I intended to update weekly (how boring would that be?) on my 2008 resolution mile-markers. What I discovered was, even though I had not, in my mind, shot for the moon this January, I still put too much on my plate for the life I lead. Doctor appointments and some other stresses really took over my time. And there were things that simply were out of my control – like the knitting class being canceled, or my car not usable for driving to church. Still, if I do say so my self, I am looking at January as a success in both achieving, attempts and self-awareness.
January goals were the following:
Financial:
Here I have to brag. We are waaaaay in debt. But, we are getting mad-crazy at tackling our debt and building savings. We were blessed to receive a little cash from my grandmother after her passing. A bulk of it was put into a 5% earning account that we can’t touch for a few months. Now, that 5% is nothing to sneeze at, but our credit percentage rates really make it not a good deal for us. However, that money was left to me via my mom, who decided this is what she wanted done. So, ok, we are in debt still, but if another emergency surgery popped up, there’s a bulk somewhere we can get our hands on.
In the meantime, I’ve cashed in some matured bonds – and we have money in our savings just waiting for next weeks bills. We are going to wipe out half our credit card debt (which is the only debt we have) in one blow. Additionally, on our own, we managed to squirrel away over a thousand in savings. How? Honestly, God. We were given a modest refund check (money we were forced to pay but shouldn’t have paid and they finally agreed). And smarter, better shopping on my part.
In addition to implementing the credit card roll over plan (or whatever it is called) we’re using an envelope system for the next few months, just so I can re-introduce myself to handling cash without checks/debit cards. The only thing I can’t figure out is, now that we are doing so much better and seeing the light at the end of the tunnel…why am I more freaked out and feeling poorer? Goofy.
Weight & Exercise:
January was used to acquaint myself with walking. I’m dreadfully overweight and therefore exercise, even in it’s most easy forms, is difficult. I’m following a basic walking-for-dummies plan put out by the Mayo Clinic. I must confess, however, that in the last week, I’ve not walked at all….before that I was accomplishing a great deal over what was asked, and I guess when my calendar started filling up with tasks to complete I reverted to curling up on the couch and reading as my “me” time. The weight I lost, meager as it was, I easily put back on. The thing is, I’m only down a week – and my eyes are open to why, and I have eleven months to make things right.
Follow Through:
Here’s the most important thing I learned: part of following through is to not over task or over-commit yourself to begin with. Prioritize. While I didn’t meet all my goals, I did learn to go beyond asking for help to outright delegating without threats. I also laid the ground work for those I work with (homeschool group) that it is just as important for them to follow through on their commitments – and to make those commitments bite sized. I will say that on everything except the walking and memorization that I set for myself (and had control over) I followed through on. The most important follow through has been helping my mother where the burial of her mom is concerned. It was just too much for her emotionally, so I took over. It’s actually brought us closer, and we aren’t who we thought the other was. The burial will be in Canada and I’ve everything arranged except the train from NY to Niagra.
Activities:
I was to learn knitting in January. I could not for the life of me find a class that would fit my schedule. February will be given a shot, but as the entire month is already spoken for, March is a more reasonable time to revisit this goal.
However, I did accept the unpaid, LOL, job of redecorating someone’s Master Suite. Complete with purchasing (reimbursed), doing all the hands on work (painting, reupholstering, etc). This has been quite fun. My twenty something self actually wanted to do that as a living. It’s really cool actually. I dummied up an inspiration board and everything. Their style isn’t even mine, so I wasn’t sure how I would do at projecting someone elses desires with my own style…they loved it. I’m not quite through, but should be soon. They are already asking me to do their living room as well – for which I’m getting some money for my trip to Canada.
Scripture Memorization:
My goal to memorize the book of John was a big flop. Didn’t even crack the book open. I’m going to rethink this whole-book goal of mine. 2008 just doesn’t seem the year that will allow me the mental time. Random verses, sure, but a book feels daunting, so I’ll likely not make it.
I think I would enjoy, however, going through a book, any book in Torah, and journal about it. Hmmmm….maybe that would be a good blogging goal?
Investing in my Children:
This I managed to do with all three individually, as a group, and as a family. I’ve don’t pretty well (patting myself on the back) to include time for one on one with each kid with DH as well. Both E18 and M15 were very sullen this month (transition period for them both) so I hate to think what they would have gone through had we not had this extra effort. And still, I think they would have rather locked themselves in their rooms…but, in the end, I see a big difference in our interactions – and we weren’t a distant family before, just all going through very trying times. Oh, and we even worked in time with both sets of grandparents!
Investing in Charity:
Not going to give specifics on this, because that isn’t right. That should be something that is private. I will only say, to encourage those of you who are feeling the same desire in their spirit, that this is something that is so worth doing. A Charity doesn’t mean necessarily an organization, it could just as easily be an individual. There are different levels this year that I want to do…I want to actually do more than give money, I want to actually interact and make a difference. The different levels I want to engage in this year, to become attached with, are on a person-to-person level, a community level, a state and/or national level, and then something beyond our country. In January I’m concentrating on the more intimate in the list. The reaction I received this month made me ashamed that my previous involvement with giving had been (unknowingly) impersonal.
Invest in Church:
We’ve had some car difficulties. There’s no heater, therefore no defrost. Our church meets in the evenings, and with the cold temps I haven’t been able to safely transport my family in the night with fogged windows. I have however, been emailing (we have an email loop) with updates to our families status, prayer needs, etc. and likewise have been praying for theirs. Our pastor is awesome in that he mails what he plans on speaking about – but I’ve been studying a lot on my own. Also, twice this month my parents took the kids with them to their church.
