two-o-o-eight

Resolutions

Last year my resolution was to use reusable bags and I did a pretty consistent job. The hard part is remembering to take it with you to the store. I actually prefer to use reusable bags because they’re more sturdy, easier to carry, and can carry more.

This year’s 2009 Resolutions:
1. Be on time and have a better attitude at work
2. Operation HSJ (“High School Johanna”) and complete a triathlon
3. Wear my retainer at least 4 times a week (this is so nerdy…)
4. Learn more about educational reform (by reading 2 books regarding the topic and volunteering at an education-related place)

The Bookworm Continues to Emerge

I’ve utilized the library a lot more this year (see previous post for why the library is so awesome). I also tried to learn 1 new word per week and it was so frustrating when I’d run across one of my new words and I couldnt remember the definition!

Anyways, books I’ve read this year (stars by the ones I recommend): *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Marley and Me, Pretty is What Changes, Twlight, **Banker to the Poor, A World Without Poverty, American Born Chinese, **Glass Castle, Our Endangered Values, *Half of the Old Testament, and I might be forgetting some others…I guess those books weren’t worth remembering :x.

Books I got halfway through: Prayer for Owen Meany, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Time Traveler’s Wife

Anyone have recommendations for books to read in 2009?

Reflections of 2008

- My sister and her man tied the knot and moved to “the sunshine state”. This was the first close person to me who got married and probably the wedding I will have to do the most work for (not all my close friends are married but I’m pretty sure no one will work me harder than jieh did :x). I’m happy for the newlyweds and how I have a brother now!

- I changed jobs 2 times this past year. I quit Target in March and I miss my coworkers a lot. I’m thankful for the opportunity to learn more about retail, be a part of an efficient and professional company, and gain a better understanding of effective leadership and management. I then worked for a nonprofit that provided affordable housing thru the community land trust model. I learned a lot about purchasing a home, real estate finance, and affordable housing however the job wasn’t challenging so I decided to leave. I’m now working at AMD doing business planning and it’s cool to gain some corporate experience and realize how much I can relate to The Office show (not sure if I would consider that part “cool” though).

- This was the first full year that Mark and I had a long distance relationship yet we managed to somehow see each other 11 times this year! April was the only month we didn’t see each other and 2 of those 11 times were attempts to surprise him – 1 being successful.

- I’m a whiner when it comes to exercising and pushing my body’s limits. However this year I discovered my love for Pilates! It’s a great way to unwind, stretch, and strengthen your core…all while lying down! How great is that? I also started attending a Lift class which I like because it makes me feel stronger.

- my grandfather passed away and this was the first death in my life where the person was close to me and i was old enough to think further into it. what i think is the hardest from this was seeing my family adjust and go thru this loss...but at least we did it together as a family.

- I became a partner of Austin Stone and I’m slowly getting more involved and I’m trying to treat it like “my church.” It’s hard though when the church is so big (my personality prefers smaller churches :p) and Austin still seems like a “temporary home” to me. I really enjoy my community group and I’ve met some great people thru it. regarding my faith, I think I’ve grown to appreciate how Christianity’s aim is to get people to turn their eyes away from themselves and to better, greater things…like God and others and the community around you.

- Volunteered at Ronald McDonald House, Church under the bridge, Jenny’s school, and Food Bank. For 2009, I want to find a more consistent place to volunteer.

- Movies I’ve seen in theatre in 2008: Sex and the City, Dark Knight, Juno, and The Fall. Maybe I should watch more movies in 2009?

- Tv shows: JON AND KATE + 8, big bang theory, the office, food network, some the Ellen show, some survivor, some run’s house (online)

- Maybe a photo slideshow of 2008 coming soon?