starting fresh

my past experience with personal resolutions for the new year is really that i have none at all. i'm not a big goal setter, i feel that i am fairly organized and driven to accomplish things that are important to me but not in any structured or planned-out kind of way. i usually just go with the flow of life and make adjustments where necessary but i feel that i lost focus in 2008. that it sort of beat me up a little. 2008 was a year i gladly file a way as "that year" when i learned many lessons, welcomed a perfect child into our family and experienced humility unlike ever before.

this year feels different already. maybe it's my attitude as i welcome 2009 with great anticipation for a fresh start in many ways. i've decided that i crave a structured plan for realizing my goals and that it is important for me to have some things to focus on and work towards. with the fresh start that the new year brings, it is my resolution to set a few goals and i predict i will have more success than failure along the way.

so here goes it ...

1) to communicate all things with my kids in a mellow voice. no more yelling. this will require moving from one room to another when something needs to be said or when an request needs to be made. i can do this.

2) to be at my goal weight by my birthday which will require three mini goals of; a) minimum of four exercise sessions per week and b) continuing healthy eating habits and c) loving my body as it is and treat it respectfully.

3) to de-clutter the garage and the office. this means garage sales, as many as it takes.

4) to grocery shop with coupons ... really use them rather than just cut them, file them and then leave them in the car when i go into the store.

5) to stick to our budget and save money.

6) to be my husbands girlfriend. a monthly date at minimum and less time watching letterman which will give more time for dot. dot. dot. MAMA MIA!

7) to put away every load of laundry after it's folded. no more weeks of living out of nicely organized baskets. they're baskets emily, no matter how organized they are, they're still baskets.

8) to read more. it is my goal to read at least six books this year. recommendations welcome.

9) to continue monthly letters to my children.

10) to have this list visibly available as a constant reminder of these goals.

happy new year to all ...