Random Resolutions for a New Year

At this point in the year, everyone makes resolutions.  I have a few of my own made, although they were made before the new year...I hope they still count...yeah, they'll count if I say they do!  There are a few, I must admit, but very attainable and reasonable goals.

Resolution #1:
Grow my faith.  I want to continue this path I've discovered with God's word.  I have great support from friends and family so I know I can be successful.  This resolution is a little easier than most because once I get started reading scripture, it's hard to put it down.  Not only is it the word of God, but it's also a history lesson, and I love history.  I'm using a study Bible to really understand what it is I'm reading.  Within this version of the Bible are historical descriptions that give context to the time and place where the different books of the Bible were written.   This makes it easier to understand what was being said and what messages were being passed on.  I know this resolution will be a lifelong resolution...and I'm ready for that challenge.

Resolution #2:
Exercise more.  Yes, that's right....exercise more.  I want to run some races this year.  Some co-workers have already signed up for a Warrior Dash and are encouraging me to do the same.  It sounds FANTASTIC!  But I need to build stamina and durability before I can even begin to think I can run a race.  There are little motivations along the way....certain websites have contests that award prizes for working out...I might try a few of these for inspiration.  Other motivations include feeling better, sleeping better, and having more energy.  Those in themselves are good enough motivation.

Resolution #3:
Eat better.  This goes along with exercise but in itself is a separate resolution.  To perform better, or exercise more, I need to start fueling my body better.  But it is also important for other health issues to begin a healthier diet now.  Better to do it now with only 26 years to reverse, rather than later down the road with 50 years of habits to reverse.

Resolution #4:
Become fiscally smarter.  When I bought a house I realized that I was not as fiscally smart as I could be.  I discovered I need to be more diligent about saving and the way I spend my money.  My house is much closer to work now, so I can go home for lunch.  I need to take more advantage of that convenience.  So in the new year, I look forwards to becoming more disciplined with money matters.

So four resolutions later, we're finished.  Phew...my new year is going to be busy.  I want to be successful at each and every resolution.  If I can take just one step forward in every area, become a little better in each area, I'll be happy this year.  It will be something I can build on for years to come.  So wish me luck...Happy New Year, welcome to 2013!

Valiant Try...On to 2013

When I looked at my previous posts, the blog profile informed me that I hadn't posted since the beginning of August.  I'm gonna go ahead and blame that on several factors.

Factor #1:
I bought a house.  Yes, I am a proud homeowner now!  It's challenging, frustrating, wonderful, and I love having ownership of something.  Yes I own my car, but somehow a house feels more mine.  Don't ask why...chalk it up to a random person's thoughts.

Factor #2:
School.  This last semester has been the most grueling since I started my masters at OSU.  When everything was said and done, I believe I wrote four papers, two paragraph essay questions every week of the semester minus two weeks for exams, and compiled a powerpoint presentation in which I had to narrate it and send it in for credit.  Yay me right?  Well, the semester ended successfully (straight A's, thank you very much), and I'm still trucking along.

Factor #3:
Work.  My best friend went to Durant where her husband started his career and two other colleagues found better opportunities for themselves.  Needless to say, at one point or another in the last 6 months or so, we were short staffed.  While the bright side of that was major overtime, the downside was less personal time.  And what time I did have was devoted to house, school, and of course Duke!

Factor #4:
Duke.  This should really be factor number 1.  He's almost like a child, although I can leave by himself for a couple of hours while I'm at work.  But he still runs the household so...factor number 4.

As I look back over 2012, I also found that I did some growing.  Most of the growing happened religiously.  The aforementioned best friend, as well as two other friends and co-workers, helped me find my faith again.  I don't know if I've ever been that religious, or had much faith to lose, but I always believed there was a God.  I just believed less structurally.  Now, with their help, I'm reading His words  and studying them.  I'm building a foundation that will make my beliefs stronger, and probably more coherent.

2012 was quite a year.  I'm looking forward to 2013 with enthusiasm and excitement.  I plan to grow as a person and better myself.  I also plan on being a better friend and family member...and thank God for all the blessings I have on this earth.  Here's to 2013!