A better me in 2009!

Doesn't that title sound like a corporate catch-phrase?  I love it.

For a long time I ignored the New Years Resolution tradition.  It's silly.  I don't need a special day to set goals.  It's a lot of pressure - to just come up with some random goals, only to feel badly about myself for not actually accomplishing anything at the end of the year.  It just seemed like such a forced, contrived thing to do.  Not to mention the fact that everyone makes the same goal. Lose weight, get organized, save money...

But as I've gotten older my thoughts have turned more to self improvement.  Setting goals is important, giving a timeline to complete those goals is even more important.  And the first of the year is a nice, symbolic time to do it.  So I've totally bought into the New Years Resolution thing.

Copy-catting my cute friend, Angie, I've categorized my resolutions into the area's of my life that I'd like to focus on.  

1. Earth

Continue in all the things we began last year.  Additionally, I'd like to buy a composter and use it! I'd like to use rain barrels with our rain gutters and use the water collected for my garden.  I plan to start my own plants this year from seeds (indoors, in February) to transplant to my garden.  I plan to look into natural cleaning products this year, use fewer chemicals in our everyday life!  My biggest goal this year is to cut down on driving - especially this summer! Consolidate my trips out to reduce the gas we consume, and carpool when possible.

2. Family

Our family is very strong together, and I'm so happy.  I want to be sure to appreciate that happiness, and to make a concentrated effort to show how grateful I am for the life we live.

Asher - take away his bottle. potty train. get rid of the binky.  It's a big year for Ash!  I need to stop babying him so much, he'll be 3 this August.  Try not to cry on his Birthday.

Tessa - continue to work on her reading and math skills with her, especially over the summer. Allow her to do more 'big kid' things that she wants to do, instead of trying to keep her a baby.

Matt - Be aware of what we need to continue growing our love, whether it's time together or time alone.  Show him how much I love him.  Plan something special for his Birthday this year.

Me - Make a decision about having a 3rd child. If I haven't decided by April 1, then it's a no. Continue Friday night movie night with the family once or twice a month.  Be sure to spend one on one time with both kids (especially Tessa) each month.  

3. Health

This year I am going to keep track of my workouts on my calendar. In 2008 there were a couple of months that I did that (for various reasons) and it made me SO much more accountable!  I consistently work out 3-4 times a week, but when writing it down I was more like 5-6 times a week. 

Use fresh fruits and vegetables often! Buy organic when I can! Make the kids try new foods instead of making them chicken nuggets for dinner when we're having something they don't like!

4. Charity

This is the year I'm going to donate my hair!  I'll give at least 8 inches to Pantene before the end of the year - no matter how attached I get to the length!!!

I will donate blood 3-4x this year.

I will make/donate more bears/dolls to Primary Childrens Hospital.

I will continue to donate my time at Tessa's school.

I will look into leading a Girl Scout troop for Tessa, because I think it's a great organization to be involved with.

5. Finances

I will be more vigilant in watching what we spend and work to pay down our credit and build up our savings.

2009 is going to be a great year :)