For the longest time, I shunned podcasts. I tried a few over the years but could never find one I could really get sink my ears into. I have a tough time with auditory-based stuff, mainly because of the narrator. If they aren't engaging, I just can't do it. I'm super picky about the voices that fill my head space. On top of that quirk, I was technologically deficient. Up until last spring, I drove a 2005 Escape that had a kickin' 6-disc CD changer but no Bluetooth capabilities. Plus, I have an putz commute (15 minutes on a slow traffic day), so I'm not in the car long enough to commit to a Sonic Slush, let alone a droning podcast.
But I upgraded my car last year to a spaceship (feels like it to me, anyway) that talks to me, and one of my girls started her own (short-lived) podcast series, so I decided to give podcasts another listen. Turns out, I kinda sorta like 'em. Here's what's on my list.
Favorite Podcasts
Dolly Parton's America - so interesting and well done!
Second Life - I LOVE THIS!
On My Listen List
Over My Dead Body
Unsolved Murders: The True Crime Stories
MASTERPIECE Studio
Do you enjoy podcasts? If so, please share your favorites in the comments. I'm always looking for great content.
Until then ... wherever you are, whatever you're doing ... Keep It Real.
I mentioned in my previous post that I was working on establishing some goals for 2020, and I hoped to share them soon. It's time!
My list is MUCH shorter than it has been in previous years. In 2018, I decided to follow Gretchen Rubin's lead and define 18 goals for 2018. Last year, I wrote 19 goals for 2019 (I wasn't blogging much, so I didn't post them). I had no problem coming up with different things I wanted to accomplish, but I wasn't super successful in getting them done.
So, I took a step back. Ideal Reality vs. Real Reality. I wrote just eight goals for 2020.
1. Figure out my digestive health. I won't go into much detail (you're welcome!), but something's not quite right. To help me reach the goal, I committed to keeping a food journal and being more mindful of portions. Progress: I tracked my food every day in January, but II wasn't very mindful of how much I was eating. Baby steps, right?
2. Create a online portfolio. Progress: Done! For someone who doesn't have design skills, I think I did a pretty good job. A digital portfolio is something I've wanted to do for a while, and I'm thrilled to mark it off the list.
3. Determine the next step in my career (related to Goal No. 2). I'm not 100% sure, but it may be time for a change. Progress: Early stages of soul searching
4. Volunteer for at least one literacy-related event. I'm am passionate about literacy and making sure everyone has access to the tools they need to learn how to read, especially kiddos. I had to cool that passion for a few years. I'm looking into getting involved with Reach Out and Read Kansas City. Progress: They're hosting a 5K fundraiser in April, and I'm thinking about signing up.
5. Plan a someday trip to Bali. Lounging in a hut over the ocean in an exotic location is on my bucket list.
6. Call or see Rachelle at least one time a month. Rachelle's my best friend. We've known each other since Ms. Gibler's 4th Grade class ... 40 years ago. She lives on the other side of state. We're good at staying in touch by text, but we're both looking to strengthen our bond a bit this year. Progress: We talked on the phone in January and have a date set to meet up in February. Yay!
7. Read 31 books. Last year, I read 30, so I upped it by one this year. Progress: Two down, three in progress. Connect with me on Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com/.
8. Go to one movie alone every month. I used to love going to the movies by myself, so I'm excited about this goal. In January, I saw Jo Jo Rabbit. I didn't realize it was an Oscar-nominated film until after. I just picked one that sounded good. I'd recommend it. I have February's picket out: Downhill. The trailer looked good; the reviews are meh. I'll let you know what I thought.
There you have it! Do you set goals? Any you want to share? Please leave a note in the comments!
Wherever you are, whatever you're doing ... Keep It Real.
