I set some goals in the beginning of the year--some are going well, some are going less well. Let's check in on them!
Fitness: Run a 5K in less than 30 minutes. Close but no dice. I got my time down to about 32 minutes. This is a huge improvement from my times last year (around 40 minutes) BUT after hitting this, I injured my foot. I haven't ran seriously in months, and it's not looking good for my goal. If I do hit this goal, I'm going to be training a lot after the summer to make up for all the time I lost after injuring my foot.
Reading: Read 15 books this year. I just finished my 13th book! I'm doing great on this goal and will have no problem hitting 15 by the end of the year--a huge improvement from the four or five books I read last year. I think I should raise this goal to 20 books. In review, the following books have been my favorite so far (in order that I've finished them, not necessarily ranked by fave):
- Humankind: A Hopeful History by Rutger Bregman -- a necessary book in today's political climate, I think. It's a refreshing look at human nature, taking on a more positive (and arguably realistic) look at the nature of people. We're not as bad as we make ourselves out to be.
- This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone -- I was told to just read it without knowing anything about it, and that is my advice to you. I will say it's shorter and faster paced than the other books I've enjoyed, but it's so good. I'm going to be re-reading it after I hit my goal of 15 books!
- Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn -- I'm late to the party with this one and regret seeing the movie first. This would be an insane read going in blind.
- Night’s Master by Tanith Lee -- Adored this short read!! The high fantasy vibe of the writing is so underrated and makes the stories feel like old myths. Really excited to read more of this series in the future. The world is rich with wonder and crafted with a love for writing.
-- and my current read, Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi -- I put this one on my list this year because I heard there's a movie in the making and I love to be ahead of the curve on the book-to-movie pipeline and it has exceeded all my expectations. One of the best fantasies I've read in a long time, with great pacing and fantastic world building and lovable characters (even the antagonists). As a small spoiler, the main character has DEATH MAGIC. She's a REAPER by title!! It's so cool and it's so refreshing to have a main character who isn't just a fire or water elemental.
Changing jobs: This one is still a work in process. I'm on a contract until the end of summer, but I've been diligently applying to jobs this past week. It may be too soon to apply since my start date will be so far away, but there's no harm in exploring since I haven't been on the job market in years. I'm trying not to stress too much about it and just get through the motions that will get me what I need.
Saving money: I'm saving sooooooo much more money this year, and I'm so proud of myself. I used to be a coffee-and-or-alcohol on the daily bitch, but in managing my money, I've also better managed those addictions. I think next year I want to quit alcohol completely as the post-drinking is starting to feel terrible and unbearable for 30-year-old me. It does nothing but keep me from my other goals (I injured my foot while drunk, btw) and makes me feel bad the next day. Coffee I'm still drinking a lot of, but some I'm making at home and choosing cheaper options when I'm out with my friends.
Overall I'm pretty happy with my progress. Save for fitness, I'm on track to hit my goals by the end of the year. ^_^
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