Sunday, December 29, 2013

2014 New Year's Resolutions

I don't know about you, but I always look at each January as a new start, a fresh beginning.  I always sit down and plan my resolutions, but I'm not always the best at keeping them.  In 2013, I had 5 resolutions, but none of them were really concrete.  I wanted to be healthy, focus on me, set monthly goals, focus on my 101 things to do in 1001 days, and just enjoy life.


For the most part, I did okay.  I didn't focus on my health, which leads me to #1 for 2014.  But, instead of having resolutions, I want to put some concrete goals within them. 

#1.  BE HEALTHY.  Switch my diet to a more paleo lifestyle.  Get rid of the extras, the processed crap that isn't good for me anyways.  Eliminate Diet Coke altogether.  Cook at home more.  Eat out less.  Visit the farmer's market, or join a co-op to bring more fresh fruits/veggies into our home.  Focus on the way my clothes fit, how my body changes, how much stronger I become, and don't worry about the calories or the number on the scale.

#2.  Spend more time studying/reading/learning the Bible.  Do a bible study a month.

#3.  Focus on others.  Volunteer with the Salvation Army.  Pay for the person behind me in line.  At least once a month.

#4.  Learn patience.  Or if nothing else, learn to turn to God when I'm feeling stressed or I'm feeling like life isn't happening on my terms.  This is something I struggle with, a LOT.  It's something that I know isn't my strong suit, and something that I know I have to focus on to prevent becoming overwhelmed.

#5.  Pass the CPA exam.  Have the confidence to know that I can do it, that I can pass the exam, and that I know the information.  Pray to God for guidance, strength, and confidence. 

Christmas Recap

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas, and that each and every one of you were able to spend time with your loved ones.

We had a fantastic Christmas.  On the Sunday before Christmas, A and I, along with some friends, attended Gateway's candle light service.  It was honestly the most amazing Christmas service I've ever attended, and truly made me even more appreciative of the church we call home.  It took me a long time to find a place where I truly feel at home, but in 2013, we found that church home, became members, and haven't looked back.

Christmas Eve led us to the St Ann's Catholic Church in Coppell.  I've never been to a Catholic Mass before, and certainly never midnight mass on Christmas Eve.  A was raised Catholic, and even though he's no longer a practicing Catholic, he likes to go to the Christmas Eve service to pay respects to the religion he grew up in, to remember his family, and to start Christmas off right.  We didn't make it in 2012, because I fell asleep, but I was determined we'd go this year.  I think it's an amazing tradition.  The singing was phenomenal, and the tradition behind the service was inspirational as well.  It didn't feel like home to us, but it was a great way to wish Jesus a very Happy Birthday!

On Christmas Day, we headed north to celebrate with family.  I love my family.  We had a wonderful meal, enjoyed opening gifts, laughing, and being silly.  :o)

I was fortunate to have the entire week of Christmas off to spend time with friends, family, and A, so I'm glad that I was able to get in as much time with people as possible.  I know the next month is going to be INSANITY!  But, I'm looking forward to the new challenges of a new year.