2010 Annual Report completed

So, yeah, it's a little weird for a private person to make an annual report. I did think about making it all super-glossy and beautiful, but this is only the first year. Maybe I'll step it up next year.

It was an interesting exercise, and I would like to continue it. In addition to spelling out my mission, vision, and objectives, did a fairly comprehensive assessment of 2010- financial, emotional, social, and creative. I have all my credit reports and retirement account statements and tax info, as well as the results of a personal survey that I prevailed upon my social network to complete about my personal relationships. (Yes, I know the results are skewed, because those people most connected to and invested in me are the most likely to complete the survey, but it's still interesting.)

The biggest source of tension in the whole document is that I'm pretty specific about my financial plan and goals (it's easy to be specific about that kind of thing- it's so clearly quantifiable and measurable), and yet I'm also pretty sure that those goals are in many ways in conflict with my other goals. And yes, yes, I know that a person's goals in terms of personal wellbeing and professional fulfillment aren't necessarily in conflict with financial goals (isn't that the story of America? Isn't that the story we all tell each other, that we can pursue our dreams and still make money? But let's get real, in many ways that story comes true for only a small number of people). And it's the position that I've been in so many times before- if I really wanted to make money, or, in another sense, if I want my 2011 report to reflect meaningful progress toward the goals laid out in this document, then I have to be willing to make real sacrifices in the service of that goal that I am, quite honestly, not prepared to make.

And that tension causes a schism in the report itself- that I can put those goals out there, but then immediately acknowledge that I won't be putting a lot of energy into pursuing them. It's something to think about for next year- maybe I do the financial assessment, but don't attach any goals to it? And yet that doesn't work either- financial goals are, in many ways, life goals. If I'm going to take good care of myself, for my whole life, money forms a significant part of that caretaking... it's difficult.

At any rate, I'd like to share my goals. Maybe you can let me know how I'm doing as the year goes on:

Rebekah is the agent of positive change
Rebekah creates beauty in her work and her life
Rebekah has amazing experiences with fascinating people
Rebekah helps others to achieve their goals
Rebekah lives a life worth talking about

And from that you can probably infer a whole lot about the rest of the report.

what a week!

So, my first week of unemployment draws to a close, and it's been incredibly fun. I've had a lot of lunches and happy hours and coffees with my amazing smart friends, who have ideas and resources and inspiration every minute. I feel so grateful for all of these people who are willing to invest in me.
I've got my first freelance gig, a really interesting woman who is struggling with getting organized and staying on top of her projects- I'm going to try to work with her to give her some tools to help her manage everything and feel more in control of her time. It's a bit of a stretch for me- I've never done anything quite like it, but I'm excited to learn and to teach and see how it goes.
I started an improv comedy class, which really comes at a perfect time- freeing yourself from the consequences; being in the moment as it is, rather than how you wish it is; being willing to fail... I meant to take it last December, but I think it's actually better that I'm doing it now.
I also had another great meeting with the guys out at Super Genius. I think I'll be spending some time out there next week, learning more about their business and their processes. They are incredibly nice people, and, again, every conversation I've had this week leaves me intrigued and inspired.
And we've been making huge progress on the next BeTween PDX. I think it's going to come together nicely and will be really valuable for attendees.

And, if you're wondering, yes, I'm worried about money. And I'm getting more worried, not less. But that's something I'm trying to just let go of for now. The time will come for me to freak out, but it's not here yet. I'm going to keep having fun.

My reel!

Well, it took all day, but here's my reel from ADi!

It looks like it could also double as Kalina's reel, since her designs are prominently featured, but I just love her work.