I wasn’t that excited when the clock ticked over to 2018 (in fact I was already in bed, though not asleep).
I was pretty sure 2018 would be a case of same stuff, different day year.
But over my holiday I actually had time to think about it a bit more, and it seems I was wrong. There is already some some neat stuff lined up for the months ahead, for this middle aged mama!
What Does 2018 Have in Store?
Business: Last year I set a goal to do more public speaking, as I love to share my knowledge of writing, blogging, SEO, starting a small business, and recovering from redundancy, with others – and I already have 3 or 4 speaking engagements in my diary!
One of these is the Australian VA Conference which is being held in Brisbane in March – which is kinda exciting because last time I went (in 2014 I think?), I dreamed that one day I might even be one of the speakers!
At the beginning of last year I was almost at the point of “getting a real job” but I got my hustle on in 2017 and worked my butt off to build my business – and it’s been working. Things have really picked up, and I’m on track to have my best financial year yet.
Family: The hubster will embark on his own Festival of 50 in July (yes, I’m a cradle snatcher), although we’re not sure just yet what form those celebrations will take …
Mr 23 should finish his Commerce degree at the end of the year. Over the summer he has been interning for a local financial planner and is absolutely loving it – it even sounds like he has a job there if he wants, when he graduates!
Miss 21 and her man are wanting to move from their inner city apartment to a house a bit further out of town (and closer to her mama) – they are wanting more space, and I think my girl has missed having a garden too, as the first thing she does whenever she visits, is water my vege patch!
Health: Just before Christmas I learned that the spot on my cheek is indeed a Basal Cell Carcinoma, so I will be seeing a plastic surgeon later this month to have it removed. Ho hum. The joys of growing up a Queensland kid.
And, I still need to go for a mammogram.
Home: I hate the palaver associated with moving but now that our backyard is finally looking a picture, it could be time to sell (something we intended to do when we started fixing the backyard about 5 years ago).
Back then we needed more space, but with one kidult already flown the nest, and the other one only likely to do the same in another year or two, it’s not really our motivation. Now it’s probably more about being a bit closer to hubster’s work, a bit more room than our small suburban block, and a shed he could use as a “man cave”.
Travel: We have just returned from a holiday in Canberra (which I’m sure you’ll hear more about in blog posts to come). I have so many travel dreams, but much as I would like to say we have our next holiday booked, there is nothing on the horizon … yet. Even a few more budget weekend getaways would be most welcome!
Adventures: We were fortunate to secure tickets to the diving finals at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, so that’s something to look forward to in April.
And the kidults gave me a voucher for my birthday to try out indoor skydiving – although it’s a lot tamer than jumping out of a plane, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a tad nervous about it!
Blogging: I have a couple of “in real life” catch ups with bloggers scheduled over the next month or two, after getting the year off to a great start over coffee with Leanne from Deep Fried Fruit when we were in Canberra 🙂 .
And, I’m going to focus less on optimising my blog, or monetising it – after all, that’s my day job! – and just blog for the joy of it.
Money: This could be the year we purchase an investment property … maybe …
What plans do you have for 2018?!
Joining up with some of my fave bloggers for:
Thanks for sharing, Janet. 2018 is looking like an exciting year for you!
Mine is looking like a full year too, with settling my son into high school and daughter into year 5, keeping signed up for supply teaching, and doing my return to teaching course. And supporting hubby through his studies.
Oh, and a coffee with you sometime during the first quarter of the year : )
Hi Liz, wow high school – a big step! And yes, let’s book in a coffee soon 🙂
Love this post Janet. I enjoy reading about what is happening and the goals you have for this year. I have a feeling 2018 will be a fab year. I can’t wait to catch up with you in person to hear about your business success and your speaking engagements. Well done. xx
W0W. So much positivity here and so much to think about and plan. Love it. Not so much the BCC but as you say ‘growing up in Qld’. Yours and the kidults ventures all sound great. Congrats on your business going well because that is all up to you. Denyse x
I love that you have some interesting things lined up on your horizon Janet – I don’t have quite as many boxes ticked, but I still see it as being a really positive year. I also agree about taking the pressure off your blogging and letting it be about you and sharing your life and having fun. I love that I don’t have to pander to anyone but myself when I write – it helps keep me authentic 🙂 Looking forward to sharing the year ahead with you – and well done on being a speaker at the VA conference – very special indeed!
Well done on your speaking engagements and having the best financial year ever with your business pursuits! That’s awesome. Seems like you have a lot to look forward to this year, and I’m sure you’ll find a little room for some time away. Good luck with the investment property too 🙂
Your business sounds as though it’s taking off – well done, you deserve that. You certainly have an interesting year ahead – now you just need to book that holiday. Happy New Year.
Sounds like a very positive year coming up Janet – in all respects! Fantastic that you have some speaking engagements on the horizon. You are braver than me! I am not good at public speaking – well I don’t like it anyway – it terrifies me!! Good on you for persevering on the business front and now you will reap the rewards. Good luck with the possible move and the investment property, and lastly, hopefully I will be one of the bloggy friends you meet up with IRL. Last time was ages ago!
You have some wonderful goals for 2018. I’m particularly impressed with your speaking engagements. Well done you! My plans are 6 weeks caravanning, selling our house and building a new one over the border in NSW and my son’s wedding later on in the year. It’s going to be a big one! #TeamLovinLife
Looks like a great year ahead Janet and hope we get together for another IRL blogging ladies lunch. Your public speaking engagements sound very interesting and moving to a new home is always exciting. Don’t forget that mammogram though!!!
I love this post, Janet. A really positive and pro-active way to approach the year.
How exciting regarding the games tickets!
SSG xxx