2009 Goals

I don't usually make New Year's resolutions, but I've been inspired by some of my new blogging friends to determine what my goals are in my life for this year 2009.

Before doing that, I took a look back at this past year. This was the first full year in the past 14 years that I worked a part-time job that offers health insurance and a 401(k) plan. After being a stay-at-home mom for all of those years, I finally settled into working again, in a job that I love and that I've discovered I'm pretty good at. I've become more self-confident in who I am away from my family. Not only that, but everyone in my family, in these economic times, has been blessed in their employment. My husband was able to find two new positions this year, each one a more prosperous one. Thank you, God! Both of my kids work a seasonal summer job and I've seen them progress and become more confident in their positions as well.

My son had received his driver's license last New Year's Eve day and has been doing a very fine job. I did get choked up last President's Day, however, when I had the day off from work and my kids got in the car and took off for the mall - without me! (sob!). That was a wake-up call to me that these kids are nearly adults. That was a very difficult realization.

The biggest highlight this past year, of course, was the trip to Washington state to visit my sis Robin. We hadn't seen each other in five years, and I had never been on an airplane. My kids and I spent one glorious week with her and her fantastic family, and I can't wait to see them again.

I've made a lot of new friends and have grown in my relationship with my Lord, Jesus. I give Him the glory and praise for every blessing in my life and I pray that the roots of my faith will grow deeper still.

Now for this new year (in no particular order):

I want to be healthier. By all appearances, I seem to be quite healthy but my eating habits are not great. I loves my chocolate - sometimes, though, I can make a Snickers bar be my meal, and I reward myself for being good at the grocery store with a Reese's Big Cup. That has got to stop. My daughter has inspired me to take stock of what I put into my body. I want to stop drinking soda, eating chips, cut back on my chocolate - sticking to just dark chocolate, and eat more colorful fruits and veggies. I want to start walking again - I took my dog for a walk in the woods the other day and was quite winded. I didn't like that.

I want to seriously pay down debt. I already have a plan in place to aggressively pay down my credit card. I should have that paid off in July 2010. I don't even carry the card with me so that I'm not tempted to use it. I am paying extra every month on the mortgage and I'd love to see that gone in five years. I want to live below our means. We do a great job, now, but I know there's room for improvement. Peter and I discuss all major purchases. We've created a budget and are doing very well sticking to it.

I want to spend more time with my kids. That is, when I'm not at work I want my time with them to count. They'll be working again soon and they both have major milestones this year: Lacey will be 16 in April and begin her driver training in March, and Geoff will be 18 in June.

I want to grow closer to my husband. In October, we'll be celebrating 20 years of marriage (!), and I want him to know that he is most important to me (after Jesus). He is a wonderful husband to me and a terrific father to our children. God has blessed us immensely in so many ways. We have an awesome marriage and I want to keep it that way.

These are my current wants for the new year, and I know that with the Lord's help and guidance, He will help me accomplish these things. He knows the desires of my heart, and He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. And I know that God can do all things.

Have a blessed weekend!

--Liane