Bring It On 2015

How are we already 9 days into 2015?! Time is flying by, I am still writing 2014 on everything! I suppose it is time for me to accept reality and welcome this new year. And what does a new year require? A new list of goals and resolutions of course!

Not let my terrible Icelandic bring me down
Goal: Take another language class this Spring and actually use the vocabulary I have!

Take weekend road trips all over Iceland
Goal: Visit 10 new places and work on crossing places off my Icelandic bucket list!

Become a student again
Goal: Start a masters program (preferable online). At the least take graduate courses at the university I work at, I need to keep expanding my mind!

Run my second full marathon
Goal: Beat my previous marathon time. I have my eyes set on running the New York City marathon. Fingers crossed I get chosen in the lottery entry drawing!

Continue growing my blog and the community around it
Goal: Blog at least three times a week the entire year. Anymore than three posts a week and I know I am setting myself up for failure.

Reignite my love for reading
Goal: Read 50 books this year. I am fully enjoying working hard towards this goal, bring on my cozy blanket and lazy afternoons spent reading.

Throw our first party at our flat
Goal: Sure we have friends over for a drink or two but I am talking about a full blown themed party. I am thinking a St.Patrick’s Day bash is just the thing, bring on green everything!

Travel to new places
Goal: Visit two new countries. Living in Iceland traveling abroad can be quite pricey versus living on mainland Europe so I am keeping this goal reasonable. Add in the fact that a trip to Oregon is most likely happening this summer and that doesn’t leave much time, or money, left for more travel. So two new countries this year is my goal. We already have one trip booked (Amsterdam this spring yay!) and I am hoping to add a trip to the Christmas markets in Germany this year as well.

Turn my love of writing into something more
Goal: Land my first paid freelance writing job

Improve my photography
Goal: Take a class on skillshare, read about photographer tips, practice with my camera every week, basically take in all the knowledge I can to take my photography to the next level!

Last year was all about adjusting to my new life in Iceland and tackling all the challenges it brought my way. This year I want to continue to push myself and start crossing off those things on my “one day I will do this” list. So bring it on 2015, I am ready for my best year yet!

Question of the Day?
What are you goals for the new year?

January 9, 2015 by Kiki

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http://www.themidnightblog.com/ Charlotte

Happy new year! What inspiring goals!

My only goal this year is to stop making goals and just go with the flow. I tend to put too much pressure on myself and goal-making is therefore not the best way to battle this. :) It is also my second year living abroad and I would like to take more time to explore and discover new places, though!

Crossing my fingers for the NYC marathon! That would be so cool! I will be running the London 10 000 this year, very excited about that.
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  I think just going with the flow sounds perfect! And how exciting for your London run!!! Discovering new places is on my list for this year as well, hoping to make lots of time for exploring. Happy new year to you!
http://www.rhymeandribbons.com/ Amanda @ Rhyme & Ribbons

I love all of those goals for you! Maybe you could run the London Marathon one day! What would you like to get your MA in? x
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Ahh you totally have my mind buzzing now on the London Marathon, I already looked up flight tickets for that weekend! As for my MA I have a BS in Business and always thought I would continue onto an MBA but now I am not sure that is where my passion really falls. I am thinking I would like to take a few graduate level courses here at the university I work at in a couple different areas and go from there.
http://confuzzledom.wordpress.com/ bevchen

Oh, those are some great goals! St Patrick’s Day party sounds fabulous!
Yes, you definitely need to get to some German Christmas markets. Best thing EVER!

Now I’ve revealed that we’re moving I can actually post my goals for this year ;-)
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  I definitely think so, German Christmas markets sound amazing! Yes this is going to be an exciting year for you, looking forward to following along!
http://guntersabroad.blogspot.com/ Jamie @ Gunters Abroad

Wow these are great! Good for you! I feel like a total slacker now haha!! Are you on goodreads? I totally missed my mark of 25 books last year (only read 17) and I want to get back on track!! I’m always in need of suggestions :)
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  I am on goodreads it is awesome for keeping track of my goals! I just read Wild by Cheryl Strayed and loved it!
http://letuswanderlust.blogspot.com/ Carly @ Let Us Wanderlust

These are such great goals! I felt inspired just reading them. I’m really interested to hear about trying to land a paid freelance writing job! I’d love to do something similar one day. I’d love to know how you go about finding one! Your plans for a St Patricks Day party sounds awesome! And I really want to improve my photography this year too. Xo
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Yes I am really hoping to land a paid freelance writing job, I am just researching the options now to see how to best go about finding one, fingers crossed :) I am trying to be more patient with my photography and take the time to try new settings on my camera, I tend to just keep it in auto and go with it.
http://www.teamstarnes.com Alexandra @ Team Starnes

Go getchya some little miss! Second FULL marathon?! *mind blown* :)
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Thanks girl! Yes I know, I don’t know how I survived the first one and why I have a strong desire to run a second but I am just going to go with it ha.
http://www.earthwanderess.com

That is some list! I share a lot of them as well :)
I guess my goals for this year is to explore as much as possible. Not only other countries and continents, but to explore my own city and country more.
I guess it’s easy to take what you have around you for granted sometimes..
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Exploring as much as possible is a great go, you never know what adventures you will have!
http://meandmr.com melaniekay

I love these goals- a marathon would be incredible! Enjoy Amsterdam! I loved it when I visited!!!
Melanie @ meandmr.com
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  I can’t wait for our visit to Amsterdam, I have only heard great things about the city!
http://luyoutravel.blogspot.com/ Elizabeth Georgian

These are wonderful goals! I’m hoping for a happy and fulfilling year!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Thank you, I hope you have a wonderful year as well!
http://www.californienne.com/ Marianne

These are some good goals - I’m also trying to tackle a few of them: reading more, freelancing, expanding my mind, traveling. I’m trying to get myself into running but I’ve never been much of a runner so it’s difficult (I’ve always found it too boring to get my endurance up enough to enjoy it, or maybe that’s my excuse). I’m focusing on walking and jogging a little for now but I’d love to be able to run a marathon one day.
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Sounds like you have some great goals as well! I got into running just by walking and jogging at first, it took me awhile to enjoy it but now I love it, well most days at least :)
http://www.adventurings.com Cynthia

Very solid goal list! I see you got a new Kindle! What kind did you eventually decide on?
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Yes, I got one for Christmas and am loving it! I got the Kindle Fire :)
http://www.fullofbeansandsausages.com/ Holly Hollyson

He he, some of these sound like I could have written them - I wanna finish my masters! And I have been looking up photography courses too. Good luck with it all!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Are you currently in a master program? I have been debating since I graduated from my BSc 3 years ago about starting a masters and now I really want to make it happen!
  - http://www.fullofbeansandsausages.com/ Holly Hollyson
    
    No Kaelene, not any more - I started my masters in England alongside my job as a teacher, I am not allowed to study here, but when I can…I love learning so I can’t wait to start again!
http://inflightmovie.wordpress.com Alia

Those are great resolutions! We’re moving to Iceland for three years this August. So my main goal for 2015 is for a smooth transition. :)
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Here is to a smooth transition as well! Are you guys having to take Icelandic courses before you arrive?
  - http://inflightmovie.wordpress.com Alia
    
    Sorry for the delayed response! Still getting used to the Disqus format and checking for messages. :) Sadly, Icelandic isn’t required for my job, so I won’t get any formal training. But I’ve got a few books and am hoping to pick some up before we get there. Definitely a unique language!!
    - http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
      
      No worries! It is one unique language for sure! Best of luck with your studies :)
      - http://inflightmovie.wordpress.com Alia
        
        Thank you!
http://mishfish13.com/ Mishfish13

Love these goals. I think a half marathon is on my list and it’s the most intimidating one!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  A half marathon is a great goal to have on the list! I was so nervous and scared when I ran my first one!
http://Buttonsandbirdcages.com Miche Renee

The NYC marathon would be awesome. I’ve only run a half - so my goal is to run another half this year. Maybe next year will be the year of full marathons..maybe

Miche from Buttons and Birdcages
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  I would love to run the NYC marathon it would be an amazing experience for sure! I love the half marathon, perfect challenge!
http://anothercleanslate.com/ Kate @ Another Clean Slate

I was talking about doing the Christmas markets this year too- it would be incredible. Do you get to take classes for free at your university? If so, you definitely need to take advantage of it!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  I really want to visit the Christmas markets this year as well and since we won’t be going to the states for Christmas I think it is the perfect plan :) Yes! It is so great working at the university, I get some for free and others at a great discount, but it is so much more affordable then in the states I definitely need to take advantage of it!
http://agirlandhertravels.com/ Polly

All I want is to not lose my mind this year. We’ll see how it goes :)

Oh, and what are you reading? I need some recs!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Yes, that is a goal for me right now in the middle of what feels like a never ending dark winter! Right now I just finished reading Wild by Cheryl Strayed, it took me a bit to get into but I really enjoyed it!
http://www.crumbsinthebed.com/ Kerri

These sounds like some good goals to set for the new year! I have a few goals in mind, mostly more travelling around Belgium and making the most of my free time. Oh and continuing to make it through my work without letting it bog me down :)
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Yes, same here, I want to make the most of my free time and not get lazy and stay inside!
http://megantofrancewithlove.blogspot.com/ Megan

Those are some great goals, and I have no doubt you’ll do all of them fabulously! :) for the books, are you on Goodreads? If not, you should check it out, it’s a great way to find new books to read and see their reviews from other readers etc. Let me know if you check it out!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Thanks Megan :) I am on Goodreads, I love it, is a great motivator for keeping track of my goals! Any book recommendations??
http://the.pyreflies.org/ Jessica ThePyreflies

improving my photography is on my list too! I bought a book with lessons and tricks on how to use my camera when I first bought it but I haven’t read it… oops!! I need to do that this year! good luck with your goals! :)

Jessica
the.pyreflies.org
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  I keep saying I am going to take the time to learn more about my camera but all I end up doing is putting it in auto, this year I am making it happen!
http://www.seeyouinaporridge.com/ Kristen @ SYIAP

good luck with your goals :) we are totally gonna have a st paddy’s party as well :)
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Thanks :) I think a st paddy’s party sounds like a blast!
http://www.brookemeaganjones.com/ Brooke Jones

My goals are pretty similar! We spent the last year getting adjusted to our new home, but I don’t want to just get all comfortable now and not challenge myself. Travel is big on my list even if it’s just little road trips here and there. I really want to keep exploring. I went back to school last year, but I really want to take a language course. I’m thinking either French or Spanish. And yes, lots of blogging, writing and photography! This year is going to be a good one :)
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  My exact same thoughts! I don’t want to get too comfortable and just back into a set routine when time just passes me by. It sounds like your year is going to be amazing!
http://www.onetripatatime.com Stacey

Those are some great goals that are sure to keep you growing and learning this year. You’re going to be a busy lady!
I have some similar goals- reading more (especially toward my “Read Around the World” goal) and also focusing on making progress to my lifetime travel goals.
2015 is going to be one fabulous year!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  I agree, 2015 is going to be one great year. Good luck with your goals!
http://www.kati-rose.com/ Kati Rose

I think you’ve got some wonderful goals for 2015! It will be exciting to see how your blog and you grow from working towards them. You’ll have to let me know if you find any good Skillshare photography courses - that is one thing I’d love to check out!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  I will definitely let you know if I find some good Skillshare courses, that is my first place to look for some courses on photography.
http://www.letbirdsflyblog.com/ Bailey K.

I’d like to work on your Icelandic bucket list, too! :)
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  I think my list just keeps getting longer, I need to get to work on it!
http://themochileradiaries.com Leah Kate

Nice list! My goals always include improving my Spanish and my photography skills, I’m making slow but noticeable progress in both, I think! Good luck in 2015!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Both are impressive to me so you go girl!
http://www.gorjaeous.com/ Jae

You know what I think? I think these goals are achievable, and I know that you’re going to scratch them off your list even before the year ends! Good luck, Kaelene!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Thanks so much Jae!
http://beertimewithwagner.com/ Jordan Beck Wagner

I love all these goals and how reasonable they are (well, semi-reasonable but definitely achievable!) Can’t wait to see what 2015 brings for you! xo
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Thanks Jordan! Here is to a great 2015 to you too!
http://totravelandbeyon.com/ Macy Gutermuth

Where are you in the first photo? It looks beautiful! 50 books is a hefty goal, it would be great to reach that! You will love Amsterdam, I had such a fun time. You should take a canal ride during the day and in the evening, it’s a totally different atmosphere.
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  The first photo is in Hvar, Croatia. Croatia was so beautiful! I can’t wait to visit Amsterdam, a canal ride just sounds like a dream come true!
http://www.madetotravelblog.com/ Hannah Webb

Ambitious but pretty great sounding goals! So funny so many I was like oh yeh me too, life of an expat I guess :P PS. The German Christmas markets would not disappoint!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  I really want to make the German Christmas markets happen this year, they sound like a the best thing ever!
Samantha Bender

These are all such great goals! So impressed by everything that you want to accomplish!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Thank you :) Now hopefully I can manage to accomplish them all!
http://hannahonthemap.com Hannah Wasielewski

Great goals! I should try some of these myself :) Happy new year!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Thanks! A very happy new year to you as well :)
http://bristolinmypocket.blogspot.co.uk/ Sara Rose

I have a goal to read 50 books this year as well!! Now that I’m officially done with school I feel like reading is a great way to keep working your mind!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  I agree, I want to spend more time reading and not zoning out on some tv show!
http://www.thesunnysideothis.com/ Laisa

yes on ambitios goals :) i know you can achieve them! go Kaelene!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Thanks Laisa!!! Here is to a great year :) And I have to ask, how is your named pronounced, I love the spelling! I am all about unique names :)
  - http://www.thesunnysideothis.com/ Isabel
    
    my name real name is Isabel but my friends call me Laisa which is spanish means ‘the isa’ lol. it stuck, i don’t how it managed to appear in disqus but feel free to call me like that :) it’s pronounced like lisa hehe
    - http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
      
      Oh ha, okay, well they are both beautiful! I was wondering if that is how it was pronounced, my moms name is Lisa but she spells in Lesa. I love your spelling of it.
      - http://www.thesunnysideothis.com/ Isabel
        
        awww, it could be cool then to your laisa into my real name. your mom name’s very pretty :)
http://thekaytimes.com/ Kay R.

Great goals. You can do them :)
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Thanks Kay!
http://www.twofeet-oneworld.com/ Jessi @2feet1world

Love your 2015 challenges and how you’ve picked ways to reach them. Good luck!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Thanks Jessi, hopefully I will be able to cross them all of my list!
http://www.cubiclethrowdown.com/ Rika - Cubicle Throwdown

These are great challenges…you’ve inspired me to make my own list!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Yay, bring on the new year!
http://www.adventuresofalondonkiwi.blogspot.com/ adventuresofalondonkiwi

What a wonderful set of goals - good luck!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Thank you :)
http://montgomeryfest.com/ Annie Montgomery

great list, Kaelene! good luck this year!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Thanks Annie!
http://www.chicadeedee.com/ Dannielle @ Chicadeedee

partyyy! (you can tell where my priorities are) I think it’s important to keep up with hobbies and learning when you move countries, I’ve gone through several ruts, so I’m hoping to be more productive in 2015 with things.
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  I think your priorities sound perfect ha! I am hoping these goals will help keep me productive in 2015 as well!
http://www.tothedayslikethis.com/ Sammy @ Days Like This

Great list! Have you ever been to Amsterdam? It will be lovely in the Spring - such a cool city :)
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  No I have never been so I am ridiculously excited! Any must see, do or eat recommendations???
http://thethingsiamcrazyfor.wordpress.com/ Camila

Sounds like great goals! Good luck I wish you all the best for all that! :) I definitely want to visit a few new countries myself this year, and read more and more and same with writing!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Thank you! I hope you have a wonderful year as well!
http://readtravelbecome.com Mere Salazar

Your goals are great! Especially the marathon… super impressive! And 50 books… dang! I average 20-30/year, so that’s what I’m going for this year too. I’m looking forward to reading along with your adventures in 2015!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Thank you Mere! I got a Kindle for Christmas so I am hoping to take full advantage of it and reach my goal. Traveling in South America sounds amazing, a great plan for the new year!
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http://www.intherightplaces.com Aimee

Have you discovered a good online (preferably free) photography class?
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  I haven’t yet, well I haven’t been very good about looking, I need to get on that!

Bring It On 2015

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