5 Goals for 2009

Here are 5 things that I want to accomplish in 2009.

5) Take A Vacation

I NEED a real vacation this year. I haven't been skiing (real skiing, not Wisconsin skiing) since I was 17, and would absolutely love to take a trip to Colorado or Canada. Just looking at the picture above brings a smile to my face.

4)Watch More Hockey

"Hockey never left Chicago, but it has definitely returned!" For the last 10 years, there really wasn't a "Hockey Season" in my life. This is mostly because the Blackhawks were absolutely horrible, failing to make the playoffs 9 of the last 10 seasons, after making the playoffs the previous 28 seasons. Three years ago, the Chicago hockey scene was so bad, the Chicago Wolves actually outdrew the Hawks. The glory days of Belfour, Chelios, Amonte, Daze, Roenick, and Probert were now a distant memory, and us Chicago sports fans were left virtually hockyless. A series of events has not only gotten my attention, but has reborn my passion for hockey. In the last three years a few things happened:

a) the blackhawks drafted their 2 superstars (Toews and Kane)- these guys are human highlight reels and are extremely exciting to watch.

b) Long time hated owner Bill Wirtz died, ending the television blackout that has prevented me (and most casual Chicago sports fans) from watching home games.
c) The NHL holds the Winter Classic at Wrigley field.- Even though the Hawks lost, it was still an exciting game to watch, and has brought even more attention to the NHL.

This season I have been casually watching games and have even gone to a game. I want to take this to the next level, and start following (and not just watcing) the Hawks.

3)Move to Chicago

Money: Check. Job: Check. Cubs Season Tickets: Check. Roommate......not so much.
A roommate is pretty much the only thing that is preventing me from accomplishing this goal. After checking out a couple of craigslist ads for subleases, I have concluded that craigslist is not the answer. If you are reading this and a)you are looking to move to Chicago this year or b) you know someone who is looking to move to Chicag this year PLEASE let me know.

2) Pass the CFP Exam


This test is going to be a bitch. After hearing the the GMAT was 3 hours, i kindof laughed, becase the CFP exam is 10 hours of agony. I am virtually surrendering my first 10 weekends of 2009 to study for this damn thing, and if I don't pass this test, I will cry.

1) Run the Chicago Marathon

This is something that I have wanted to do for a few years, but haven't been able to due to injuries/laziness. This year I mean business. I started my mileage buildup yesterday and plan to be marathon ready by October. I will not get lazy this year, and hopefully will not get bit by the injury bug. Even though there hasn't been a date set yet, mark your calendars for mid-October. I don't plan to win the race,but my goal is to beat one Kenyan.