Fun Monday - 2010-11 Looking Back & Straight Ahead

In this last week of 2010 Jill , our Fun Monday host for December, invites us to do a bit of reflection. Specifically, she's asking for a look back on the year we've just finished. And, a look straight ahead--how do we see our lives playing out in 2011?

This is a task I'm always happy to take on at the end of one year and beginning of another. Not resolutions, mind you. For me, the word "resolution" carries a lot of negative energy. I think angry, gritting your teeth determination to fix some aspect of your life that you feel is lacking or wrong. Or, resolutions can be a list of half baked "shoulds"that we think ought to make us happy--but don't because they're not linked to our life priorities.

What I like to do instead is to reconnect with my personal priorities. There are only four of them and they've been the same since 2003. So, for each priority I'll tell you how I did in 2010 and what I hope to achieve in 2011:

1. Being healthy, physically and mentally active; learn new things

2010--November results from annual physical shows good numbers for most tests--except weight, of course. I walk most days and take a pilates class once a week. My brain still works pretty well for my age. Although, I did mention at yesterday's Christmas dinner that it may be time to stop doubling recipes when cooking. The math is too challenging--shouldn't need a calculator to make Mexican cornbread.

2011--add strength training to my physical fitness routine to avoid old age complaints like falls, broken bones. Get off the two simple meds I take by proper diet and exercise. Keep up with technology so I can stay connected to the world and understand what's going on.

2. Connecting, caring, relating to others, having/being a good friend

2010/11--I've spent a lot of time and effort this year in being the sole care giver for an elder sister. I take care of all her errands, business, medical, and homekeeping routines--and the odd crisis here and there. It's not a role that I'm very patient with, but it's reality for now and into the future. I've spent too much time blogging and facebooking this year, but absolutely love being cyber friends with people from many countries. Makes every day interesting.

3. Maintaining a simple, organized home

2010/11--my home is very pared down and spare which makes it easy to maintain. I'm happy so long as the basics work and there's plenty books, technology toys, and entertainment sources. This next year I need to make some home improvements and upgrades to both the interior and exterior of my home. I did major work five years ago. I plan to stay in this house as long as I can, so any re-modeling will be geared to making the place safe and convenient for senior living (auggghhhttt!).

4. Having fun

2010/11--can honestly say that I have a good life. Luckily I have enough financial resources to take advantage of the entertainment that's available here in Louisville--plays, concerts, films, art, travel, dining out with friends. Hopefully that will continue in 2011. If all goes as planned I'm taking to the skies again after a couple of years being grounded. Planning a summer trip to Scandinavia (especially Sweden) and, $$$ permitting, maybe Russia. And finally, there may be a new puppy in the new year since Willie is elder gentleman .

Well Jill, there you have my look back and ahead in four areas that are important to me. Love this time of the year for the chance to make these plans. Thank you for getting us started on this project before January 1!