Reviewing My Own 2012

Last year, I switched from making “resolutions” to a more organic list of personal goals that seemed – at the time – to be where I wanted to go with my life. So before I look ahead to 2013, I want to look back and see where my paths led…

I wanted to continue homebrewing, and make the switch to all-grain. My goal was 8 batches. I only accomplished 4 in 2012, but they were some of the best beers I have ever brewed. I credit the switch to all-grain for that, as well as some great teachers (I am looking at you, Khris Johnson, even if you did try to burn my house down!)

I wanted to make a move toward a healthier lifestyle, a la diet and exercise. I have certainly done that. I have not gone to a sparse and meager existence by any means, but I am paying more attention to what – and how much – I eat. I started working out at Orange Theory Fitness right after St. Patrick’s Day, and I am proud to say I have lost nearly 20 pounds and kept it off.

I wanted to keep writing here and for Creative Loafing, and I have done that in spades.

I wanted to revive Portete. That one sputtered a bit and has lain stagnant for too long.

I wanted to choose writing over watching TV. I will sheepishly admit I fell victim to Netflix, and got hooked on numerous cable offerings that I had never seen. Battlestar Galactica and Caprica, Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, etc. And while it stirs the imagination, I didn’t follow through with more writing.

I wanted to make a point to be an ambassador for Florida craft beer here and abroad. I think I did that fairly well, and made myself an active participant in the inaugural Tampa Bay Beer Week.

I wanted to go to BBC2012 and/or GABF this year, as well as be present at as many local events as possible. I did great locally, but logistics and financial concerns kept me from travelling to Indianapolis or Denver.

I wanted to take my next graduate class towards my Sustainability degree. I did take the next class, and in doing so took a close look at what i wanted to do with the degree and program. I made the decision then to step back from the program and reevaluate my path.

I wanted to be mindful about supporting local, the current economy, personal accountability, and corporate ethics, because they DO matter. I have been far more aware this past year of all these things. I try to be conscious of where things come from and where my money goes. I still have a long way to go, but it’s a start.

I wanted to say yes to what I want, and no to what I don’t. I think I have done that pretty well this year. Of course, you have to be prepared for the results. They are not always what you expect.

I wanted to remember that being “just fine”… isn’t. That’s a hard one to wrap your head around, but it means moving forward with and for what you want and not settling.

So, there were lots of highs and lows this year. Some really epic moments, and some ones that kick you in the gut. But you learn from them and you move forward. And so it goes…

I’m ready for 2013. Bring me that horizon…

~ by Sean Nordquist on December 31, 2012.