I did strength training (pushups, situps, free weights, lunges, squats, etc.) last night, so one of 5 done on that one, and 2 out of 25 workouts done for the month!

I love that the challenge has morphed into thinking about a 5-year plan as well. I haven't thought that far into the future for a while. Our huge goal is to make a permanent move to England, but we're really at the mercy of the UK immigration system for that, and it's not being very merciful of late. Basically AS would have to charm an employer into filing paperwork saying there was no one in all of the European Union who could perform the job as well as she could. I mean, she's extremely charming, but it's a long shot at best. The only other way to get there that I can see would be for her to start a business, and the requirements are that she make a huge capital investment. So I don't really see us putting all our net worth on the line on a gamble like that, either.

So it feels weird to say it's a goal, when it's not one we can really work on. AS continues to build her reputation in her field, so there is a chance an English company will recruit her someday, but like I say, a long shot.

I would like to make the move before the kids get too old, so the acclimation isn't too traumatic for them. But, we're trying to raise them to be comfortable in new situations and around new people, so hopefully they'd be able to adjust at any age.

So OK, removing our big goal from our 5-year plan because it's just too big and nebulous and hard to work toward, what else would I like to see in 5 years?

* Be out of all debt except mortgages. (I'm actually hoping to eliminate student loan debt within 3 years.)
* If we haven't moved and bought a new house in England, cut our total debt to less than $200,000. I know housing in the areas of England we'd like to live is expensive, so if we have managed to move, I won't mind having a bigger mortgage for that.
* Get our combined net worth to half a million dollars.

That's all financial, of course. Personally and professionally, it's so hard to see where I want to go.

I'm not crazy about my job, but I feel like it might be the best I can do salary-wise with my qualifications. Also I'm extremely shy and nervous in new situations, so that makes it hard to impress at interviews. I do keep my eyes open for new opportunities, but I'm not taking any giant leaps of faith in the near future. At least not that I can foresee right now.

I'm basically content with my personal life but would like to be doing more in the creative/artistic/craftsy area (as you'll hear me say time and again).

Also I'd like to find a volunteer activity that suits my temperament and schedule.

I wouldn't mind feeling better about my appearance: being thinner, more in shape, having a more fashionable wardrobe.

But, you know, if I just manage to stay basically where I am, that's OK too. I feel like I put a lot of effort into keeping a happy, healthy, fun, organized home life. Especially with two young kids, that's my main priority. So I don't like to stress myself out thinking I should be doing a bunch more stuff.