Looking Forward to 2009

Like I said, 2008 was a good year and a tough year to follow because of that. I don't make resolutions really, but I do set goals for myself. Here are a few goals that I have thought of:

1. I already lost enough weight to be "average." I guess my goal would be not to gain the weight back.

2. I have gotten in better shape than most mothers of a 22 year old, an 18 year old and a 13 year old, but I would like to get my 5 K under 30 minutes and see where it goes from there. I DON'T have a goal of running a half or whole marathon. I'm not sure that I even want to run a 5 K with a group any more.

3. I would like to get my house in order. I think it will require as much discipline as losing 40 pounds did this year or being able to jog (slowly) for 5 miles did, maybe more, because I actually used to like running (fast) for 10 miles. I have never liked cleaning house...NEVER. I was ashamed of my body last year and it feels great not feeling that way any more. Right now, I'm ashamed of my house...so my goal is to not feel this way any more.

4. I would like to learn something new about math or technology or education and be of more use to my students and colleagues. I'm stopping short of saying I want to continue in pursuit of a Master's because I don't have a goal of making myself crazy. I might take a class, but not more than two. This is a nerdy goal, but what can I say...I'm a nerd. :)

5. I would like to remember to spend time every day doing something with someone I love that doesn't have a goal in mind. For instance, talking with my youngest about middle school drama would qualify, but helping her study for her science test wouldn't. Every day...with at least one person, not necessarily a middle schooler, though she is one of my biggest priorities. I know I don't have much time left with her in the house.

6. I would like to get through another year without smothering my faithful husband of 25 years to death in his sleep. He sounds like a freight train when he sleeps. I wake up at 4:30 in the morning on my days off now because I can't go back to sleep because of him. (I'll explain more in a later blog.) Referring to goal 5, I could just wake him up and talk about what's going on in his life instead...after all, he really is a good guy. Besides, I'm a pastor's wife. If I smother him in the middle of his blissful night's sleep, it would make national news and my mother would have one more reason to be disappointed in me. :)

7. I would like to learn at least one new hymn a month until Buster, our song leader at church, can choose any hymn in the book to sing and I can play it without having a panic attack. I told you guys in my profile that I play the piano very badly. I'd like to stink at that just a little less.

8. I would like to learn a little bit about home repair so that I can be less dependent on my husband to do that stuff. I have a better back and am more physically capable to do a lot of it. There's been a hole in the garage wall for years, since my husband and his friend changed the fuse box into one with switches. There's been a glass pain broken in the door that leads outside from the garage for 2years that isn't a big priority because the door to the house locks. I guess my husband thinks that if anyone gets into the garage and wants stuff, they can have it. It will leave less work if we ever get around to cleaning it out.

9. I would like to move Chrissie into Matt's old room and turn her room into an office for my husband. As it is right now, my husband has his office in the front room, the dining room, the family room and our bedroom. If I can move him into one room, it will be a lot easier to meet goal #3.

10. I would like to appreciate the beauty that God puts in every day if you look for it. He helped me to see that almost daily last year and I think that is what made it so good. Being an analytical person is great for problem solving, but it isn't as natural to me to see beauty...I actually have to look for it. It is getting more natural every day though. I am a girl after all. :)

I'll let you know how these goals will pan out throughout the year.

Happy New Years!!!!!