Here's to the last year of my first quarter-century: 6 Month Review

Today I am officially 24 years and 6 months old. I don't normally celebrate this minor milestone, but it seems wise to revisit the goals I set for my 24th year at exactly the half point mark. 

Things to accomplish before I turn 25:

1. Make a blog post at least once a week

Well, I have succeeded at this by default. My posts of late have been fairly sporadic, but I am working on finding a rhythm. In the coming weeks I hope to establish a routine in my personal life which might better enable me to keep up with this. 

2. Read a book a month

Overwhelming success. Which feels fantastic. When I have the time to read, it is completely liberating. I joined a few book clubs to try and keep me on track. Since I set this goal I have read: People of the Book, Olive Kitteridge, Gang Leader for a Day, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, Good Omens, Second Nature, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played with Fire,  and I am currently reading The Castle. 

3. Work on a project that makes me excited

I can't exactly say that I have accomplished this goal, or if I even know how to accomplish this goal. But I did start volunteering at 826CHI and it has been really enjoyable. It is nice to feel like I am helping in a meaningful way. I have also been looking into volunteering in a community garden. 

4. Find a job that I am good at/enjoy

Currently under review. 

5. Run the Chicago Marathon (technically the day after my birthday)

Gah, epic failure. I missed registration! Aaron is set on running an August marathon in Wisconsin that is considerable cheaper than the Chicago. I just need to keep telling myself that I am too busy not to run.

6. Go to California

Currently under review. I hope this happens regardless.

7. Start a separate savings account

Accomplished! Now I just have to start putting funds into this account.

8. Finish was I start (to the best of my ability)

This is kind of difficult to measure. I am trying. It is difficult to keep mental track of everything I have started to ensure I finish it. I definitely need to finish my website.

9. Show appreciation for friends and family

I would like to say I am succeeding at this but my family and friends would really have to attest to my success. As it turns out two of my uncles and my grandfather will be moving to Arizona in the fall, which makes this goal so much more important. 

10. Don't freak out

So much has happened since I set these goals. Between a car accident, job stress, and financial woes, I haven't exactly been the best about not freaking out. But I am trying to reign it in. Life will go on, regardless of my reaction to these minor set backs. Constantly a work in progress. 

When all is said and done, I would say I am on track for most of these (with the exception of the marathon). I may be setting myself up for disappointment, but I think that if I only accomplish some of these goals, my 25th year will be fantastic and 24 will have been very rewarding.