New Goals

I don't like the idea of a New Year's resolution. They are easy to make and easy to break. Maybe it's the term I don't like. I do like long term goals that aren't unattainable and set just for the sake of setting a goal for the new year. I've had a lot of things I'd like to change and haven't made the time to make a list or organize my thoughts about it, until now. It's a long list and I'm going to refer to this list often and report on my progress. I tend to let things slip sometimes if I'm not held accountable. This time, I'm going to hold myself accountable and do what needs to be done. In the end I think I will come out a better and happier person.

I have broken them down into categories.

Self:
*Eat healthier
This is something James & I have been talking about, especially since the boys are eating solid foods. We want to set good examples for our boys.
*Exercise more
I wanted to start this after the boys were born and walked some while it was warm but
quickly got out of any habit once the weather turned cold. I want to be healthier for myself
and for the boys. (extra motivation:10 high school reunion in the spring)
*Do more things for myself
This one is kind of vague but self explanatory. When James worked 2nd shift (prebabies) I
had plenty of time to do things I wanted. I'd give myself pedicures, paint, make jewelry,
paint my nails, etc. I don't make or take the time to do things for myself. I need this for
my sanity and so that I don't lose myself as an individual.
*Read
There are a few books that I'd really like to read and I don't make/take the time to go to
the library, much less actually read.
*Make James take time for himself
He needs time away for a break outside of work just as much as I need a break so I need to
make sure that he realizes it's okay to take time for himself. I need to not give him a hard
time about it because I might be wanting help at the time
*Language
I need to be more aware of the bad words that slip out of my mouth. I need
to also make sure those in our house are also watching their words around the boys.
*Be respectful of my husband
I don't disrespect him. I just find myself sometimes talking to him in a manner that isn't
respectful. Is it out of exhaustion? Maybe. Out of frustation? Maybe. Regardless, it
doesn't excuse it.
*Blog more often
I don't take the time to blog as often as I'd like. I want to make sure I don't forget anything
the boys do. I want to blog about things that happen within 24 hours if I'm not able to do so
immediately.

Organization:
*Time Management
I am not good at time management apparently. I never saw a problem with it before, but
it's very obvious now that I need to make this a priority.
*Clutter
We have no extra room for unnecessary items. It's time to clear out, recycle, throw away, or
donate all items in our house that we are not using and/or plan not to use. Keeping things
just because I don't want to throw them away will not do any longer.
*Food
I have not been good about making a grocery list or weekly menu but I know it would be
for James and I to have a plan set. It would eliminate unnecessary spending at the grocery
as well.
*Recycle
This is something James & I have been discussing lately. We need to make the space for the
proper containers to recycle as much as possible.

Home Organization:
*Monthly
Pick one room a month and focus solely on that room. Organize it, decorate it if necessary,
and remove all clutter. Make each room feel complete.
*Weekly
At the end of the week make a quick run through. Run vacuum if it hasn't been done so
already. Pick up anything out of place. Take a dust rag to necessary furniture.
*Daily
At the end of the day make sure to do a quick cleanup of all baby items that have been
scattered about throughout the day

Faith:
*Church
Make every effort to go to church every weekend
*Devotional
Do at least one hour of bible study a week as the church suggests.
*Praying
Pray more often. Nuff said!
*Shine the light
I need to be a better light in this world for Jesus than I have been. I let myself get too caught
up in things that don't really matter and don't stop to do the things that I should/need to be
doing!!
*Music
I love my Christian music but I need to be better about singing it/having it on for the boys. I
was good about singing Christmas songs to the boys (when no one was around) but now it's
time to get a "Praise Baby" cd with worship songs and sing and dance with the boys.