Reflections on 2009...2010 Intentions

Over Christmas, we had a conversation about if people really enjoy and read holiday updates. Even though other’s don’t…I do! You get to catch up on someone’s life from their perspective…and the person has a chance to reflect on what has meant the most to them over the past year. One of the things that drew me to (and has continued to engage me) in my PhD program is the encouragement and expectation to be a reflective practitioner—making sense of daily experiences in light of what we learn and know to be true. So as a way of making sense of my past year and setting my intentions for the coming year, here are my top 10 of 2009…and hopes for 2010.
2009 Highlights
1. During a work outing in Florida, we ended up stuck for three extra days in late February. This ended up being my only beach time this year. I totally love playing in the waves, sinking my feet in the sand, and the feel of salty wind in my hair.
2. I started looking at homes early this year…and fell in love with 16 Elm Ridge! It is perfect…not too big on the first floor, guest space upstairs (everyone is welcome) and a cozy basement complete with wet bar. I truly cherished the housewarming party and was thrilled to have friends from Indiana and northern Illinois to visit. I am so thankful to my friends who came to visit as well as help decorate and put finishing touches on my home!
3. During my Mom’s Spring Break, I had a chance to visit Texas. I loved spending time with my Mom and sister on the farm with the bluebonnets in full bloom!
4. I have become quite the fan of boating over the past two years. I am so at peace on the water! When the stars aligned and I was able to sell my jet ski and purchase a pontoon boat all in the same week, I was a happy camper. I especially loved the last few outings in the late summer when my best girlfriends and I spent the day laying in the sun on Lake Shelbyville.
5. In July, the Lumpkin Family who I work for had their family reunion and meeting in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I was so excited that my brother and sister were able to meet me there post-meeting and we had a family reunion of our own with our grandmother. Santa Fe is such a special place and having an opportunity to share time with them there is a forever memory!
6. In August, I started pursuing a life dream…to have PhD. I have felt challenged yet so affirmed by this experience and as a bonus have already started relationships with fellow students that I know will last a lifetime…and lead to many adventures. This year already it led to adventures in the corn fields on Ohio, a lake house in New Hampshire…and a wonderful side trip to visit my cousin Carl and his oh so lovely family in Vermont. And, I am really enjoying the writing even more than expected!
7. goodWORKSconnect.org launched in late August. I have been a part of quite a few new ventures but this is something completely different due to the technology twist. It has been challenging yet rewarding to take what works in person and re-tool for the online community. I have also been really blessed to work with people who truly care about and know nonprofit leaders. The visual of the balloon launch is in the memory lockbox!
8. Just before starting school in August, Ellie the Element found a new home and I found the 4-Runner Mad Max. I have already put the towing package, sun roof, heated seats and 4-Wheel drive to the test! What fun roadtrips to Northern Illinois, Texas, Ohio, Wisconsin, Missouri…and can’t wait for more! By the way, those of you who know and love Murray the Moose (bobble head my friend Heather and I found while in Alaska—Heather has the kiwi), he is back.
9. I am so blessed to have my blood family and adopted family. This year was super special because I was spent a relaxing Thanksgiving with my adopted Obert family and a festive, warm Christmas day on the farm with much of my Mom’s side of the family. It is so cool growing older and peering with my aunts, uncles and cousins!
10. I know I am lucky that I get to spend my day’s helping to make the world a better place. And love that outside of work, I have been able to make a difference as well as make new friends. It has been so much fun to watch Sullivan Area Arts become a reality, the merger of the Moultrie County United Way open new possibilities for the area, Mattoon Rotary continue its growth, Grantmaker’s for Effective Organizations plan for a 2010 conference with some topics I can’t wait to learn about, a Coles County Junto group come to fruition, and a Young Professional Group germinate!

2010 Intentions
1. Updated kitchen
2. Continue PhD work- Seattle, LA, etc.
3. Become an auntie!
4. Quality friend time on lake
5. A trip out to Western US with my bestie!
6. Run at least a 5K
7. GEO conference in Pittsburgh
8. Creative outlet…more singing!
9. Support my friends and family through more intentional communication
10. Make goodWORKSconnect the place to be.
More to come!

Blessings to you and all those you love!
Annie