Resolutions (um, er, Goals)

I figure there is accountability in doing this publicly, even if I am the only one who reads this blog. Just having them "out there" makes me feel more responsible to fulfill them. I read a blog this week where the author broke down her resolutions into several categories. And called them goals. Being a bit type-A, and voted Most Organized of EHS Class of '90, I liked the idea. So, here goes. I'm sure I'll be updating (and lowering the bar) as time goes on.

Books to Read (this is a tough one...I don't usually plan my reading this far in advance)

• The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis: I started this one and enjoyed it, but it's definitely a "thinker" so I abandoned it in favor of some Tudor England historical fiction fluff.
• The Shack: I keep hearing that I need to read it. Can't imagine that it's something I'll enjoy, but I am feeling drawn to it.
• More Tudor England historical fiction. I am addicted. It's sad, really. But if I only read on the elliptical machine, then it's a great motivation to work out.
  

Family Goals

• Involve the kids more in ministry activities. I want them to see Faith in Action, and not just our annual charity project of the same name. I want to get them involved in serving somewhere, in some way.
• Continue, even after 10 years, to build a cohesive family and not allow actions of others to interfere in that.
  

Financial Goals

• Follow our monthly cash budget and increase savings
• Build our 6-8 month living expenses savings account
• Find a way to contribute to our income by working from home
• Continue to shop bargains and save as much of our cash budget as I can.
  

Homemaking Goals

• Organize and declutter. Constantly. Without ceasing.
  
• Get storage furniture for gameroom and our bedroom.
• Add shelving to closets and laundry room
• Repaint kitchen, hall, half bath, homeschool room and office. Maybe the game room, too. I'm gonna need a power roller. Better add that to the budget category. :)
  

Homeschool Goals

• Do a better job of documenting our days
• Decide on a curriculum, whether to build my own or go with Sonlight again
• If we go with Sonlight, I need to dedicate to trying to follow their schedule at least closely enough to keep my type-A tendencies from causing me a breakdown.
• Increase O's writing fluency and comfort level. She has made huge strides in handwriting and spelling, continue same approach with writing.
• Keep Olivia involved in extras: drums, swim, maybe co-op again?
• More field trips
  

Personal Goals

• Lose 50 lbs. May be a little too ambitious, but that's the reality of it.
• Cardio exercise 3x weekly.
• Watch my diet and plan healthier meals, not comfort foods
• Go to bed and get up at a consistent time. Wake earlier.
• Make a habit of taking time for myself, including my "planning weekend" at the lake before school starts in the Fall.
  

Places to Visit

• Family, as always
• Dealey Plaza museum in Dallas
• Tut exhibit in Dallas in Spring, and Indianapolis in Summer
• Ideally, Disney. Or a cruise. Or a Disney cruise. Realistically, save money toward that in '10 or '11.
  

Spiritual Goals

• Spend time daily studying my Bible
• Focus on fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. The less time I spend with God, the less those qualities are apparent in me.
• Avoid people who are negative and try to bring a positive light to the negative people that I have to be around
• Commit to Bible study with my group, completing each lesson.
• Do a better job of teaching the kids, and talking through their spiritual questions.