11 Goals for 2011

I have been less organized about my goal setting this year. I have felt little happy feelings about the "fresh start" a new year brings and have had little ideas floating around my head as to the shape I want my fresh start to take. I did feel a little silly about these things this year because there's really nothing significant about the specific day of New Years, it's just an idea, a number, and another day--but I do like to take advantage of my cultural programming and set New Year's goals nonetheless. :)

This is my first written record of the previously mentioned ideas floating around in my head. (In no specific order.)

#1: Play guitar while the kids are in the bath

The guitar currently gets quite neglected and that seems like a good consistent opportunity to play. Now I just need to move all the guitar

music near the bathtub. :)

#2: Give at least one partially musical fireside in 2011.

This one is somewhat exciting and fun and somewhat intimidating.

I have been taking notes on this fireside here and there for about a

month.

#3: Get back on the regularly exercising boat--including yoga, running,

and more specifics that are not necessary to specify. I did think the Pioneer Day Parade 10K in Salt Lake was very fun last year and if my knees will have it, I would like to repeat that.

#4: Related to #3...wake up as close to 6am as I can muster--possibly before to get sanity time with scriptures/exercise/prayer/husband and NO children.

#5: Play the piano more--learn and memorize a new song for my students spring recital. This all means I need to figure out a time that the children will tolerate this behavior.

#6: Be on top of home schooling. Get a consistent schedule the kids can

count on and stick to it. Make it fun, quality time that they enjoy. Be creative with it and give them a variety of learning activities.

#7: See MY side of the family more--i.e. increase the Sunday dinner invites.

#8: This one I've been feeling and thinking about a lot and haven't really shared. I'm thinking I want to go to a nursing home every 3rd Sunday for an hour or two. Pick one--always do the same one, maybe take one kid with me each time....talk with people....get to know them...I will have to have husband cooperation, but I really

want to do it. I want to start this legacy of service I hope to leave

behind. I think this step will help lead me to goal #2.

I also am planning on having my piano students doing a "practice recital" at a nursing home this year and hopefully forever from here on out.

I speak in non-committed language about the first part of this because it's a step out of my comfort zone but I'm quite sure I will be sorely disappointed in myself if I don't follow through, knowing the way my spirit feels about it.

I also am planning on having my students doing a "practice recital" at a nursing home this year and hopefully forever from here on out.

#9. On that note- who knows what year this will happen, but I really want to live worthy of seeing angels. I'm done messin' around. There is nothing that could get between me and God that could possibly be worth it. I have temptations that easily beset me that I get to continually work on and why even mess around with anything else. I am committed. I want the spirit, and I intend to follow it--when I slip up, I want to recognize it quickly, dust off and get back up.

#10. Five minute prayer minimum every night. I've been doing this for a little over a week and I think I'll up it again soon. For whatever reason I am not requiring much out of my morning prayers for now. I'm just happy to say them before some child is requiring my attention. On a few nights this has totally changed the way I talk to

Heavenly Father and has reminded me of the scriptures that say to

pray to him over your flocks and your fields etc etc. I have talked to

Him more like a friend, more like a companion--venting to him and

discovering my deep feelings about things as I share them and that

process has allowed me to be taught in a different way as well. Highly recommended. :)

#11: Ooo--just thought of this one fresh--when the weather is warmer, if I have transportation HIKE HIKE HIKE. I did pretty good last year

getting out just me and the little ones and I would be so happy if I could pull that off again. Avin will be bigger and heavier AND not big enough to be an independent hiker BUT Austin will also be bigger and hopefully won't be so oblivious to edges. Pros and cons to aging children. I also would like to camp one time this year with my little family.

Well my computer time is up, 11 goals for 2011.

(Sorry I don't know how to make my posts not go all crazy--it looked all one color and lined up before I published it!)