Reviewing Goals

I was recently looking through one of my notebooks. It's a notebook that's not really a notebook, but for lists and ideas rather and I enjoy looking through it and adding to it every once in a while. I came across the first list, 'List your goals and dreams for this year'. I saw that I wrote some goals for last year and this year.

2019
-get a full time job at a preschool
-speak in Chinese
-keep learning Arabic
-make a new contact, friend
-continue blogging!
-paint!
-knit
read inspiring books
-try out a hiking group

I reflected upon this list and realized that nearly all of it if not all came true. I remember writing and brainstorming this list at a coffee shop with my dear sister in late January last year. It was a rocky month and start to the year and wanted to regain some compusore and inspiration. I desprately needed  and desired a job, a full time one since nothing was landing or it was only part-time and wanted to put my credits and education to use. I eventually did, and I learned a lot. It was quite a roller coaster of a ride throughout.

Chinese has been on the back burner for a while. As our interests change, its normal to not be so immersed or invested in past endevours. I made a few videos for myself of speaking and teaching Chinese early in the year. Also, in my job woeking with young children I spoke some Chinese to two Chinese boys and I felt proud to say some words and phrases again, even just simple. One of the classes that I was in in the Fall at the High School was a Mandarin class and I was there for a student who needed accomadations. I was mostly there listening and relearning the material, but it brought back memories of my interest anbd passion with the language.

Arabic on the other hand, is a language that I am currently still invested in and want to progress in. Language videos were a side thing for a while and helped me keep up my learning and inspiration with the language, culture and other related topics. I took a break for a while for most of last year learning, but I am back revamping my knowlegdge and dusting off language books and notes.

I wouldn't have thought making a new friend would happen, though it was a desire for a long time. I am still pleasantly surprised with the way it happened. I am very grateful for this friend and proud to say she is dating my younger brother:) We initially met in spring 2018, but didn't officially hit it off with more personal time until last summer. I'm grateful for a friend, especially during this unique time.

I have continued blogging, with my 2 blogs and making more time for writing and relfection.

Painting and water color is a new hobby for me. After taking a class at Joann's, I was eager to start experimenting and creating. I painted for my friend for a Christmas gift, and painted a card for my sister's wedding anniversary. I hope to create more and paint especially during this time.

Knitting has been a hobby that comes around every once in a while. I knitted a green blanket for my dear nephew and glad to see him with it on walks for warmth:) I plan to knit another blanket for his younger brother soon to be born this summer.

There were a number of books that I read last year, and they kept me afloat and inspired throughout the downs and lows during the year.

Try out a hiking group. My sister and I finally made the time to try out a hiking group, and it was a good challenge to meet new people and do something different towards the end of summer.


2020
Some goals I have in mind are learn Hebrew! I started learning Hebrew back in late summer but may continue with it along with Arabic, (and Russian!)

With testing centers closed for now, I had a written goal of studying for the Math CBEST. With all of this open time, I may consider starting on that.

I have been cooking from my recipe binder and marking the recipes I have cooked and made so far. There are a number I have coked ths far, but still many I have not yet tried!

Creating own stationary has been a goal and idea of mine for a while, and making and designing my own stationary is such a rewardinjg expereince and a gift to others. I designed a card for my sweet niece.

And reading 60 books. This is my highest reading goal, but wth enough books to go around and plenty of spare time, I think it is possible:)