it's that time of year

it's year-end and time again for resolutions and goals. in the past, i've conflated the two, but this year, i am making an actual resolution and setting a couple goals.

the resolution is to correct a bad and worsening habit: i have a tendency to cut in when other people are talking. this happens because first, i can figure out where you are going with what you are saying, and second, i have already formulated a reply, and third, i am rude as hell. it's just getting out of control, and i need to stop before i am That Person.

the goals are to renew my lifeguard certification and to run the lansing marathon in 4:30:00 or less.

i went through lifeguard training three years ago, and it was difficult then, thus i am sure it will be so this time as well. i'm significantly older than the other students, and i'm sure they'll be nice like they were last time, but it's just awkward. also, i wear contact lenses so during the class, i use swimming goggles to protect my eyes. goggles are dorky, but hey, i am not leaving multi-dozen dollar lenses in the pool. beyond their inherent dorkyness, goggles aren't allowed in the test, so not only is the test stressful, but the difference in equipment is stressful. i mean, losing one or both contacts during testing wouldn't be so bad, but the difference between what i am used to and testing situation is simply a stressor. anyway, i am confident i'll pass, and i am up for the challenge, but at the same time, i wish it were already done.

as for lansing, i am thinking 4:29:59 would be a good goal there. i've tried to run hard and fast and ended up hurt, so i don't want to do that again. i've never broken 4:30, so why not just focus on that for a change and stop chasing after every shiny goal that crosses my path?? it's not that i am not up for a challenge -- it's that i don't want to be a fool about it. i am not willing to give up soccer or lifeguard certs, and i am not in the shape i was last year, so 4:30 is a reasonable goal. i've contacted my coach from last year, but if she doesn't want to mess with me, that's cool. i mean, i could use the support, but i could also just cobble together a training plan and muddle through on my own.

so.

what about you?