2013 goals

(Meggan)

I'm scared to actually write these as goals, and I'm not really one to call them resolutions.  I take goal setting very seriously and if I write a goal, I want to make it specific and measurable and make sure I complete it.  So I'd say at this point I'm still brainstorming goals for 2013.

1) Write huge OCS exam on March 15 and pass.  This is a board certified orthopedic specialist exam that is 6 hours of grueling multiple choice.  From now until then, most of my free time will be spent reviewing like crazy.  If I do not pass I will be crushed.  I really want to get this certification before having a second child.

2) I want to have a healthy pregnancy and be proud of my labor and delivery.  I had a great pregnancy with Rachel and so far this one is going well.  On paper, Rachel had a good healthy delivery.  In my mind, I don't look back and feel proud of my birth with her, although I do feel thankful that she was safe and well.  I want this labor to be a positive experience that I look back on and feel thankful for and proud of myself (and Jason) for.

3) I want to stay as positive as possible about work until mat leave.  I have 24 weeks left of work.  My job is fine, and I am trying to be thankful that I have a job at all.  But I dream of working less hours, with less of a commute, seeing less patients, getting paid more, getting better benefits, different hours, with more learning.  I know none of those things are going to happen right now, so I am trying to tough it out until July.  I am certain my job situation will change after that (in what capacity is still to be determined), and I am looking forward to some reflection on my career in the summer to see what I want with my environment around being a PT.

4) Go to at least 2 new states, and one new national park.  We hope to do this during a family road trip to Virginia after the baby arrives.

5)  Plan out an international adventure for the next 1-2 years.  We are hoping to resume a backpacking trip to somewhere far far away, either next Christmas or during the summer of 2014.

6) I don't have a specific athletic goal.  This is a tough thing during pregnancy.  I want to stay as fit as possible during the pregnancy and get back into shape as quickly as possible while being safe and smart afterward.  I want to attend prenatal yoga weekly, and get my swimming back up to swim 1 mile continuously. I plan to run a 10km trail race in the fall of 2013.  But a little of this is beyond my control.

7) House projects: garage clean and organized.  Office papers away and books clean and organized.  Nursery set up.  Basement set up as guest room.  Fence, deck, yard and garden together.

8) Enjoy my time with Rachel and the baby.  It's so easy to get stuck in the go-go-go of life and miss it.  Rachel is growing so fast!  We don't plan to have any more kids after this one.  So I need to slow down, enjoy Rachel, play with her and laugh with her.  Enjoy the pregnancy.  Enjoy holding and nursing a newborn when the time comes.  Try to cherish the moments and be positive and thankful for them, instead of feeling like everything is a chore.  Some days this is easy, and of course some days this is tough.  Make more days feel easy.