The year of...

My life feels like a series of contradictions, including it is the best of times to be traveling and the worst of times to be traveling.  A series of events has me feeling like I need to be home where things are safe and predictable and I might, however naive this sounds, be able to exert some influence and control.  The other part of me is thankful for the chance to flee and recover, reorganize and reset.  Regardless of my feelings, I am committed to several obligations related to work and speaking at a conference that has me in Colorado, Minneapolis, and Missouri over the course of the week.

The first leg of the trip took me to Aspen, Colorado for the Western Slope College Fair.  Talk about an event of contradictions.  From the wealthiest and most privileged to the lower income, first-generation college student, we saw them all and many between.  I was humbled by the graciousness of everyone.  There is a spirit in that part of the country that is really inspiring and attractive.

I began my travels early Saturday morning and arrived just in time to take the last gondola ride up the mountain for a spectacular view.  It was so special to see the panoramic views with the fall leaves turning on a beautiful, sunny day.  I have to admit, I cried a little bit on the ride up the mountain   (Thank goodness I had the gondola to myself...I already felt weird riding alone and still a little awkward about crying in the DFW airport  earlier in the day while I tried to figure out if the GPS I was buying from a vending machine (yes, a vending machine) was a good deal.)  At the top, you could see for miles in all directions.  It felt like one of those once in a lifetime moments.

After riding back down the mountain, I had enough time to return to the hotel and get ready for the start to the fair.  I happened to circle up with a great groups of other women attending the fair from colleges all around the country.  We started talking about our work, laughing together about things only people who do our work would appreciate, and enjoying good food.  One of the women told us she was training for a marathon and a half.  We all did a double take.  She told us that runners arrive at Disneyland and run the half marathon on Saturday and then run the full marathon the next day.  C-R-A-Z-Y!  She is training for this now, during travel season.  DOUBLE C-R-A-Z-Y!  (and kind of inspiring)

We asked her about her motivation for this and she said it was HER YEAR.  She had declared 2012 HER YEAR and she created a list of things she wanted to accomplish - buy a house, date a guy, run this crazy back-to-back race, etc.  We were all encouraging her and pouring on the praise and then she turned to me and said, "Emily, so make this your year.  What do you want to do in 2013?"  I kind of freaked out.  We have a lifetime goals list and I am pretty intentional about focusing on one or two things, but nothing that big.  I begged out and told her that I would need to think about it.  So, I am.  I have two and a half months to think through what MY YEAR might include.

So, if this were to be YOUR YEAR, what would you do?  Post comments or I know some of you like to message me on Facebook.  Either way, I'd love to hear about your plans and I am open to suggestions for my own list.