On my last night as a 46 year old, I started asking myself… what have I accomplished this year?

1. I stopped biting my nails right at the start of this calendar year. This was a horrible habit I tried to quit my entire life and finally did. I love having nails to paint!

2. I returned to school… again. I’m completing my third semester of my Masters in Public Health. I have absolutely no idea what I’m going to do with this degree, but I hope it leads me back to teaching in some way. I’m really enjoying the classes, I’m really enjoying feeling successful as a student because I understand myself as a learner so much better after being a teacher for so many years.

3. I lost about 18 pounds, and I’ve maintained it since early summer. It feels really good to be confident in my body again.

4. I started running over the summer, and I was at a slow 13.5-minute mile. Now my mile is usually 10-11 mins.

5. I have successfully led the instructional design team at work. Since my previous supervisor left in January, it’s been smooth sailing!

6. For the most part, I feel really good about my role as a mother to two teenage children. Bryce said the best day he’s had in his life was when we explored the redwoods on our trip to San Francisco this past summer. I’m so glad Richard and I can give our children opportunities like this to experience new places and learn about the world. Lydia is helping to plan our winter trip to NYC.

7. I’ve participated as much as possible in a circular economy. I buy most of what I own second-hand. I reuse items as much as possible. And I’ve been junk journaling to reduce waste.

8. I started a really fun TikTok account that I post one video to daily. It brings me much joy to share all of my collectibles with other people who are into GenX nostalgia.

9. Finally found a medication that has significantly reduced my migraines! This has been an amazing positive change to my life.

10. I met Bernie Sanders!

I’m sick with a yucky cold, and this has been a crappy week, but I snuggled Fiona on the couch this afternoon because she’s just pure love.