Resolutions

As I tend to do at the beginning of each new year, I have decided to sit down and make a list of my goals for the new year. Having publicly posted my resolutions last year, I decided to look back to see what I had accomplished over the year.

Well, not much.
At least not toward the ten goals I set for myself last year.

Let's review...
Goal #1: exercise regularly
Well, that lasted about seven months. When I got a job in August, I simply ran out of energy and "took a break" from exercise. Not the best decision I've ever made since exercise really improves my overall mood and self-esteem.
Goal #2: get more sleep
I actually did a pretty good job at this. Rest is necessary, I've learned, in order to make it through each day. An early bedtime became a good habit I developed this year.
Goal #3: seek out therapy
Been there. Done that. Got some great medication too.
Goal #4: be more patient
Did I actually think that could be accomplished in one year? Better add it to this year's list too.
Goal #5: take at least one family picture each month
Um, right. Another one I didn't do.
Goal #6: lose 30 pounds
Well, as the story goes, I did lose 20 pounds, but I also gained back 15. So do I get credit for the 5 I kept off?
Goal #7: play more and stress less
Ha! Ha! Ha!
Goal #8: look for the positive instead of the negative in each situation
I tried. Really, I tried. But this year had a few doozies.
Goal #9: say more thoughtful (and regular) personal prayers
I can honestly say that I worked on this one a lot this year.
Goal #10: put time on the calendar for me
Well, I didn't scrapbook two hours a week as planned, but I did go out for a couple girls' nights, went on regular walks with Melissa, scrapbooked with Jen, chatted on the phone a lot, spent a weekend away with Tracey and Jen, and read several good books.

Ok.
Let's put things into perspective.
I really did a pretty good job of working toward my goals last year.
This year I will attempt to reach some of the ones I didn't get to last year.

So my New Year's Resolutions for 2009 are:
1. exercise regularly - it was good enough to be first last year, let's try it again
2. have a little faith - trust that God will look out for me and my family and provide for us when we are in need
3. patience, patience, patience - a repeat that I guess I'll always need to work on
4. lose 20 pounds - and keep it off this time
5. take a family picture every month
6. enjoy my job - even on the hard days, find something that I can be happy about
7. schedule play dates - make time to have fun and play with Jon and Sammy
8. hold regular family home evenings - they've been sporadic over the years and shouldn't be
9. become a better cook - collect and try out new recipes for meals, not just new desserts
10. keep praying - even when things aren't the worst of the worst, keep up the regular communication with Heavenly Father

So wish me luck.
I'll need it.