New Year

I actually enjoy making New Year's resolutions.  Most of them do fizzle out a bit, but for those that stick... your life can really change.  Last year at this point I was 20 pounds heavier.  Another of last year's resolutions lasted through May (when I stated a second job) and the others had good intentions but fell short of the success I had with my weight loss.   

If 2010 was the year of changing our eating habits and physical well-being, then I want 2011 to be a year that builds upon that but focuses on our mental well-being by creating routines and systems that cut down on the chaos the continues to creep up on us.  I also wanted to make resolutions that I could either list and cross of when they are acomplished or that could be quantified.  Some of my resolutions are on the private side, so I won't be sharing all of them on the blog.  But, there are a few I don't mind listing here and hopefully expanding on how well they are working (or not working) throughout the year. 

Family Goals:

1. Make the girls a morning routine chart.
2. Mount a large family calendar on the wall in the kitchen.  Color code the family's activities.
3. Create laminated chore charts that can be checked off as the tasks listed are completed.
4. Mount a weekly meal plan in the same location.
5. Eat dinner at home (at 6:00) 4-5 nights per week.

Financial Goals:

1. No new debt.
2. Budget every single dollar.
3. Utilize the envelope-cash system.
4. Utilize coupons, sticking to a reasonable (or allotted?) window of time for preparation and shopping.   

Personal Goals:

1. Read THREE books.  (A classic, something fun, and something helpful)   <- suggestions??
2. Continue the weight-loss, healthy lifestyle resolution from last year.  Focus on portion control, PIONTS, and working out at least twice per week.
3. Read through the entire New Testiment.
4. Attend church at least twice per month.
5. 365 day blog project!
6. Complete list of crafting projects.  [these will be on my crafting blog]

House: (These are projects aimed at the first 6 months of the year.)

1. Paint and finish backyard pergola.
2. Paint three areas of the house. (one large, two small)
3. Build stoneware and cast iron racks.
4. Get a daybed and storage for Claire's room.
5. Complete Hannah's wall decorations.
6. Epoxy last 2/3 garage floor.
7. Mulch flower beds.

It was actually pretty fun to sit down with John and write this out, each voicing our opinions about what we would like to see change or what had been working in the past but we had lost sight of.  It seems like a lot, but a good portion of it can be crossed off when it is complete which makes me feel like there is a better liklihood of success.

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