New Chapter: 2016 Revived and Revised

I like to think that each year brings new opportunities and chances to improve upon the previous year's shenanigans. I wanted to make this year even more special than it is and track my progress and share it with others to keep myself accountable.

I am returning to school for 2 semesters, then I'm going to apply to vet college to see if I can get in. I thought about it while I was off work but the thoughts only realized themselves during a conversation with Dr. N and EB at work; where we were talking about our perspectives on careers, as children. After EB and Dr. N each discussed a few professions, the words rolled off my tongue without any prior thought, "I've always wanted to be a veterinarian." I wasn't prepared for the statement to be so firm since the end goal is really far away and I've been discussing back-ups and "what ifs", as well as not attaching my brain to the concept of being disappointed if I don't get in. But, that doesn't matter because I know my goal, I know my limits and my abilities and I have an amazing support network.

In addition to going back for full semesters (commuting and not living on campus), I will continue to work at the clinic and learn as much as I can and get the exposure I need. I will also be keeping up the household chores and responsibilities, including my two fur-babies. My goals for this year are...

PERSONAL/SCHOOL/CAREER

• Efficiently use the time I have in between school or work and make good decisions about when not to go to lecture--see snow storms/white-out conditions.
• Get really interested in what I'm learning about--even if it's about something that's boring. I love math!! *groan*
• Take opportunities to learn at work.
• Make school the priority.
• Don't sleep-in on the week days--use the time.

HOUSEHOLD/BUCKINGHAM & STANLEY C. PANTHER

• Extend the chain-link fence along the busy road so that I can keep Bucky and Stanley somewhat contained in the backyard.
• Keep up on house chores.
• Cook as often as possible.
• Continue Stanley's training and desensitization: goal to go for non-traumatic car rides and have him around people when company is over.
• Train Bucky to leash walk down the street and back (this might be a little ambitious but let's give it a try! He already goes about 1/3 of the block like a dog would then starts to get distracted with other things.)

HORSEY/RIDING

• Be okay with riding once a week while in school, if that's what it takes.
• Don't get too down if progress slows this year; keep up with stable life in other ways.

FAMILY

• Hang out with my family at least once a month for dinner/lunch--this should be easy considering I live on the kitty corner.
• Regularly get in touch with my brother.
• Make an effort to visit my IL's at least once a month and not complaining the entire time--it's really not that bad... I'm just being a baby about it.

SOCIAL/VOLUNTEERING

• Reduce the frivolous social activities that don't add value to what makes me happy and aids in my personal growth and progress.
• Try to move into another section of the cat rescue I volunteer with to try something new.
• Say "no" and don't apologize or feel bad about it.
• Make the effort to get together with IG, TW, BM and DB in the new year (first half of the year) at least once.

READING

• I'll take finishing the Christmas book I'm reading now, the "choose your own adventure" gift I got and I'll take whatever I can fit in, from my previous lists but won't get too upset if I don't get around to a lot.
• Seriously consider Scarlet's proposal at a book club and see if/how I can fit it into my schedule but accept it if it's not possible.

I think I've got quite the year ahead of me and all these goals are rather ambitious! I am looking forward to my new adventures and hoping that the universe will assist me in getting to where I want to be.