So, today’s the last day of 2008. Looking back at my New Year’s resolutions for 2008, I didn’t do so well in achieving those goals. I’m most bummed about the 10k thing. My hip still has issues when I try to push myself to longer distances, so I started focusing on strength training and flexibility training (doing Cardio Pilates) instead. Hopefully that’ll strengthen the muscles/tendons/etc. around the joint so I can attempt the running again. I’m going to shoot to do the “Road to 10k” podcast (I’ve had downloaded for a while now) starting in January.

One goal that I did do that wasn’t on my list was the 2-day bike ride to benefit Open Arms MN. I biked for over 100 miles over two days, I camped out and slept in a tent and I had a lot of fun. I hope to do it again next year.

The other thing I wish I could’ve nailed this year was the financial thing. But, with Tim going to school, that goal is going to be on the back burner for a while. But don’t get me wrong, it’s the best thing for our future, so I’m more than happy to make the sacrifices now to make our future a bit more bright. However, the accompanying stress with Tim’s return to school didn’t make things go so well with the weight loss. In fact, I ended up gaining a bit this past year. All I can do is strive to make better choices in the future.

I’ve been watching this show from the UK called “How To Look Good Naked” – there’s a US version that Carson Kressley (of Queer Eye fame) hosts on a cable channel that I don’t get. Anyway, the premise of this show is to help women who don’t have the bodies that the mainstream media and advertising and fashion shows feel we *should* have and helps them love the skin they’re in. They also promote working with what you have and shun any type of plastic surgery. The transformations are amazing. On top of that, I’ve been noticing a difference in how I view my own body. Also, the host (Gok) is a scream.

Anyway, back to New Year’s Eve. Tonight we’re going to have a blast at our friend’s party, I’m going to make a double batch of my famous artichoke dip, drink fancy cocktails and not have to drive home (because Heather and Adam are awesome and are letting us crash at their house!) and ring in the new year with Tim by my side.

When it all comes down to it, despite the fact that I didn’t achieve a single goal I set out to do this past year – I achieved so much more that I ever could’ve anticipated. The bike ride, making some awesome new friends, good times with equally awesome “old” friends, learning to accept things that I cannot change and helping someone achieve their own dreams – how can that not be considered a successful year?

Exactly.

I’ll do my annual “resolutions” list tomorrow. Hangovers help with resolutions, right?