Generic? Sure. Worthwhile? Probably. So here are a few goals for me for this year. Why not?
1. Find a permanent, full-time teaching job. Sounds easier than it is. I was told that for one of the positions for which I interviewed this past spring, there were over 50 applicants. And that was in the bad school district. I can only imagine the number at the good school where I become one of 4 or 5 people who actually got an interview. Hopefully your tax dollars will pull us out of this recession soon so I don't have to compete with half of New Hampshire for a job this year.
2. Begin taking classes toward a Master's in Education. Should be easy enough, and should help toward goal #1. I also would love to finish the Master's in History that I started a few years ago. Unfortunately, there is not a college in NH that offers such a program. I'd have to go to Boston, or do one long-distance.
3. Read 20 books. In 2009, I tried to read 12, but only made it to 10. But hey, one of those 10 was a 900-page Dostoyevsky novel. And I got halfway through a thick history of America in the 20th century. Oh, and Moby Dick. I'm not reading 200-page chick-lit novels which can be finished in an afternoon on the beach. Alright, I'm justifying. So why double my goal from what I accomplished? Because really, I should be reading a lot more than I do. I'm gonna come up with a list of books I intend to read this year -- when I do, I'll post it. I'd like to have comments on things I've read, which is why I've posted several reviews of things I've read in the past.
4. Write more. Not necessarily here; though that's included under this blanket statement. No, what I have in mind is more in a lot of different ways. I intend to keep a daily journal, write a few short stories, and perhaps start a full-length novel.
5. Climb at least TWO 46er Adirondack Mountains. I just got some nice hiking shoes for my birthday. This goal may be hampered by the recurrence of a nagging knee injury, but as soon as I get my government-sponsored health insurance, I'm sure that will be cleared right up.
There are lots of other things I hope to do -- eat healthier, use my boat more, and so on -- but those are not quite goals, more like lifestyle changes. And they're kinda boring.
4 comments:
You do realise of course only the taxes start immediately - the actual coverage doesn't begin un 2012 or 2014 or something...
Oh and I did read 20 chic lit novels this year!
But write more... seriously... i mean it!!
Solid set of goals you have there.
My only advice, don't climb Giant with bringing lots of water. After Jeb and I made that mistake this summer, I'll never go hiking again without several gallons of water.
Happy new year :)
Nice set of goals. I like the writing goal. Do it.
In the spirit of reaching your goals and reading more, I suggest The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
It's a beautiful book, and will defnitely inspire you to reach the rest of your goals...
Good luck, and let's discuss books and teaching, perhaps in NH - I'm trying to get a full-time college teaching job, and it's tough - so I hear ya.
Post a Comment