Plans for 2013

Well, since 12-21-12 came and went and there was no appocalypse......I suppose it's safe to go ahead and make my plans for 2013!!  (wink-wink!)

1.  I want to continue our weekend trips, exploring the local areas and finding cool places to visit!!

2.  I want to continue to exercise and be physically active!  I really DO feel better when I exercise regularly and it's now become a habit!!  Yay!!!

3.  I want to learn to take better pictures....hone my photography skills! I want to learn to do creative pictures and maybe even frame a few shots for my office.

4.  I want to decorate my office at work.  It's a disorganized messy mess right now. I think I could be much more productive and positive at work if my environment was neat and pretty!!

5.  I want to dress more professionally....and less frumpily.  I have a few new things in my closet now that actually fit me...I just need to learn how to put things together to look less "Aunt Bea" and more pulled-together. 

6.  I want to celebrate.  EVERYTHING!  Big things, little things....all things.  I am so blessed...I need to exude more of an attitude of gratitude!!! Be more mindful of the blessings, and complain much less.

7.  I want to take some more painting classes...maybe some writing classes? Pottery classes?  I just want to flex some creative muscle and learn!!!

8.  I want to make use of my new craft-room and be crafty!!

9.  Trips for the year?  This year, we are planning a trip up the New England coast to see as many light-houses as possible....and perhaps in the fall....a trip out to Nevada to the Grand Canyon and to Las Vegas. I made it to the airport in Vegas this year...but was only passing through.  I don't care one bit about gambling....totally not my thing...but I do want to see the magnificant hotels and sights in Vegas!  We were thinking about a trip to Europe this year....but maybe not....maybe we will see more the the US and tackle Europe next year. 

10.  I want to continue motorcycle trips with Steve...SO much fun!!!

11.  I want to become an encourager.....to reach out to at least one person per month who is struggling and lighten their load....either spiritually, emotionally or physically.

12.  I want to learn to take time for myself without feeling guilty.  Maybe set aside one night a week to do something I enjoy instead of working:  a bubble bath, coloring in my coloring books, snuggling with my puppy, watching a show with my husband....the activity doesn't matter....the fact that I just take some time off and DO it and not feel guilty for doing it is the important thing.

13.  I want to learn how to effectivly parent my adult children. It's hard being hands-off and so far away from them.  The last 25 years of my life I've spent focusing on being their Mommy.  Now I need to learn to step back and let them be their own selves...even when I don't agree with their life-choices, their circumstances or values.  My prayer is (as it has been the last 25 years)....."Lord, Just let them know how much I dearly love them...even when I don't get it right."

14.  I want to write more.  I have good intentions....but not so good follow-through.  And writing is SUCH good therapy!!!

15.  I want to go horseback riding!  I've lost 94 pounds so far....so it won't be as unfair to the horse now...maybe in the spring time?

16.  I want to enjoy antiquing with my husband.  I just love browsing around, looking at vintage and old things.  There's just a certain charm about items with a history that intrigues me!

17.  I still want to go to a drive-in movie.  Didn't get to mark that off my list last year, so it's a carry-over! 

18.  I want to go on picnics!!!

19.  I want to visit an amusement park....and be more adventurous than I have been about riding the rides.  I've always been a scardey-cat.  I'm tired of being afraid of everything!

20.  I want to have a systemic way of keeping my house cleaner and clutter-free.  Hmmmm. Organization is not my strong point.  I need to research a way to stay on top of it and not let it become overwhelming.

21.  I want to become a more "giving" person.  In so many ways, I'm selfish and I need to learn that there's more joy in giving then in keeping.

22.  I want to grow a kitchen garden for REAL this year.  Last year, I had a good start, but got lazy with it.  I really, really want to grow my own vegetables and herbs. 

23.  I want to make my own soap.  I just love hand-made soaps!! I have some of my own herbs I've grown.....and I want to try my hand at making my own soap!!  :)