Things I am proud of in 2005

1. I put away enough money from Tim and myself to move across country and buy what we needed to set up out here

2. When athena told me initially that I wouldn't be able to take my job with me, we didn't give up on our dream of moving to Portland. I told them if I couldn't take my job with me, I would have to quit. Hooray for not letting anything stop us from moving out here.

3. I got serious about running again, and even when we first moved out here and I couldn't find good places to run, I didn't give up on running. And now I'm back doing it almost every day!

4. Whenever tim and I had problems (hating atherton, me not having any friends and feeling isolated, not liking working from home), we were able to talk things through and fix the problem. I have seen our relationship grow even stronger this year and I couldn't be happier.

5. I found a job posting for a job that sounded perfect for me, and I applied, and every time I went in for an interview, I was so confident I would get it. I got the job, got a $16,000 pay raise, which made our money situation so much better. I am well respected at my job, it challenges me, I am learning more about marketing writing, and the material interests me. It may not be perfect, but I am learning a lot.

6. We started exploring out here, and I can't wait to do more of it!

7. I stood up to my mother, several times. Once, telling them I really didn't think it was a good idea for them to come out and visit us so soon after mom's seizure and fracturing her back. Again when I told her we were not going to come back east on Christmas because it would cost us too much money, and we weren't comfortable with that. And then not giving in to her when she wanted to put a plane ticket on her credit card for me to come back, because I wasn't comfortable with how long it would take me to pay it back. As a result, we had a great christmas, we got to give each other presents, we were able to get presents for our friends and family, and we are starting 2006 in a financially positive and not stressful way. Hooray!

8. I have taken some small steps to making new friends out here, and I know that my efforts will be rewarded soon.

9. I have learned that my friends won't always be there for me in the way that I want, but that it is not a reflection on me, it is them and their lives. I feel more accepting about that now.

10. I didn't go crazy on christmas presents for my parents, i got them both a few things and theater tickets so they can have a nice night out in boston, and I am not going to worry if my mother is upset about it. I put thought into the presents and bought was seemed acceptable, and I am very proud of myself for not spending as much money on Christmas presents as I usually do.

2005 was quite a year! I'm proud of the growth I made!