2014

It's a new year!  Time to make some new goals and commitments to myself. Here are 14 things I'd like to make happen in 2014:

1. Write a song, and perform it for someone.  I love music.  I'm happier when music is a part of my life, though I have always relied radio/iTunes/spotify to fill me up with new songs. Writing music has always seemed either too hard or too cheesy.  No more excuses!  I'm going to do it.  This year.
2. Recommit to making at least 3 healthy meals a week.  I did okay for about a month last year.  I'm trying again this year... plus now I have a big, beautiful kitchen!
3. Stay on-top of grading papers. Easily the worst part of being a teacher is grading papers.  I always procrastinate, but then kick myself later when I have a stack the size of Texas.  If I grade when they turn them in, I'll be happier in the long run.
4. Pursue an artistic hobby.  I've been dabbling in photoshop a bit, but I'd also like to learn how to use all of the CS5 programs.  I'd like to get more into print making, or sewing, or even blogging??  How do people make money at this?
5. Get into a sport, and do it several times a week. I think biking might be for me.  Or tennis?  Also, paddle boarding-- I at least want to try it this year!
6. Remember birthdays.  I love birthdays, but I always get distracted and miss them.  I'd like to send family and friends cards or pay them a visit on their birthday.
7. Go on a big vacation. Okay, this isn't really a goal, but I would like to go somewhere "big" this year.  Perhaps the East coast?  I had better start saving my pennies!
8. Organize the basement and garage. I just need to START.  Samuel and I had a talk a few nights ago about just getting rid of stuff, even if we still like it.  It's not worth it if we are not using it, or emotionally opposed to giving it away.  I'm giving myself permission to give things I like away.  They can be just as cool and likable in someone else's house.  
9. Do my visiting teaching.  The only time I've ever been good at this is when I had an awesome on-top-of-it companion.  I like visiting teaching... I resolve to be better at making it happen.  
10. Read at least 10 books, outside of school.  With book club last year, I did pretty well.  I still haven't decided if the "club" is going to continue this year, but I hope the reading will.  
11. Read scriptures every day.  I used to be awesome at this and have really slacked off for the past few years.  I need to get in the habit again.  
12. Have a NO SPEND month.  Has anyone ever done this before?  I want to try to go for a month without spending any money, except for our necessities (mortgage, utilities, gas, food).  I'm still working out the logistics in my brain, but I think this would be good for me.
13. Put the "screens" away for a few hours every day.  I love my computer, and use it for work, pinteresting, creating, etc.  Samuel got me an iPhone for an early birthday present, and I love it.  But I love him even more.  I want to put our phones away for a while each night so we can just talk, have a meal together, go for a walk, or have friends over without distractions.  
14. Get financially organized.  Samuel and I have tried several approaches to budgeting, but haven't found anything that "works" for us yet.  This is the year for us to track our spending, savings, and expenses, and to finally stick to a budget plan that works for our family.  

So, there you have it folks.  What are your goals for the year?  Any tips and tricks for accomplishing them?