Goals Update

Here is my blog post from a year ago with some of my 2015 goals.  I wrote in red how I accomplished them:

Here are some things I hope to do in 2015 (in no particular order.)

1. Make it to my 50th state. About 14 years ago I was up to 49 states and I just have not had reason to visit my final state, Louisiana. Here is hoping this is the year I make it to New Orleans!  Has not happened yet- maybe 2016?

2. Complete an overnight backpacking trip. I don't think I have been backpacking since my Alaskan honeymoon almost 18 years ago!  YES!  Haunch Lake on the west side of RMNP.  AMAZING!

3. Go to more live music- especially a concert at Red Rocks and Rockygrass in Lyons.  YES! Steely Dan at Red Rocks and Rockygrass.  Love both those places.

4. Go on a Xc ski or snowshoe hut trip.  YES-  sort of.... We have a hut booked for next month.

5. Become a Grosvenor Teacher Fellow. The competition is stiff but a girls gotta dream!  NO:(

6. Complete the RMNP Hiking Challenge: In celebration the the 100th Anniversary of becoming a National Park I want to hike 100 miles. I am going to use my friend's Rich and Holly's strict definition of unique miles which means six miles out and back will only count as three miles. In addition, I will make it a goal to get to RMNP at least once a month in order to see it in all the seasons.  YES! This was an excellent goal and we hiked over 220 miles (135 unique miles).  Still many more destinations to enjoy.  

7. Once and for all conquer my sweet tooth- not even sure if this goal is POSSIBLE but I sure do feel better when I stay away from sugar and flour.  YES! NO! YES! NO!  Depends on the day!

It's the Little Things

Merry Christmas to everyone.  I hope you had a nice holiday season.  As I was trying to think of what to get my loved ones for the holidays, I was struggling.  There are many things I love about having teenagers, but I have to admit buying legos and doll clothes was a lot easier than shopping for teenagers.  But I tried to find some little surprises they would like.  And it turns out while I am sure they would have gladly loved to get a $600 iPhone- they were still filled with joy to receive some gifts from the heart.  Usually after they open their presents I ask them to pick their top three gifts and pose for a photo.  Laurel took no time to grab the popcorn maker, a bottle of kernels and some snazzy leggings for her picture and Owen grabbed Harry Potter postage stamps, Deep Space book and some Lego Brick Greek Myths and Fairy Tales.  So again I am reminded that it is the little things that really matter.