Wednesday, December 29, 2010

{a new year, the same goals}

It's almost 2011... and I can hardly believe it! Around this time each year I like to think about what went well during the current year (and what I want to continue doing in the new year) and what didn't go so well (and what I want to change in the new year).

What went well?

For the first time in my life I lost a good amount of weight! I joined a Skinny Jeans Challenge at Sweet Shoppe Designs in January. I was bound and determined that I was not going to lose my fizzle this time around. Not only did I stay motivated, but I was the biggest loser! I lost 40 pounds! It feels darn good to be able to shop at "normal" stores again.

I maintained a fairly clean house most of the year. This is quite an accomplishment for me. It's hard to work outside the home full time, be a full time mom, a full time wife, a full time cook & housekeeper, and maintain my sanity. But, I'm fortunate. My husband is a huge help. He does some of the cooking, some of the cleaning, and a lot of the laundry.

Life was organized. Luke's homework, lunch money & notes back to school were returned on time. I remembered meetings. I made sure everyone was where they were supposed to be. I planned a menu & created a grocery list based on the menu on a weekly basis. I made homemade meals most evenings.

I made time for me. I joined the PTO- and actually became secretary this year. I allowed myself guilt-free scrapbooking time. I had girls' nights out with my girls. I made quick shopping trips when I needed time alone. I worked out.


What could have gone better?

I fell off the weight-loss wagon. I won the Skinny Jeans Competition and maintained for a good few months. Then, I stopped caring. I haven't gained it all back... yet. But I need to get back on track. So, goal number 1: Be a healthier me. This includes 1.) getting back to the gym on a regular basis. I loved going to the gym. I love how I felt afterwards. I need that again. 2.) counting calories. It's so cliche, but it works! If I count my calories, I'm aware. I'm aware of what's going in. I'm aware of how much is going in. I pay attention to quantity. I pay attention to quality. 3.) making time for me. It's okay for me to have a girls' night out. It's okay to go and do something alone. If mom's not happy, ain't nobody happy. It's so true. 4.) making time for Joel. It's a goal for both of us to spend time in the Word together each and every night. It's a goal for both of us to pray together each and every day. 5.) run a 5K. Joel & I half-jokingly mentioned at Thanksgiving that at this time next year, we'll do the Turkey Run, which is a local 5K headed up by one of his coworkers. I can do this.

I was not a very encouraging wife. After eight and a half years of being married to him, I'm finally paying attention to my husband's needs. He needs to be encouraged. He needs to know that I need him. So goal number 2: Be an encourager. A text here; a note there. An encouraging praise; a statement of thanks. He doesn't just want to hear it. He needs to hear it. I think that spending time in the Bible and praying together will make it just that much easier to be encouraging to him, too.

I spent a lot of money this year. I easily got caught up in materialism. For me, it's not about the biggest, newest piece of technology. No, when I spend money it's a little here, a little there. New curtains for the bedroom because they're 50% off. (Nevermind that they're just a shade darker brown than the ones that we already have.) A new Lego set because Luke really wants it. (Nevermind that he has a million Lego sets already.) Goal number 3: Live frugally. Luke is going to Florida with his grandparents in a couple of weeks. During that week, Joel and I plan on sitting down and writing out a strict budge. We going to do the envelope system. In doing so, not only will we pay off our cars & house faster, but we will build a bigger savings account faster. And will be able to give more freely to those who aren't as fortunate. I'm excited. I'm ready to simplify.

I'm starting a journey, along with a bunch of others, started by my friend Meghan. It's called 3 in 30. It's all about making goals that are easily attainable and getting the support you need to meet your goals. I'm excited. I don't know how often I'll be able to update my blog or even check in on their Facebook page, but I plan to keep my goals the same all year long. And I plan to keep them at the forefront of my mind throughout 2011.


Be a healthier me.

Be an encourager.

Live frugally.

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Kristin
I'm Kristin. Married since 2002 to a super cool guy named Joel. We have a super amazing boy named Luke and a super cuddly pup named McCarthy. I'm not a very consistent blogger (at all) but I do go in spurts. I like to keep people on their edge of their seats. Ha!
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