Great Expectations

It's official: 2007 is finally behind us. For myself -- like I think it may be for most -- the New Year is a significant psychological border in my mind. Crossing over it shows promise, change, light and life that the change of a week, day, or hour does not carry. The closest I could compare it to for myself would be the start of a new training year at the Squadron. It's a new start.

I find that it is also easier to implement some changes at the first of the year; many of us have had some sort of break from work (I had twelve days this year!). After any break or vacation, you can make changes in your behavior -- especially at work -- that yes, may be noticed, but will not shatter the view from your colleagues. Hmm. That's hard for me to explain. Email me for a complete ramble.

With the New Year comes new resolutions. As part of my commitment to the environment-- and really, because they are still good and valid -- I am recycling my 2007 resolutions. Before we get to those however, let's review some of the things that I accomplished last year that I think were kind of cool. We shall entitle this '2007: The Year of Perspective'.

1) I convinced my work to give me the time off for my Captain Qualification Course, which was a great course with a great group of officers. Fun times!

2) I completed and was awarded my Human Resources Management Certificate

3) I learned that life happens to everyone, we all cope differently, and carrying-on is a very important part of the process.

4) From '3)', I learned that expecting the unexpected should be par for the course, and really, not the exception. What was the lyric from that speech Baz Lurhmann did some music for? Everybody is Free (To Wear Sunscreen)?

'Worry, but understand that worrying is about as effective as solving an algebra problem by chewing bubble-gum. The most unexpected (? I think that's right?) things in life will hit you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday afternoon.'

It's very true.

5) From '3)' and '4)', and many other things, I have come to realize and appreciate how amazing my friends are. Thank-you. Without you, my life would not be even close to complete.

6) From '3) to 5)', and really everything in 2007, I have come to admire the strength of my wife. She's pretty damn' amazing, and I'm lucky to have her as my counterpoint in life.

7) I jet-skied for the first time!

8) I changed jobs, though within the same company. I'm much better at this one.

9) I celebrated four wonderful years of marriage. :)

10) I continued my role as Operations Officer, and started the training year in much better shape than last.

11) I am now Training Officer, the prospect of which terrified me originally, but I am really enjoying -- and thinking I'm doing pretty good at.

12) From '11)', I stood my ground on a couple of other issues, and was rewarded for not avoiding confrontation.

13) I kept my commitment to myself and finished my AU course with no extensions, though my procrastination still had a toll to pay on my quality of work and, subsequently, my final mark will reflect that. But I did it. All of it.

14) On New Year's Eve, I participated in a 8km Run & Walk -- my first ever. I thought I was going to walk pretty much the whole thing. I ran I think slightly more than half. I finished with a time of 58'36". I'm a little stiff, but I made it, and even ran across the finish line.

15) After '14)', I managed to stay up well past midnight, with some of my favourite people.

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Now, my 2008 Resolutions!
(with a 2007 review... and specifics on how I will attain my goals!)

1) Get an HR Job
The '07 part of this resolution included finishing my HR Certificate (done), and writing my CHRP exams. However, I won't be able to write my CHRP exams in this province until after I've held an HR job for a bit. Anyway, I plan to be shameless. Hit up every contact I know. Networking is everything.

2) Once have HR Job, complete PLAR @ AU, and get credit towards degree.
Well, yeah, pretty self-explanatory. After I'm in a job for three months, I'll start the process. We'll see what I get for my certificate, too.

3) Make significant progress towards my B.Admin.
The '07 part of this resolution indicated six courses and the PLAR. I completed my HR Certificate, and one AU course. The plan is still six, depending on finances. The real goal here will be capitalizing on sticking to schedules and producing a higher quality of work. My GPA needs to be much higher before I could even entertain any thoughts of grad studies.

4) Read a good (leisure) book at least once a month.
I would like to read two, but let's be realistic now. Last year, I read two-and-a-half books. Shameful, I know. But at least I enjoyed them.

5) Cook more, and learn more about food.
Last year, the resolution in this spot was 'learn more about wine'. That I did, and plan to continue. I seem to have great support for my cellar! Now, I want to cook more, beyond my standards of breakfast fare, barbecue, and sandwiches, and become more comfortable in the kitchen. I find cooking and baking very relaxing, so I might as well learn to enjoy it a little more.

6) Improve fitness level.
I would like toys for my bike and outdoor pursuits. I can't justify them unless I can be in better shape for them. I want to explore this running thing, get back into cycling shape, and spend time outside. Backpacking, anyone?

7) Fly.
I have insurance. I have resource. By the end of January, I will have made an appointment with an instructor to figure out what I need to do to get current. This year is the tenth anniversary of me getting my license.

9) Put together an investment plan for my family.
In '07, there was no action behind this plan. After we are in the new house this October, we'll be meeting with our planner.

10) Stay more organized at home.
This goes in such ebbs and flows. I made steps towards it in 2007, but I still have a lot of paper that is either disorganized, or that I don't need.

11) Stay more connected with friends and family; pay more attention to the accomplishments of those close to me and recognize them.
For '07, only those close to me can evaluate this one. I think I did better, and will continue to do so in 2008.

Well, folks, that's it. Have a wonderful first night to 2008.

-R.