The weather has been ridiculous lately. This week, I’ve been heading to work in 12-degree weather every morning. I know, I know—it’s colder for most of you, but I’m originally from Florida. Even though I’ve lived in Tennessee for nearly nine years, I find it hard to adapt to the cold at times. I have an issue with figuring out what to wear to keep warm.

Okay, I’ll be honest. I didn’t want to start this post out by talking about the weather. (The weather just always seems like a good conversation starter, right?) I wanted to write about the fact that it’s finally 2010, and how I feel like it’s going to be a big year. Does anyone else feel that way? Like this year is going to be all about good change? I’m not a big believer in the whole “new year, new me” idea. (I like to think I can create a “new, fresh me” without the help of a new year.) However, this year feels like a “new me” year. Something about twenty-ten feels fresh.

Luckily, I was able to end 2009 by enjoying some time away from the responsibility that is work and school. I was able to sleep in alongside Husband and enjoy relaxing days on the couch. (Okay, so the second week was like that. The first week was spent running around while finishing up last-minute shopping for Christmas.) Monday, however, I came back to 40-hour work weeks and waking up at 5:00 a.m. (Okay, I lied again. This week will only be a 32-hour work week because I’m leaving for Florida on Friday.) Even though I’m back to the daily grind, I feel refreshed and excited about what 2010 has in store for me.

So, here we go. The obligatory “goal/resolution” post. I want to set a few manageable goals/plans for the year, so that I have things to look forward to.

Maintain a decent GPA and successfully complete two more semesters of school. At the end of next week, my four online classes will be opening up. I maintained a good GPA last semester, but due to dropping out of school in the Spring of 2008, my cumulative GPA is slightly under 3.0. I’m hoping this semester, I’ll be able to bring it up to at least that. I’ll probably take a couple classes in the summer, and after the Fall 2010 semester is complete, I should be just one semester away from completing my General Transfer degree in Psychology. Taking it one step at a time, though, is key.

Save up enough money to take at least two mini-vacations over the summer. I realized that the last time Husband and I went on a trip was our honeymoon (June 2008). Like I said, we’re going to Florida in January to visit family. Over the summer, I’d like to take a trip to celebrate our anniversary (possibly to Asheville again), and we may take a trip with my in-laws, since it’s my brother-in-law’s last summer before college.

Live fully, love deeply, and laugh whole-heartedly. My favorite words to live by. I want to tackle this year with an optimistic approach by living my life as fully as I possibly can. Simply put.

I have many ideas for goals I’d like to accomplish this year, but like I said, one step at a time. What do you have planned for this year?

I’ve been busy. Too busy to blog, too busy to open my Google Reader as much as I would have liked, and too busy to just be. Things are beginning to slow down, though.

I mentioned a while ago that my company would be losing their contract. Well, long story short, a little over a month ago, I interviewed with a new contractor, and I got the call back this week with the offer. Relief, I swear. I’ll be working the same position I work now, but it will be “permanent” rather than “temporary,” so I’ll have benefits. Finally. I’ll be switching to the company this week, but I have to take a two week furlough after the switch. It’s bittersweet, really. I welcome the vacation, but it’s going to be tough not getting paid for two weeks. Next semester, though, I’ll be a full-time student as well as working full time, so I’m going to enjoy this while it lasts.

This past weekend, I finished my fall semester of school. I passed all three of my classes with flying colors (2 A’s and 1 B), and I don’t have to return to tests and homework until January 14, 2010. Ah, the beauty of Christmas break. So, yes, I will have at least two weeks free of work AND school.

I’ve finished all of my Christmas shopping. I may get a few stocking stuffers here and there, but it’s so wonderful to be completely rid of the stress that is Christmas shopping. (I ordered mostly everything online, though, so it was relatively stress-free to begin with.)

Sadly, most of my goals had to be put on the backburner for a week or so (aside from the not biting my nails part. They have remained “bite-free” for over a week!), but it’ll be so nice to get things back on track this week.