Back in March, I implemented a total reprogramming of everything going on in my life.  The core reason for this came about after losing someone that I loved (not literally lose, but definitely figuratively), and all my coping mechanisms were not even remotely productive.  Healthy, yes, but not really speeding the healing process along or replacing the devastation with more fruitful pursuits.  So, I fixed that by bringing my focus around to things I really wanted to see change in my world.

Since it’s the middle of the year, I figured an update on my progress thus far could serve as the beta-version of “Jessica 2.0″.

This list is in the same order as the initial one:

• Run a 1/2 marathon

As I got better with everything going on emotionally, I kinda pooped out on using running as my go-to catharsis.  I’ve opted to start back up again to get back in shape but am going to progress a bit slower to ease my knees back into it.  By the way, I started this afternoon and today sucked.  I was hot, couldn’t even jog a mile straight, and there are already blisters on each foot.  Despite all that, I  still  managed to eek out almost 5 miles in an hour (walking the majority).  Tomorrow will be better.

• Display/Sell a piece in a reputable art gallery

The previous art work I designed may or may not be used at the conference it was intended for.  I totally understand if it isn’t and will probably work out a couple more designs for the slight chance that one may actually be chosen to use.  Definitely lots more work to do with this one, just have to make the time to do it.

• Publish my writing in a reputable source

Well, I still have JuicyK, and it’s growing.  Again, not the literal goal.  I have submitted a few writing samples to a local periodical, though not quite expecting to hear anything back.  I say that only because I was a tinge overanxious to apply and didn’t include some pertinent information in the cover letter., such as what I actually wanted to write about.  Yeah, kinda an important key piece of info…I know. More opportunities will pass my way regardless, and when they do I’ll be sure to calm myself before I let an itchy mouse finger click “send”.

• Purchase a new car

Done, done, and DONE.  Air conditioning in Texas is necessary; air conditioning in a car in Texas is appreciated; air conditioning in a car in Texas in the summer is ridiculously awesome.   Right now the Kia can viably be considered ridiculously awesome, at least by the standards above. Plus, I can wear cute outfits and not worry about sweat stains everywhere.  I love my t-shirt and shorts, but even I have the desire to dress a little feminine once in a while.

• Live in my own place without needing to find roommates to share the rent

“Numerous other factors have to change before this is even remotely feasible.  Sad.”

Those numerous factors, mainly my salary, have still not changed.  Still sad.

• Gain acceptance into graduate school

I applied and am banking on my essays and recommendations to shine the light on what a great asset I would be to their program, because my undergrad and GMAT certainly aren’t gonna get that job done.  I should know within the next month or so.  In the meantime, you can find me “wishing and hoping and thinking and praying…”

• Seriously work on my Spanish

I am still struggling and haven’t made the time to consistently practice speaking the way I should be if I expect to become fluent.  Though I did have a dinner conversation last week, mostly in Spanish, about everything from cooking and tamales to husbands and nationalities.  It wasn’t the smoothest conversation I’ve ever had, but we still understood each other fairly well, or well enough…uh, kind of.  Claro?

• Take an exotic vacation, or just an actual vacation

I took a week off in May and drove all around Texas.  So, I guess the exotic part didn’t quite fit my budget, but it was still nice.  Despite being sick most of the trip, I was able to see lots of friends, mi familia, and even visit a few new places along the way.  The timing of my week off happened to synchronize with the blooming of wildflowers all along the highway.  I couldn’t have asked for better weather or more beautiful scenery for my hours upon hours of driving, like someone planted a rainbow on the ground and decided only highlights from the sun would do it justice.  It was so breathtaking, that I even stopped a couple places to take some pictures of the flowers.  For anyone that has not been on a road-trip with me, you should know that any stop is rare, including bathroom stops.  For this trip, I broke through that “gotta get there” mentality and actually enjoyed the journey to each destination.

• Others

“It feels like a few are missing, but I have plenty to work with from my present list.  If there are no snags in development you can expect Jessica 2.0 beta-version sometime in mid-June.”

Apparently, there were no snags.