

Quit my second job.  This is a nice thought, but it's not going to happen.  Besides I like that job a lot too and yes, I would like to do my 9-to-5 and have nights and weekends to myself, but I like the feeling of responsibility and power it gives me.  It's taught me that a dollar is a dollar and I'm not so much of a princess that I'm not willing to work for it.

Lose 10 pounds.  Not only did I not need to, but my body couldn't find anywhere to lose it.  Despite my hard work and diet changes, it never came off and I got frustrated.  I did however tone up and felt more energetic, and I now realize those are the things to focus on instead of a number on a scale.

Meet the parents.  I had been dating a guy for about a month when he said his mom would be coming to visit in a few months and I decided he should introduce me to her at that point.  I didn't share it with him, but I thought I could finagle my way into his heart so that he would want to.

Spend next Thanksgiving with the object of my affection in his hometown.  Yeah, so this was a recent one, but the second after I thought about it, I realized it was nuts.  More importantly, like meeting the previous guy's mom, it doesn't matter!  Well, it does.  Both taught me that family is important to me.  I'm close to my family and I want a guy who's close to his, but, forcing a time line is ridiculous.  Why should I focus on something I ultimately can't control anyway?  Again, right place, right time.  I'm taking it slowly and focusing on the here and now.  Dating and romance is fun, why rush through it?!