Remember last year’s New Year’s Eve check in post? I’ve decided to do it again with the same questions. After all, it is the end of 2018 (already!)

What’s the most interesting this you learned this year?

I learned a lot of things in 2018. But most interesting? There are many things, but let’s go with the most recent interesting one. Tonight I learned that collective punishment is declared a war crime in the Geneva Convention. Really, it is. Sorry to all the teacher out there who are committing war crimes trying to control their classes. On more life impacting, in 2018 I learned I am stronger than I imagined, both mentally and physically. I also learned that I know some amazing people. Some whom I’ve known for a few years and I met some recently (Katy and Krys are simply beautiful people).

Did you finish all of your tasks this year?

Let’s just acknowledge that I’ll never finish all my tasks. Should I drop this question for next year? Send me your replacement question ideas.

What’s your favorite achievement of 2018?

Reading this question made me realize I’m pretty proud of 2018. I think my favorite achievements (yes, plural) are when I’ve stood up for what’s right. Both the times for myself and for others. This includes making the dramatic decision to return to grad school in Melbourne.

What are your goals for 2019?

I have so much going on in 2019 that my goal is to make through the year. I know it’s bad practice but the idea of qualifying my year makes my head explode. That said, we’ll get to the book goals. You thought I wouldn’t have any?

Biggest Realization?

I can accidentally claim I read 210 books this year and no one blinks. I found the typo yesterday. It’s 110 books.

How is Operation: Organization going?

It’s more habit now, which is great. Oh, oops. I haven’t done my morning Best Self Journal plan for today and it’s 1:15pm. Maybe it’s not that great.

Seriously, it is good. I have found the perfect balance of tools. Trello to track upcoming books, ToDoist for daily tasks, Best Self Co for daily planning, micro-goals and a gratitude diary. And Headspace to keep me sane. I’ve got project and weekly planner pads, Smart Marks (note taking post-it notes), and a big 2019 wall calendar for next year.

Favorite book?

Of 2018? Can I short list? By category? The Book of Essie by Meghan MacLean Weir, The House of One Thousand Eyes by Michelle Barker, and A Thousand Perfect Notes by CG Drews. They’re all YA novels, so there goes group by category. Most useful? Haha, this is embarrassing. I read a lot of Patricia Cornwall trashy crime novels this year. They were useful when I crashed out with a fibromyalgia flare up. I can download them from the library without leaving my bed, and my iPad is lighter and easier to hold than a novel.

Least favorite book?

I had to check my GoodReads list. None came to mind. But I’ve chosen the Moana Junior Disney book. If you love the movie, don’t read this. It’s a simplified script converted to a short story with the songs added as narrative. Technically, it’s the same story, but it lacks all that is good about Moana. There’s a reason I didn’t review it.

Are there any books you started this year you need to finish?

Ha! If I haven’t finished it then I don’t care for it. I’m currently reading A Study in Scarlet so that’s technically started and needs to be finished. This is also the first time I’ve actually read a Sherlock Holmes novel.

Is there a new release you’re still waiting for?

I’ve read my most eagerly awaited book for 2018. Weirdly, I didn’t know it existed at the start of 2018. If you haven’t guessed, it was Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor.

What are three books you want to read before the end of the year?

Vox by Christina Dalcher, The Bird King by G. Willow Wilson, and This is Marketing by Seth Godin. The first two are next in my reading pile. And I’m a marketer and Seth Godin is amazing. However, that one needs to wait. Technically, they all need to wait. I’ll probably start Vox but don’t have time to finish it in the next few days.

Is there a book you think could still shock you and become your favorite?

I’m currently only reading A Study in Scarlet. I can’t see it becoming a favorite. The Utah section is weird.

Have you already made reading plans for 2019?

Umm, yes. Of course. I’ve been mentally making these plans for months. Since I realized I annihilated my Goodreads challenge and realized I wouldn’t make my ThriftBooks challenge. Let’s pretend the British Books Challenge doesn’t exist, just like the organizers did mid-year.

My 2019 reading goals are to finish the ThriftBooks Challenge and read 26 books for the GoodReads one. This is the lowest volume I have ever set. If only GoodReads listed academic journals. Maybe I need to build a Goodreads equivalent for academia. Wait, no new projects. Nelle and I already started discussing a succulents subscription store tonight. No! MUST. STOP. NOW.

See you in 2019.

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Photo by Fredrick Kearney Jr on Unsplash