Mid-Year Ruminations

6 months ago today, I sat down and wrote out a few of my resolutions for the year. Given that it's now half over, it seems like an appropriate time to look back and evaluate, as well as make any additions/edits necessary.

1. Financial Freedom. Student loans are all paid for! The car loan is going to take a little longer, especially with occasional detours like buying a motorcycle, but progress is definitely being made. I've also decided to stick around another year (see #5), so I've got a little more time to wrap this one up.

2. Creativity. Hmm... Harder to measure. And it's probably a bad sign that I can't think of anything... A few minor victories at work, some decent shrimp kabobs at a party, maybe an original joke or two I wouldn't be ashamed of claiming if I could remember them. Apparently I've got a ways to go. Step 1 - add variety to my influences - music, restaurants, people, blogs, etc. Step 2 - Be willing to fail much more frequently. Like how my omelets still suck. And I still eat them.

3. Action. Another hard one to measure. Using a solidly vague, subjective scale of self-examination, I'd say I've earned an unshakable A-. Why? Well... An indirect sign would be the significantly decreased time I've spent staring at a screen - movie rentals are down, the outer fringes of the internet aren't as familiar and frequented as they once were, and video games have almost evaporated from my life. Instead I'm currently in the longest, most successful health kick of my life, I'm doing things I enjoy (like playing guitar, reading books, and riding motorcycles), I'm getting involved at Hope outside of Sunday morning services, and more of my time is spent with friends and family than ever before. I've also deliberately refused to let fear lead to inaction - I've taken significant steps of faith, as well as approached difficult situations instead of running away or sitting back apathetically. Sorry, no specifics here - I've got to maintain my reputation of being fearless ;)

4. Name the Guitar. Isabella. I dropped the whole alliteration bit. But still - foreign, female, fun... What more could you need?! Oh, and bonus points - the motorcycle got a name too. Sasha.

5. Discernment. I'm staying in Minneapolis another year. It's always a tough balance between not being ready and not wanting to take a step into the unknown, but I'm fairly certain this is where I'm supposed to be, at least for a little while longer. It's true that there will always be things I'll miss, but there are a few things coming up that are too important to not be here for. More to come on Living the Dream at some point in the future...

Overall, not too bad... Always areas to improve, but also some visible progress being made. As far as the rest of the year, #2 will be a big focus as will maintaining #3.