Since my interview Wednesday of last week, I’ve been focused on catching up with my goals.

I read a couple pages about Mah jong. I completed 2 modules of my immunology course. I played Wizard101. I watched 3 House episode clips, about 15 minutes each.

I tried to make chicken parmesan rolls, but used pre-made pizza dough. This dough did not stay formed as a roll while in the oven, but partially opened into a c-shape. I spent time in the library reading Beat Crohn’s! and The complete book of ketones. I also listened to audiobooks briefly, such as Jim Kwik’s Limitless, learning about the Pomodoro method. This involves focusing on a task for 25 minutes and then taking a 5 minute break.

I went for a walk twice this week outside, but bundled up to keep warm.

I meditated infrequently, mostly upon waking up and right before bed for 20 minutes. probably did this 5 times throughout the past week using the MindValley app. I also completed a 30 minute meditation on my yoga mat, sitting with my wrists on my knees, while listening to a session provided by Amazon Prime. I listened to a podcast on treatment options for asthma (for 1 hour?) provided through a Yale immunology. My intention after completing the 30 minute meditation was to then exercise following a video but ended up studying immunology.

This means that I contributes to 10 of my goals this week. I also spent 30 minutes studying webinar creation, but this will not be added to my goals just yet.

My hope is to set a clear schedule for myself for February and March based on my realistic ability to stick to 5 of my goals this month. Balancing fun goals with growth goals has proven to bolster my mood and resolve to persist. Setting realistic expectations as I go is super important to my mental state which is why I allow myself to not complete the time I set aside for each goal just yet and allow flexibility for a change of plans. I must work in a course correction to counteract these derailments. Maybe I should reward a growth goal with a fun goal? I tried this once with using House as my fun goal after a study session and I felt relief and joy. It also helped that I was under a cozy blanket on the couch to help with relaxation.

Lastly, my mom ordered a timer for me when I asked where she got her kitchen timer. I think that having a separate timer from my phone will allow me to cut down on my reliance and borderline dependence on my phone.

Will update in a couple days, Friday review.

Today I made some crucial progress! Worked on my report and enjoyed self-care. Getting my eyelashes done feels easier each time. Also went to Target and bought some things I will enjoy and other things I needed. I started today with a walk that felt great. I look forward to meeting people this week and catching up. Last night I had dinner with Denise and Dale – they always have amazing stories to tell!!! I can’t wait to capture it in a memoir. Also, I looked into the hours at the Animal Hospital. I want to ask about shadowing opportunities and if they are taking new patients. Then I’ll be set to fill out the adoption form! Hopefully the pups will still be available then! During the car ride I finished listening to An Elegant Defense. It did not end as I expected at all. But still felt fulfilling and mostly complete. Gotta share the book with Maria. I’m also thinking of setting up a time to play Mah Jong with her, but it feels too soon to ask her for company. I want to respect her grieving process by giving her plenty of space and time until she is ready to be social. Also practiced Wizard101 and finished winter scroll and beastmoon events. Flamefist is now my beast of choice. Gotta make him amazingly powerful! Finished the day by completing daily and weekly scores, meditation, and now blogging. Time to get some much needed rest. Tomorrow I’ll go for another walk and review report. I’m excited for the instructions regarding the Immunology course! Should come in an e-mail tomorrow. Will get started on Thursday :-).

I spent time over the past few days preparing myself with questions and answered for the hiring team at Merck. The interview went a lot smoother than I anticipated. And I feel a sense of calm and inevitability regarding my ability to receive a position of this kind.

Hopefully I present well enough to impressed that I would make a great addition to the team. I’m reading a training guide on how to give a seminar that will lead to a job offer. Gotta figure out what topics to focus on today.

Also, I had a bit of a scare yesterday while trying to check my interviewer’s online profile. I realized my LinkedIn account became compromised – I could not access my account and it had been restricted due to suspicious activity. I had to send a copy of I.D. to verify identity and just received word that I can access my account. Will have to take extra precautions to ensure this does not happen ever again.

I’m excited to start a new year with fresh ideas for goal setting and self-improvement. While the holidays were a great way to spend time having a good time with friends and family, I would love to get back to working on myself. Previous goals had included waking up at 5am Monday through Friday, meditating Monday through Friday first thing in the morning, practicing speed reading, applying for a higher level role at work, journaling everyday, and learning marketing techniques.

Learn to play Mah Jong – for fun!

Learn Tarot – for fun!

Complete Immunology Online Course – for career growth!

Maintain Wizard101 account for helping players – for fun!

Rewatch House TV Show – for fun!

Volunteer once a week – for community service!

Bake a new recipe once a week – for cooking skills!

Read a book a week – for learning and fun!

Blog once a week – gonna hold myself accountable!

Adopt a puppy – practice responsibility and caregiving skills!

Walk 3-5 times per week – for anxiety relief and good health!

Practice presentation skills by PowerPoint – practice makes perfect!

Meditation everyday for 15-30 minutes – for anxiety relief and relaxation!

Listen to podcasts on important topics – for learning!

Exercise video twice a week – for good health!

Donate once a month $50 to a different charity – for support of my community!

Therapy – for improved mental health and communication skills!

American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists – for leadership and community support!

Join Toastmasters club (2 times per month) – get involved in community club!

Open to suggestions…

Deciding whether or not to link to social media accounts.