I glanced back at my 2007 blog post on hopes for 2008 — and decided to reflect yet redirect towards 2009 as well.
My #1 goal was to not take life so seriously and cautiously.
Smiles — well I both succeeded wonderfully and failed miserably as well.
I took some chances I would never have taken (Smiles, I even took a chance on “love” — Smiles, but that is a totally different blog topic)
I did take a couple of risks but towards the end of the year, I pulled back. Sometimes being cautious CAN be beneficial.
#2 was to travel —
Yep, 100% successful. However, this year, I hope to do so EVEN more!!
#3 to clear up clutter.
Smiles — took a bit, but I did okay.
Took a BIG bite out of debt that I had accumulated, trashed a lot of “unnecessary” clutter around my home (my new rule, if I don’t touch it in a year, I don’t need it), and read some good books that reminded me of God’s firm foundations I need to stand on.
So — 2.5 out of 3 is not that bad.
Hopes and goals for 2009
My #1 Goal -
Come hell or high water, I am going back to school. I don’t know where and I don’t know how (financially) but I am doing it. It might mean putting other “hopes” on the backburner but I have coasted long enough. Your prayers/support are appreciated plus any guidance, suggestions, etc as well.
My #2 Goal –
I am stepping away from taking Tech so seriously and making it so important.
I don’t remember getting all “gaga” over white boards and blogging all the time about “xerox machines”……I exaggerate, but you know what I mean.
My emphasis will be on learning in the classroom — with ALL tools available. (including worksheets, pencils, clay, paint, computers, and more!!)
My #3 Goal –
I plan not to waste any more time on “perhaps”. 2009 is my 49th year on this planet and I plan to try things I have never tried, go places I have never been, and walk a bit on the wild side. (Smiles, if you know me well, you know that will still be tame.) I won’t live on “what ifs” anymore. So, I have a feeling 2009 might be a little chaotic but I hope it will be one of the funnest years of my life.
Would love your thoughts –
And perhaps to links with your hopes/goals for 2009 as well.
I wish you a wonderful 2009!!
Jen
Happy New Year to you and I also wish you the best in 2009. Although I do not really know you, I’ve greatly enjoyed reading your blog for about the past six months or so. Many of your posts have challenged my thinking and given me new ideas.
Right now I’m still working on my 2009 goals, both personal and professional. I know that for school one of the goals will be to clean and prepare my classrooms for a big school remodeling project that will begin in 2010. Another goal will be to publicize more of the activities my students do in the classroom. We are continually doing what I think are some interesting, creative projects, but I don’t always get the word out to administration, parents, and fellow staff members.
I am new to your tech. projects this year and my class has had a great time participating in the OREO, Pumpkin Seed Counting, and Holiday Card Exchange. Thank you! Last August, at the age of 49 I did my first triathlon, something that’s been on my “perhaps” list for years. Go for whatever is on your “perhaps” list, you’ll probably wonder why you didn’t do it sooner and it will open you up to even more adventures! I commend your goal of not taking tech. so seriously. Once you see all of its possiblilities, it’s easy to get sucked into it and see other tools as not being good enough. I’m going to “borrow” this goal as my own if you don’t mind. Take care
Happy New Year Jen,
I’m with you on your first goal. I would love to go back to school. The best of luck on that one! I also like your last goal. I know the best things happen, when you just “let the Spirit take you”. Stay positive, enjoy myself, and always do my best are my goals – pretty simple, but at least I know they are attainable. All the best for 2009!
What? No goals about moving to a new state or REmoving the rest of the debt? Hmmm… (-:
@Melanie
Happy New Year to you — and thank you for your kind words.
How exciting to be somewhere where there will be building and renovation going on. Will you get a new room too?
And YES, you need to be your own ambassador at times….let people know what you are doing — and grab some of them to join you along the way!!
@Jan
Feel free to grab any of my goals to make them your own. Then we can hold each other accountable.
Smiles, not ready for a triathalon (congrats to you on that) but will be attempting some things I hesitated on in the past. Glad to know life won’t end at 49.
@Nadine
I agree that staying simple is better……and I wish you all the best in 2009. If you go back to school too, please let me know.
@Debbie
LOL, read #1 carefully — a bit of what you are talking about is written between the lines. I still have plans, hopes, and goals to move……and might need to go a bit more into debt to finally get out of debt — but we shall see.
Happy New Year To You All
Hi, Jen! Honestly, you’re one of the many beautiful people I thank God for specially during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Your dedication, generosity, and commitment to your vocation are contagious. You make a big difference in the learning and teaching experiences of so many students and teachers who have come across your site and participated in your fun-filled projects.
I can’t thank you enough and I’m sure God bless you in a very special way. I’m taking Web 2.0 into my teaching lifestyle one step at a time and again, thanks to you! Hurray for Jen!