New year, fresh start

For the last two or three years I've clarified that I'm not really one of those resolution-making type people, and yet for both years (or three?... can't remember which) I've made an exception to my own rule, and set ones. Thankfully, I thrive with goals and so it's been healthy as I've actually followed through on them (granted one of 2008's goals was to run a 5k and I didn't do that until 2009... but better late than never, right?). I figure once the goal(s) is/are out there on the world wide web, I especially need to follow through, and my blogging friends can hold me accountable.

This year, I'm keeping it simple. Nothing elaborate and the ones that require change in daily habits are slight, so as I'm not to chuck it before it gets established as a replacement routine. They are:

• Read through the Bible in a year. I'm 25 and still haven't done this. The biggest factor has been establishing a set pattern. I don't have quiet times the same time every day (probably should do that!) so if I get out of habit for a day or two it's easy to just go back to a book like Proverbs or one of Paul's letters in the NT. This year I'm more resolved than ever and ready to go exploring into the unknown (several OT books I've barely glanced over). Should be fun and I'll let you know how this goes.
  

• Out with the old and in with the new. This one kind of general, and two-fold. I love to de-clutter, but after almost five years of living out from under the nest, I'm embarrassed to say still haven't figured out a way to do that successfully. Usually my system consists of moving one pile of clutter to from room to another or into a box hidden in a closet... and I'm notorious for losing important stuff (or worse, not thinking it's important, throwing it away, and then being in a pickle later). I probably drive my husband out of his poor mind as it seems I do these "clean sweeps" all the time (especially if people are coming over) and then when we need what used to be out, I don't have a clue where it is. So, for this problem I'm going to need to invest in some organizing containers (magazine holders, more files for our cabinet, etc.). The other problem is a battle of the bulge. Nick & I have way too much stuff and by that I mean we have WAY TOO MUCH. When we first got married, generous friends and family offered many a hand-me-down this or that... furniture, appliances, books, etc (and who were we to turn down free stuff, we thought?). Problem being, we could never afford the space to keep all that we were offered. We've held a couple of garage sales, but or the most part, we've carried 20+ giant Rubbermaid bins through three moves that have never seen the light of day (whether they be stored in a garage, crawl space, garage, what have you). It kind of feel's like Marley's chains in The Christmas Carol (okay, so it's not quite that bad, but it definitely weighs you down). This year, I am going to go through it all and whatever we don't need can either be sold, donated, and tossed. Ha... and even as I write this I struggle to wait to do it throughout the year. Being eight months pregnant consequently means I am in the nesting zone... and if it weren't for the fact that I can't lift anything over 30 pounds, I'd be on it right now.

• Going greener. This hasn't been an issue for years. I'm a nut for anything organic, all-natural, and holistic in nature. However, this past year has thrown us some financial challenges and with that, I chucked a lot of good habits out for cheaper (and consequently, less healthy) ones. As we can afford it (mainly, when by God's grace Nick is gainfully employed) the cupboards will be getting a spring cleaning. More fruits & veggies, less processed "yuck", and replacing toxic cleaners for all natural alternatives. With two little ones, this is especially important to me.

• Get into shape. Notice I'm not even mentioning getting "back" into shape because it's been so long. ;) I don't have a weight goal, but am more concerned about optimum health. I plan on doing the same 5K this summer that I did last year and hope to do a few more (maybe even a 10K this fall if I'm ready for it?). Obviously, that means I'll have some serious baby weight to loss this spring. Bring it on!

• Get involved in the community more. I don't know how this will transcend yet... I just want to make a concerted effort to get to know our neighbors and the people in our city better. Maybe community service? A moms group? Do YOU have any good ideas?

Then there are some other ones that are pretty straight forward and don't require much explanation. They are:

• Find a form of service in which I can help our local church.
  
• Chuck unnecessary magazine subscriptions.
• Figure out how to use my SLR camera better (I've had it for over a year and still haven't taken it off the automatic settings).
• Baby proof the house MORE.
  
• Initiate and plan intentional date nights with Hubby (even if they're in our own home... something about planning them makes it that much more special).
• Spend less time on the computer (especially Facebook) and more time face to face interacting with others.
• Exercise hospitality more frequently and quite using the excuse "once we renovate (fill in the blank) then we could facilitate people better".
• Through the power of the Holy Spirit, determine to not so easily be offended and offer more charitable judgments towards others.

What are your resolutions for the new year?