Capping off 30 things in my 30th year

Earlier this year, I share 30 things that I wanted to accomplish in my 30th year and an update in August.Technically, I still have 2.5 months left of my 30th year, but I prefer to focus on goals by year. Here’s how the year went:

CAREER

• Pick up 1-2 new freelance opportunities [I was doing a little freelance, but my new job takes up so much time that I haven’t been able to add anything.]
• Post to blog 2x/week+ [Oops.]
• Write at least one post that’s published on Medium [I have a thought for a post but haven’t fully formulated it yet.]
• Make a conscious effort to keep complaints minimal [I’ve been pretty pumped at the new gig, so I think I’m doing well with complaining.]
• Get back in People 1/2 Size issue [DONE! Not only was a Medifast success in a special People update issue, but another who I worked with is featured in the current 1/2 Size issue!]

FINANCIAL

• Achieve and maintain at least four months’ of spending in savings [So, so close. I’m calling it a win.]
• Increase 401K contribution to X% [DONE!]
• Increase monthly student loan payments X% [Negative. Accepted that this is a forever debt.]
• Increase earned:spend amount x% by EOY [I’m not sure what I meant by this. I know what the percentage is, but I’m not sure what I really meant by it …]

RUNNING

• Run another sub 2-hr half marathon [DID IT! I didn’t end up running one in November but am looking at spring races.]
• Do cross-training at least 1x/wk (yoga, interval workout, etc. [I was pretty good with yoga and was adding a little strength with monthly challenges, but winter + the new job really derailed me.]
• Hold a 2-min plank to increase upper-body strength [Ugh, back down to like 45 seconds.]

HEALTH

• Scale back on refined sugar. Swap one item w/refined sugar for something else each week [Aw, man. Really for next year!]
• Lose and maintain X lbs [Let’s say that getting back in shape is a 2015 goal.]
• Continue to buy/make all-natural cleaning products [Yes! Doing pretty well with this.]
• Take daily vitamins [Um.]

COMMUNITY

• Get involved with neighborhood association, park activities, etc. [We’ve done a few things throughout the year. And we made neighbor friends!]
• Volunteer: BARCS, CFFMD [Unfortunately, BARCS took a back seat because we’re rarely available on weekends, but I helped Katharine raise more than $17K for CFFMD!]
• Make a conscious effort to do one kind thing each day [I hope I’m doing this naturally.]
• Take advantage of living in the city (visit sites, go to events, etc) [Trying to as much as possible! Especially the free things, like yoga and concerts.]
• Try at least six new restaurants outside of Fed Hill [Done! A new job in Canton helps a lot.]

LIFE, ETC.

• Revive the date night at least 1x/month. Let Steve plan one, one must be to the movies [Really need to focus on this.]
• Find an excellent, moisturizing under-eye concealer [The best I’ve found is Maybelline Age Eraser.]
• Start using more secure passwords [Yes! I’m employing the method that helps me achieve something.]
• Read at least eight books [I finally finished The Goldfinch and then read three others. I think that puts me at 8 for the year.]
• Plan an awesome joint 30th birthday vacation with SMB [DONE! Barbados was AMAZING.]
• Learn to cook three new dishes so that I’m not just known for my spaghetti [Yeah, about that …]
• Learn to cook with three spices that I don’t normally use [See above.]
• Test at least one Pinterest pin per month; blog process and results [I did two, so that counts, right?]
• Buy based on quality, not based on sales/quantity [I’m definitely working on this one.]

I’d give myself a C+ overall. Not the best, but some of the more important things were covered. Now, to work on 2015.