2010 Goals and a few ramblings because it is way too late for me to be awake…

Well, it’s 12:19 AM EST here in Florida on January 1, 2010. Why I am still awake is beyond me; the rest of my family went to bed long ago. I don’t usually stay awake on New Year’s Eve but I think the brownie sundae I ate earlier (you know – that last delicious something before the New Year weight loss goal?) has left me with a less-than-desirous feeling to lay down and develop indigestion.

I thought I would just take a minute to share my goals for this year. Last year I spent time each month reviewing my goals and checking my progress and hope to do the same this year; this method was helpful in keeping on track. This year I have several goals, but plan to make reasonable steps that can be accomplished in 1-3 months at a time so they are not overwhelming.

Here are my goals for 2010 by category:

Spiritual

• Finish Book of Mormon by March/April (I am already more than half-way through)

• Take about 30 minutes each week for quiet meditation (what’s that?)

• Write down promptings and follow up on them

Physical

• Lose 10 pounds (it wouldn’t feel like New Year’s without adding this – however, I am going to make reasonable month by month goals to make this possible). I hate adding this to the list every year… Anyone have any good suggestions?

• Plan dinner menus in advance

Personal

• No over-spending on my allowance (although I am a budget FREAK and I know where every cent is spent, I ALWAYS spend way over my personal allowance budget – the first thing I am doing is simply raising my allowance budget – unlike congress who raises the debt ceiling by trillions of dollars at a time, I am simply raising a budgeted line item within our family’s income possibilities…)

• Journal entry and blog writing each week. Even if it’s just something quick and simple.

Skills/Crafts

• Begin knitting (I’m really excited about this one. So far I have learned how to cast on and do a regular knit stitch.) I just spent my allowance (don’t worry – I came in about $10 UNDER my allowance limit) ordering some bamboo knitting needles and instructional knitting books. I have also found some excellent demos online. I have to learn how to knit because I got Sydney some knitting supplies for Christmas – all in an effort to force myself how to learn – she can’t wait for me to show her how! Wish me luck…

• Finish levels 1-2 of Spanish Rosetta Stone program. Yes. We are the crazy new homeschooling family. I feel the need to teach my kids a foreign language. But one that is useful in the great USA. So far I can say things in Spanish like “The women swim” and “The boy does not have an apple.” I have a feeling I am going to need to get beyond this point to speak with the Spanish-speaking members of our ward. So far I am LOVING the software we bought!

• Make a new quilt top for our bed. I’m going to be reasonable on this goal. It may simply find it’s way to my 2011 goal list. I have picked out a pattern that was approved by Peter (not that it would stop me from making one that he didn’t put his stamp of approval on).

Right now I feel like my 2010 goals are reasonable – most requiring very little work; just a consistent effort and some sheer will-power (remember that allowance thing?

Happy New Year!