*they’re not resolutions*
No, seriously, they’re not. But last year I came up with a list of eight things I wanted to do this year. I described them as "small and vague and doable." Some of them actually happened. This is mostly for my own reference, but if you’re really really bored feel free to read it.
1. I will get craftier.
This year:
I didn’t manage to "become one with the glue gun," but I did use it. Three times, I think. The craft supplies have not been used, sold, or traded, but they haven’t been needlessly added to, either. I’m sending a bunch of my knitting needles to someone who will take better care of them. I found other ways to be creative and fell in love with my camera.
Next year:
I’m learning to sew. David gave me a sewing machine for Christmas, and I’m going to use it. I’m going to hoard fabric instead of yarn. I’m going to make beautiful things for Pea to wear. I’m going to make a quilt.
2. I will be thriftier.
This year:
I haven’t used enough coupons to justify buying the newspaper to clip them out of. But I have made an effort to buy things like books used instead of new.
Next year:
I’ll try to do better. I’ll remind myself every day that I really don’t need that much stuff.
3. I will increase my domestic skills
This year:
You might not guess it by looking at my house, but I feel like I’ve really improved in this area. I keep the house straight, make up the beds practically every day, stay on top of the laundry and dishes, and don’t let the garage get too full of recyclables. Go me.
Next year:
There’s still lots of room for improvement. I would love to become more comfortable in the kitchen — both cooking and cleaning. But not at the table. I’m comfortable enough there.
4. I will socialize more.
This year:
I think I did it! It’s not like I can have a conversation with a stranger without saying something totally stupid, but I’m getting there. I’m really proud of myself for this one.
Next year:
More play dates at my house. More time with friends sans children. Less resisting the urge to strike up a conversation with someone I don’t know.
5. I will continue to lose weight.
This year:
Um.
Next year:
We’ve joined the YMCA, so I have no excuse not to get off my ass and exercise. I want to eat less fast food, less carryout food, and less food in general. I will not consume any artificial sweeteners and will try to eliminate high-fructose corn syrup from my diet.
6. I will read more.
This year:
I think I did! I read new things, I read things I’ve wanted to read forever, and I reread some old favorites. I’ve also continued to read to Pea every day.
This year:
More fiction. And I may even start a book club.
7. I will find a way to generate income.
This year:
Other than selling a bunch of junk on half.com, I haven’t made a cent.
Next year:
I’d love to find some sort of freelance writing job, but I don’t know if it will happen. Some day.
8. I will kick debt in the face repeatedly until it begs me to stop.
This year:
I have been too kind to debt. I have asked it to leave quite politely, then offered it a cup of tea when it decided to stick around.
Next year:
I won’t be satisfied until all our debt is behind us. This time next year I’d like to be in a place where I can at least imagine being debt free. It seems sort of unobtainable right now.
BONUS GOALS!
I’m adding three fresh goals to the ones left over from last year.
9. I will be prompt.
10. I will eat locally and grow my own food.
11. I will conserve.
What’s your biggest goal for 2008? Let me know, even if you think resolution is a dirty word.
Ok…I have a dress pattern you totally need! If you’re interested, email me and I’ll tell you about it. It is something you can do even if you’ve never sewn before. I’ve made at least 6 of the dresses for my daughter…they are SO easy!
What a great recap!
My resolution is to spend a fraction of the time that I spend on other people, taking care of myself instead.
you inspire me, shauna.
i really do wish we lived closer, or travelled through each other’s paths more so that we could hang out.
i share a lot of your desires for 2008!
Yay on the YMCA!!
I’ll join your book club. I need to read more, too.
Happy New Year!
i can’t wait to see what you sew!
I’ll be in your book club too! and join a play date–finding the time is tough, though!!
As for me goal, even though it is super-cliche, I am going to lose weight. I’ve been waiting for all the visitors to leave (Thursday), then it is hard-core diet and exercise.
If you’re interested in combining the saving money goal and the reading more goal, you could try trading books online. I have a ton of books next to my nightstand, and I hardly spent any money (compared to prior years) on books in 2007.
What a great idea to assess how you did on last year’s resolutions! So many people set goals and then never go back and evaluate how they’re doing. It sounds like you saw some real progress with yours.
My overall goal for 2008 is to put into practice Philippians 4:4-8, which I call my “Pray — Don’t stew” plan. And, I’m going to work on my health and weight.
I have some other things in mind too but, basically, I’m going to keep it pretty simple. Usually, when I’m goal setting, whether it’s for a new year or a new week or a new day, I try to change 101 things all at once and accomplish a fraction of them. This year, I hope to stick to one or two things at a time until I see noticeable progress.
I honestly haven’t thought about it too much yet. But the big one is that I am going to reduce the amount of stress in my life and/or change the way I react to stress.
I am also joining weight watchers again. I gained back 10 lbs when I decided I was doing great and could do it on my own … I hope to stick it out through the maintenance phase.
We did awesome on the reduce debt goal that we had last year – so you can do it, too! We paid down 2 of our 3 credit cards … and the 3rd credit card has a fairly low balance that we will hopefully pay off with our tax refund (if we get one).