New Year, New Start

Last year I set resolutions... it was one of the first years I've done it. I looked back over them today and realized I didn't do as bad as I had thought. Some of the goals aren't applicable anymore because of my marriage situation change, but overall I did so-so LOL

I did fantastic at my reading goal. I made a goal to read six books. I'm pretty sure I did that by at least 6 times!!!

I made a goal to make better girlfriends. I think I did this too. For the first half of the year I even hosted a monthly girls night out. The second half I didn't do AS good, but I still made an effort to entertain more and get out more with the girls. I've made some great friends and deepened some friendships too!

I've also done better at befriending my children. I know I'm a great mom, but I also need to be a great friend to them and the relationship between Nina and I has been strengthened a lot. One of my greatest kid moments in 2009 is when Nina told me "thank you" for not allowing her to move in with her dad at the beginning of the summer like she wanted to. It was a rare moment where I felt like she truly appreciated me.

My spiritual and health goals slacked this year and I'm not really surprised. These always seem to be the areas I struggle most with. It's the daily scripture studying and exercising/eating right that I have a rough time keeping going for long periods of time. The kids and I did ok (not good, but ok) at reading our scriptures together and having nightly prayer. We haven't been good enough to brag about, but we did improve over 2008.

Well... now that I've analyzed a few of my winnings and failings of 2009, I guess it's time to set some goals for 2010.

First off I want to address my spiritual goals because they are most important. I NEED to improve my scripture reading immensely! I have been so casual in my scripture reading that I'm embarrassed to even try and remember how long it's been since I picked up my scriptures for personal use. This has GOT to change! Even if it's a verse a day, I have to read something! I also want to be more diligent in carrying out regular family home evenings. We do FHE, but more on a monthly basis instead of weekly. My goal is to have at least three "formal" family home evenings each month.

My next goals are business goals. I am planning on getting back in the swing of weekly blog carnivals. It's been months since I've been a regular at show & tells, tablescape days, pink Saturdays, etc. I miss this fun part of my blog and it's a great way to make new blogging friends. I need to be more aggressive in my website writing. I haven't been with a fully functioning computer for a while and as soon as I get one I will start full-force into my e-books, article writing, etc. I feel like my business goals were put on the back burner this year with my computer crashing in May and my divorce in July, but I'm ready to get back in the saddle again!

My finally goal category is my personal goals. I want to really get to know my kids on a personal level. My kids are great friends with each other. They know everything there is to know about their siblings. I want to get in on that. I'd like to spend more time actually talking AND listening to my children. My other personal goal is to maintain a happy, healthy romantic relationship. Jake and I have been together now for over a month; although that isn't long at all, so far, so good. I need to continue to be very open, aware and communicative with him to ensure that our needs are both being met and that we are happy. We are great friends and I'm so thankful for that. He is an amazing person and a quite unexpected blessing in my life.

Well... there you have it! My resolution ramblings for 2010! Woo-Hoo! It's gonna be a FANTASTIC year :)