Third Quarter Check-In, 2020

This year has been so nuts that I forgot it was time to do my quarterly check-in. It almost seems like I should just scrap it and start over for 2021 - but then, everyone in the world probably feels that way. This is why I do this level of planning. There is literally always something that feels distracting enough to derail our plans.

Granted, those obstacles and disruptions are usually nowhere near the scale of the mess that has been 2020. It doesn’t change the fact that if we don’t make our plans, we are at the mercy of the plans of others.

There is another point to make here, which is that one thing anyone can do, free of charge, is to think back and look for patterns. Where in our past have we felt like life was just as chaotic as 2020 has been? Looking back, was it - or was it not? I can say, having thought about it a great deal, that while COVID-19 ruined my life, it wasn’t the worst thing that ever happened to me. It wasn’t even the worst or most scared I’ve ever felt. Though it still only gets one star. Do Not Recommend.

What’s up in Third Quarter?

Let’s see, in First Quarter I contracted COVID-19. In Second Quarter I got a new job. The drama quotient is dropping steadily, and for that I am grateful. The big news for Third Quarter will hopefully be something like “put funds in IRA” or “organized closet.” Who knows.

How am I doing?

Personal: Body transformation. Very funny, Past Me 2019.

Career: Learn how to do webinars. I wanted to put on at least one or two webinars this year. Instead I am on video calls almost every single day. I’ve learned to use all the features of several platforms. I’m also so busy that I now have no idea when I would host one of these.

Physical: Weight at 125 lbs. Going in the wrong direction. I gained a few pounds when I was sick with COVID and I haven’t been able to get rid of it yet.

Home: Automation project. Coming along apace. Now that we are both WFH my hubby is doing significantly more housework.

Couples: Build an app together. On hold.

Stop goal: Stop procrastinating on text messages and voicemail. I am doing great on this, partly because I get a lot of work texts now.

Lifestyle upgrades: Probably gum surgery. Oho! My periodontist says I don’t need gum surgery, although I do have to go in there instead of the regular dentist now for cleanings. Instead of this rather depressing and elderly sort of “lifestyle upgrade,” I have overhauled our little patio, which is much nicer.

Do the Obvious: Plan around constant travel. Um, a decade from now? This goal was so far off reality for 2020 that I can’t even really laugh about it.

Ultralearning: Dutch language. Would still like to do this, but instead I seem to have learned a dozen new software titles for work. I suppose that counts.

Quest: 50 for 50 ultramarathon! (2025) Would also still like to do this. I have not written it off because five years is a long time.

Wish: Publishing deal! Also have not written this off, especially after a dream I had last night that I was told to work on a project I wanted to do back in 1998 that I had completely forgotten.

For the ten-year goals, we technically have a garden now, small as it is. We are also technically saving for a house. We have been hanging out together at a local park on weekends, and that is going to have to suffice for our outdoor goals for now.

This has been such a crazy and unpredictable year. Obviously I never guessed, back at the New Year, that I would almost die this year and then get my dream job immediately afterward. It goes without saying that I didn’t guess about a single darn thing that has been in the news. Let it be noted, two of the most transformative things that have happened in my life in the last several years happened despite everything else that is going on.

The message here is, don’t give up. Whatever your dream is, please hang onto it - or let it go and replace it with one that means more to you.

2020
Personal: Body transformation
Career: Learn how to do webinars
Physical: Weight at 125 lbs.
Home: Automation project
Couples: Build an app together
Stop goal: Stop procrastinating on text messages and voicemail
Lifestyle upgrades: Probably gum surgery
Do the Obvious: Plan around constant travel
Ultralearning: Dutch language
Quest: 50 for 50 ultramarathon! (2025)
Wish: Publishing deal!

2030 - Ten Year Goals and Resolutions
Personal: Silver Fox project
Career: Published author
Physical: 50 for 50 ultramarathon!
Home: Buy a house to live in
Couples: Camping, hiking, backpacking, and bicycling together
Stop goal: Stop procrastinating in general
Lifestyle upgrades: A garden - SUCCESS
Do the Obvious: Plan around constant travel
Ultralearning: Write screenplays
Quest: Visit Antarctica
Wish: Millionaires!