Day 1 Month 1 Year 2016 in BookThree: Flight Log 2016

A happy new year to all! As some of you know, I don’t support the concept of “New Year’s Resolutions” because the cliche has become… list those things you wish to change, accept that you wish to change those things, and do nothing about changing those things. I am far more supportive of “New Year’s Goals.” Set specific goals; create plans and solutions, and implement. Of course, it isn’t always as simple as all that but… being practical about it seems a wiser tactic.

With that in mind; my 5 New Year’s Goals.
(1) Job/Home
I need to ultimate succeed or fail this year. If, after another full 12 months, I can’t get a lawyer job… there is no reason to believe I ever will. So, 2016… either I find a law job and take steps towards obtaining a home… or I reevaluate and come up with a different plan.
(2) Health/Wellness
I need to establish a workable fitness routine and become MUCH better about intentional, healthy eating. At least one week a month, I will plan out meals to insure smart eating (at least that week) and I will attempt to get under 200 lbs and stay there.
(3) Finances/Wealth
I will pay off the remaining debt owed for college and law school. Once freeing myself of debt and potential compound interest; I will endeavor to squirrel away a total of $80k by the end of 2016.
(4) Community Engagement
I will become a fully engaged member of my community. Whether I get a job somewhere or Wife and I simply move back to my hometown… once returning to Iowa; I will commit myself to being a Community Member… whether that means volunteer opportunities, church programs, or auditioning for community theater… I will become a part of a community.
(5) Relationship/Marriage
The relationship with Wife grows, shrinks, changes every year. It would be fair to say that in many ways… we’re still trying to feel out exactly what is going on. But… the “holding pattern without holding” has been going on for too long. I wanted to make better progress with it last year; but I can’t afford to be passive about it this year. 2016 means I will have been involved with this woman for 11 years; married to her for 5. If we can’t get to a healthy place this year… I honestly need to consider my options.

The very last thing I did in 2015? Job interview! Kind of. Get this… I leave my apartment in Omaha at 8:30 am. I arrive at the Court House for my Interview at 1:00 pm. QUITE the long drive! My interview? Not even them asking me questions. It was mostly them asking “Do you have any questions for us?” Which makes me think either (1) they have no intention of hiring me; or (2) I’m as good as hired. I really do feel confident about this opportunity… but I know Wife isn’t thrilled. The town is only 7,000 population and the whole county is around 26,000. But here’s the thing… a smaller county like that means I’d be able to have more of a home life. Actually come home at the end of the day and be more than just Work/Family. I consider that a good thing. I still have some applications I’m going to fill out this week and I expect to hear back from some other jobs next week but… we will definitely see how things go!