It’s May already! We’re 5 months into 2022. Time flies when you’re having fun. May is the transition month … when it’s supposed to get warm here in the United States. And all the trees should be in full leaf. We’re almost there. The last two weeks in April were strange. It snowed here on the 18th (over an inch); warmed up to 80-degrees F (27 C) on the 22nd; and then dropped to 32-dgrees F (0 C) on the 25th with cold rain, sleet, and a tornado. We’re back to normal 60-degrees F (16 C) days now. Quite the roller coaster. So … I’m looking forward to much warmer temperatures in May.

Welcome to another installment of my thoughts on life. Today we’re going to talk about doubling down on our New Year’s Resolutions … taking another great leap forward. [Yeah, I like leaping. And roaring, too.] Grrr!

Doubling Down … a great leap forward for people (and lions)!

Now that we’re moving forward again, it’s time to step up the pace. Remember, last month we talked about not giving up. Moving ever forward … even if our progress to date hasn’t met our expectations. So now we want to capitalize on the whatever progress we’ve made and find ways to make up for lost time. The change of seasons brings new opportunities and new motivations.

New Year’s Resolutions

Which brings me back to my review of my New Year’s Resolutions for 2022. Let‘s quickly review our goals for 2022.

Personal Goals: Exercise, Diet, Skills, Certifications

We (Dean and I) are back into a regular pattern of exercise … running 3 miles (5 km) three times a week. And, we have our first 5K run on Saturday, 7 May. Wish us luck. Our goal is to finish high in our age group. We’re eating a balanced diet, too. Maintaining a constant weight. Yes, we’d like to lose a pound or two, but we’re in good shape … for our age.

Along with exercise, I’m watching my weight, too. Eating better, too. Can’t let this young lion’s body go to seed.

It’s skills and certifications where we need to improve. Hmmm … I think I’ve said that before. Well, I’m not giving up. I’ll double down and focus more in the coming month. Grrr! Oh, Dean did take a short course on Diversity, Equality of Opportunity, and Inclusion this past month. Good HR subjects.

Family, Friends, Co-workers

We (Dean and I) have mastered staying in touch with family and friends. We’re Zoom, FaceTime, email, text, and phone call fanatics. Feels good, too! In fact, we’re headed to Phoenix, Arizona at the end of May to meet one of Dean’s college roommates and drive with him cross country to Massachusetts. Probably a weeklong road trip. Lots of opportunities for pictures. Dean’s friend is retired from the US Army (like Dean), and a fan of railroad and military museums. Stand-by for pictures!

Keeping up with co-workers is more problematic. And, yes … we rely on the monthly org-wide Teams call to catch up. Hopefully, with the Covid pandemic subsiding, we can get back to international travel before too long. Out of sight isn’t out of mind. And that’s why its important to participate in the monthly calls … and share videos and pictures. Hint, hint … I’d like to see more of your pictures.

Community, Nation, World

This is still a hard one. I’m still grappling with how to be a better citizen. I need your help. How are you involved with the community? How do you help your neighbors? Dean has engaged with the local historical society and started to inquire about volunteering to help with emergency management and search & rescue. Stay tuned for more ideas in the coming months.

We’ll branch out into new areas next month … and catch up with our resolutions and goals quarterly going forward. In the meantime, as Kunalsinh says, “Be Safe, Work Hard, Eat Well, Sleep Tight”. I will!

Bye for now … Leo