Well hello there, 2011

I can't believe how fast time flies.  It seems like it was just yesterday that Mr. J and I were ringing in 1999.  The first of the year always makes me nostalgic, and then I realize how much I have to do in the next twelve months and go into panic mode.

Over the years, I've made many resolutions that I never kept beyond January.  I am determined to avoid that going forward.  Instead of making resolutions this year, I want to make 2011 a year of continued personal growth and to actually focus on professional progress. 

2010 was filled with lots of uncertainty in my professional life.  I spent all of it unemployed (sadly, I don't see that changing any time soon).  Since I moved from NYC to Tampa in March of 2009, I have not been able to find anyone to interview me in this city.  It's frustrating since I have been able to land interviews back home.  Too bad it's not possible to move back unless both Mr. J and I can get jobs first.  As a result, I was supposed to focus on getting myself into business school.  That didn't really happen in 2010 for various reasons.  I took the GMAT twice and lost focus to try and take the test a third time.  Then, I started doubting my reasons for wanting the MBA and I waffled on career choices after grad school. 

I started researching the requirements for the CPA exam since I thought that career would be better suited for what I want as far as work/life balance is concerned.  Now, I am back to the MBA goal again.  Talk about going around in circles!  So yes, 2011, I shall get my act together to take the GMAT as many times as necessary to get that score I need for the program I want.  Also, in order to keep myself competitive for my career after the MBA, I plan on studying for and taking the CFA Level I and II tests this year.  I really hope I pass both!

In 2010, Mr. J and I were able to travel a lot and accomplish several financial goals, so that's great.  We also laid down the ground work to make some big changes in our personal lives, so really it was a pretty good year for us in these two areas.  I know that we won't be able to travel half as much in 2011, but we are planning to do a lot regarding our financial goals so I am happy with the end result. 

I hope to be a much more frequent blogger this year and I hope I gain some readers to hold me more accountable :-P

In what ways would you like 2011 to be different than 2010?

Happy New Year readers!  May 2011 bring you love, peace, and prosperity.