Resolutions and Reflections

1. Run my first race. 
Well, sort of. I ran the Rahr Brewery 5K with my Cousin, but that was more of a hearty walk than real race. I will definitely be running more races soon though. 
2. Get my mile under ten minutes regularly. 
 Yeah, this didn't happen and will probably be on my list for next year. 
3.Get my MLS.
I finished school (again!)! Now time to find a job. 
4. Go to that fondue place. 
Did it! Almost did it twice.
5. Get Mac into some sort of Activity. 
I didn't really do this. I looked into some agility, but I would really like to take him somewhere to learn herding skills. It is so awesome when you see an animal that is doing exactly what is bred into them. 
6. Meet more people.
This was kind of a silly goal, because it is not specific or measurable. I do feel like I have met a lot of people this year though. 
7. Read three books in a month.
Good Reads says I have read 69 books this year so far (heh heh). So I guess I nailed it. 
8. Get my crosswords under ten mintues regularly.
They are at about ten minutes. 
9. Get back into competitive scrabble.
Didn't do it. I am not really  sad about it. 
10. Some sort of advancement in my current position at work. 
Blargh, my review comes up next month. However, I have learned many new skills. 
11. Seriously unclutter the kitchen. 

Did it! And redid it last night. I do need to purchase some new dishes and some under counter organization, but this happened. 

Ultimately, the things I didn't succeed at were things I didn't care about. If I had really asked myself at the beginning of the year if I really wanted to make these things happen, I probably would have said no. (With the exception of #10) 

For 2012, I plan to make goals more specific and measurable and also map out steps I need to take to achieve them. Overall though, I am pretty happy with how things turned out. 

Two sentence reviews of all the four-star books I have read this year

It's Lonely in the Modern World: The Essential Guide to Form, Function, and Ennui from the Creators of Unhappy Hipsters

More than a blog turned book, this book was very informative.

The Internet is a Playground

This guy is an asshole. It is hilarious. 

The Night Circus

A good book, but I love the circus. It could have been a bit shorter. 

This Year I Will...: How to Finally Change a Habit, Keep a Resolution, or Make a Dream Come True

I must have read this earlier in the year because I don't remember it. Apparently I liked it ok though. 

Traffic

Thanks to both Adam and Howard for recommending this. If you drive at all , this is a pretty interesting read. 

 

101 Things I Learned in Film School

I really like this series, but wish there were more. It takes an expert in the field (cooking, architecture) and teaches the basics one might learn in a 101 class. 

Things I've Learned From Women Who've Dumped Me

I do not remember reading this. I guess I like Andy Richter? 

Kafka on the Shore

Murakami, nuff said. 

Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers

Read this before lunch for an appetite suppressant. This was interesting and disturbing.

PLUTO 001

I love this series. I think this is the only one that got four stars instead of five. 

Wilson

Humor and loneliness, together at last. 

Do Gentlemen Really Prefer Blondes?: Bodies, Behavior, and Brains--the Science Behind Sex, Love, and Attraction

Yay! Psuedo-science!

Damn You, Autocorrect!: Awesomely Embarrassing Text Messages You Didn't Mean to Send

Giving this four stars seems generous, but oh well. I guess it made me laugh. 

Summer Blonde 

Need to read more from this author. 

Zombie Spaceship Wasteland

Not so many chuckles, but thoughtful. This year was a great year for comics writing books.

 

Drinking at the Movies

I may have to read more of her books. She has books called The Fart Party volumes 1 & 2.

The Word Made Flesh: Literary Tattoos from Bookworms Worldwide

I am looking up ideas for good tattoos to cover up my crappy one. This book was a good start. 

Exploiting My Baby: Because It's Exploiting Me

I am not the target demo for this, but I still find it hilarious. I sort of love this author. 

Simpler Living: Over 1,500 Ways to Simplify, Streamline, and Remake Your Life

This is one of those books you read because you want to be a different person. Obviously, I am still a slob.