I just keep thinking of things I want to do or learn or work on. I keep saying, "I'll make that my new year's resolution." I haven't usually done the resolution thing in the past, but this year it just seems like a good idea. I like a nice structured start time for things - what better time than the new year. Yeah, yeah, right now is the perfect time, but not for me right now. Things are a little hectic and not ideal for starting a new project and things I'm thinking about don't have to be done NOW. So I am waiting. I am thinking them through and planning to follow through. I'm excited about this. I'm gonna try and remember all the things I've been thinking about to share with you - and help me remember when the time comes.
1. Rejuventating our finances with a sinking fund savings account. I'll probably use Ally.com because they don't have minimums and give pretty high interest. We'll use this for things like gifts (occasional and Christmas), vacation saving, car maintenance and such, etc. I allot money every month for these things, but if it isn't spent for its intended purpose it is way to easy to let it go to something else that wasn't budgeted. We have a checking account for bills and regular spending like groceries and such and we have several other savings accounts for things like social security (Jason's files as self-employed), emergencies, and Ariel. Now we'll have one more and it'll get some action (hopefully more transfer in action than transfer out).
2. Learn to knit. I'm pretty sure I'm getting a starter kit, some yarn, and a how to book for Christmas, so I should have the necessary materials. I'm excited to learn something new and useful. Maybe everyone will get knit gift next Christmas. hee hee. I wonder what my family will think of that prospect. I hope I can knit at night while watching movies or tv. That's what I picture in my mind at least. It might take a while before I can do it "mindlessly" - if ever - but I can hope, right?
3. Books. I already read as much as I can, but I want to do so more purposely this year. I haven't ironed out the details on this one yet, but I really want to. I want to make a list of books to read this year and keep track of them. I saw a blog about something like this...let me see. Well, I can't find it right now. Maybe later. [Edit: I found it!] Anyhow, I don't just want to read them though; I also want to reflect on them. Maybe I'll do it on here (hope that won't bore you guys too much). I'm planning to work on my list over the next few weeks. Maybe I'll start with the list that went around facebook a few months ago, but if you have any suggestions please send them my way. I'm thinking all kinds of things - from Dave Ramsey's book to parenting books to classic fiction to children's books to new fiction...anything.
4. Pictures and photography. We bought a new camera for Christmas this year. I really want to learn how to use it properly and improve my photography skills. Maybe I'll challenge myself to take at least one picture a day that is worth saving or editing. Maybe every day will be too much...maybe weekly? I might post these too. I want to learn to use photoshop or some other quality photo editing software. I've always wanted to do this - I'd really even like to take a class on it, but maybe I'll just do it online somehow. I don't want this camera to go to waste. I need to take the time to do this. Plus, I have the perfect subject growing up a little every day.
5. Teach Ariel more purposefully. I am a stay-at-home mom and I love it, but I want to make the most of this time. A month or so after she was born, I bought the book Slow and Steady Get Me Ready. I had looked through it once at my sister-in-law's house and I think she read about it on a blog. Anyhow, it has weekly activities for kids from birth to age 5. Some of the activities I really like - others I'm not so crazy about, but I do like the concept. We've done some of the activities over the last year, but not nearly as many as I would have liked. That's the reason for my goal - I want to be intentional. I think I'm gonna try to do one or two learning type activities with her everyday around the same time to give us a little structure.
6. Read the Bible more. I just don't do this consistently enough and I really need it for my own spiritual growth, but also so I can be a good example for Ariel. I'd like to read through the whole Bible, but I'm not sure if that is the best plan for me this year. Another goal that needs some more planning. I'll let you know.
Those are my current goals. Maybe they won't all happen, but I can hope and aim for them too. It shouldn't be too difficult. They are important to me. Some other things I would like to do, but probably won't find the time to do: learn to quilt, take sewing classes at the local fabric shop, learn to play piano, learn to groom the dogs myself (I do it myself now, but not very well). It's good to have goals. It's even better to follow through with them. I'll keep you updated.
Passing The Baton
2 years ago
I love resolutions! I have been thinking the same things lately...I need to be more organized, well I'll put that on my resolution list. I need to pay the bills on time, well put that on the list. We need to stop drinking so much soda. Add that to the list too! My list is getting pretty long!
ReplyDeleteYou might want to check out ilovephotography.com (ILP) to learn a TON about photography. I am self-taught/learned completely online and through books. A GREAT book is "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson. I don't know what type of camera you have but if it's an SLR you definitely want to get this book! It was the number one book that made thinks finally "click". ILP occasionally has threads where people are learning through the book together--great information to be found there!
Laura
Thanks, Laura! I'll definitely look into that site and the book. Working on two of my resolutions in one! Awesome. It is a beginning SLR - the Nikon D3000.
ReplyDeleteAfter posting, I can't stop thinking about resolutions and more things I want to add - I'm trying to discipline myself not to add anythng else right now, lest none of them actually happen.
Hey Teri, you are on the ball! You can borrow my Dave Ramsey book. I think you will find that you do most if not all of what he suggests. You are very on top of your money.
ReplyDeleteI would suggest that you choose 4 books to read for the year (quarterly) then if you have time to read more great!
Jenny Rowland taught me to knit. Well she taught me and I did it for a little while but I didn't stick with it.
The sinking Fund is exactly how Dave Ramsey has you do it. Basically you budget for everything and then if you don't spend it you move it over to savings and then you keep a spreadsheet of everything allocated in your savings account. We do this for everything from Dry cleaners to haircuts to tax money etc.
Schedule yourself 2 days a week or even one day a week to "do school" in the morning. When kids start preschool it's usually half days and only a few per week.
This was going to sound silly but it works. Put a Bible in the bathroom :) you can read a few verses at the time and before you know it you'll have a book done.
Basically what I am saying is do what you can do well and give yourself permission do only do that. So instead of jumping on the wagon to read a book a month, say you are going to read a book a quarter. Instead of feeling like you have to set a goal to read the whole Bible, decide that you are going to read through the new testament or old testament this year. that way you can keep motivated b/c you are being successful.
I sure miss you!
teri, you should check out goodreads.com! this is where i found lots of books to start reading. i love this website.
ReplyDelete-torie :)
Goal setting is awesome no matter what you call it! Good for you! I know the feeling of wanting to do so many things but not being able to fit it in right now. My thing is "when I finish school I'm going to...." and my list is about a mile long. Someday maybe I'll actually start writing the list down so I won't forget. Some of the things are:
ReplyDelete1) learn to play the bass
2) take a music theory class
3) scrapbook or album all of my pictures
4) CLEAN THE ATTIC
5) start to do things that "normal" people do again, like hanging out with friends and having people over to eat
There.....the list is started :) Love you loads and I'm very proud of you!!!