Resolving to Resolve

I'm sure you're all dying to know what I've resolved to do in 2010. In all honesty, I've been wondering the same thing myself. Jeff and I were talking about it this weekend and I committed to make some resolutions and he agreed to hold me accountable. So, last week in our ward program, there was a talk by Elder Joe J. Christensen entitled, "Resolutions." It can be read in its entirety here. I would highly recommend taking a few minutes to study its message. He suggests making resolutions in four main areas of our lives--thus, my inspiration for 2010.

Resolution number one: I resolve to expand my intellectual horizons, to increase in wisdom.

1. I'm reading, people. My goal is 20 books this year--good books. I'm open to any and all suggestions.

Resolution number two: I will be resolute in preserving and strengthening my physical health.

2. I'm moving. 1,000 miles in 2010--walking, running, skipping, jumping.

3. At least 64 oz of water a day--NO exceptions.

Resolution number three: I resolve to be a truer friend and to become more socially acceptable to people of high standards.

4. I'm smiling more.

5. Entertaining at least once a month--new friends and old friends.

6. I'm going to be more forgiving and less judgmental.

Resolutions number four: I will grow spiritually—I will increase in favor with God.

7. Our bishop challenged everyone in the ward to read the Book of Mormon by April conference. I started last week.

8. I'm resolving to be more spiritually in tune with the needs of the primary children in our ward. They make me happy.

And just because I want to:

9. I'm eating more Nutella in 2010. You know you wish this was one of your resolutions!

10. I'm definitely going to express more love through words and deeds to those who matter most.

A 2007 Recap

It seems impossible that 2007 is nearly an end. In the coming days, I'll be formulating my goals for 2008. Until then, a recap and review of the 2007 goals.

1. I'm turning 30 with grace, beauty, and enthusiasm.
Mission accomplished. I'm 30 (that was an easy goal). I think I'm graceful. I know I'm beautiful (maybe humility should be something to shoot for in 2008). I was really enthusiastic about it. . . remember the gift countdown?

2. I am going on a work project trip to Haiti this summer with ACHF. Pray that circumstances in the country are peaceful.
Didn't happen.

3. My bedroom is the final area of home improvement completion. I read in a magazine that a person's bedroom should be a place of solace and peace. That is my goal.
Check it out!

4. Washington D.C. I see cherry blossoms in my future.
I had an amazing time visiting D.C. with my parents and Kimmy. No cherry blossoms in September, but the weather was beautiful.

5. I'm replacing my Old Testament reading with a study of Jesus the Christ. Study being the operative word.
I have learned and studied so much this year about Christ. My faith is strong and my testimony of His life growing. . .everyday.

6. I am going to create a website for Where Flowers Bloom Designs. My goal is to complete orders for at least 24 albums in 2007.
Not so much. I just didn't have time with everything else going on. I did several books this year as my schedule would allow.

7. I have always wanted to be a docent at the Museum of Art. I spoke with the director of Art Education on Thursday. . .I'm already on my way.
Does decorating the museum for Christmas count?

8. The 1/2 Marathon is calling my name again in 2007. Now that I know I can finish the race, I'm working on trimming my time. Under 2 hours in 2007.
Ran 2 Half Marathons in 2007 and still love running.

9. I'm ready to be published in a trade magazine. . .
Still waiting for this one.

10. We are having more dinner parties. The only way I can justify my dish collection is to entertain. So, twice a month, we are having fun people over for fun food.
Lots of good food and friends in 2007. It feels good to use all my dishes.

11. Kimmy and I are going sugar free. . .for as long as we can stand it. I'm thinking my birthday cake would be the perfect ending to a perfectly ridiculous 2007 goal.
I made it to my birthday and the Baskin Robins Cake was calling my name.

12. I have a new calling. I'm the Stake Activities Co-chair. You know what? I'm going to be the best damned co-chair they've ever seen. I might even put my enthusiasm behind stake speed dating. . .maybe.
Lots of stake activities in 2007. . .lots of damned good activities!

13. I am reading at least one book a month. . .strictly for enjoyment. Each month a different genre of literary work. Read along if you'd like. This month, I'm reading How to Make Friends at Influence People. Watch out. . .you never know who I'll choose to influence.
My love for reading has been rejuvenated. I LOVE a good book.

14. We have a bazillion new people in our ward. I am going to learn all of their names. Oh, my heavens. I suppose that if I can read 1200 pages of the Old Testament, I can learn the names of the 200 people in our ward.
Can't win them all. . .or name them all for that matter.

15. This year, I am going to become a Photoshop expert. No more of this messing around. I signed up for both beginning and intermediate classes taught by one of the best gurus in the valley. Oh, the power of photo manipulation.
I'm not claiming to be an expert, but I learned tons from my class and I really love to design and manipulate via PhotoShop.

16. I am going to become involved in the humanitarian efforts of the church. Not exactly sure on the specifics yet, but give me a few weeks. . .I have a couple of ideas.
Women's Conference 2007 Humanitarian Project. Infant kits spreading throughout the world.

17. This year I'm going to recognize every bit of my potential. I am not going to waste time. I am not going to stress about the little things. I'm simply going to work hard, play hard, and become a little bit better. Get ready everyone. . .we have lots work ahead of us.
I feel a little bit better.

I'm Trying To. . .

I have a lot of things to work on--

I'm trying to stop biting my fingernails. It's a nasty habit--I KNOW.
I'm trying not to be so quick to judge others.
I'm trying to keep my closet clean.
I'm trying to have fun.
I'm trying to be more patient.
I'm trying to slim down for Hawaii.
I'm trying to make the little things in my life a priority.
I'm trying to laugh more.
I'm trying to make new friends.
I'm trying to remind myself that Rob Lowe isn't ever going to be my better half.
I'm trying to be more thoughtful & humble.
I'm trying to keep perspective.
I'm trying to make each day count.

I'm trying to figure out why I didn't become a professional bowler.Ever feel like you're always moving at warp speed?

It's Great Being Green

Sometimes I think I live a life completely too good to be true.

Today I was yet again reminded why I love summer (even though it's only mid-March). I love picnics in the park. I love running without losing feeling in my hands. I love sleeping with my bedroom windows open. Flip flops. Swinging. Lemonade. I love the great closet swap. Smooth bare legs. BBQs.

In other news--I've finally decided on the decor of my bedroom. Oh, it is going to be so fantastic. The next couple of weeks we will see the whole process come to fruition with a before, during, and after commentary. My desk should be here in a few weeks. I found the most amazing sheets with Laura today. They're the perfect color. Come to think of it, they're the perfect shade of green. How ironic that I'd discover them on this day of the green. Anyway, luxury bedding is my new motto. In fact, I'm calling the Marriott Hotel tomorrow to inquire about their heavenly bedding. I want my bedroom to be a respite from the cares of the world. . .rather than what it is right now--a representation of unfinished business. Besides, it's completion is part of my 2007 aspirations.

We saw Sandi Bullock's new movie tonight. I heard someone on E! call her Sandi and I've decided to take on the more intimate reference. Premonition was okay. I have some issues with it. . .like I the fact that I enjoyed it, but didn't. When I go into a movie theatre, I want to leave feeling like there was complete and well explained closure. Didn't feel that way with this movie. I'm not going to say anything further. . .don't want people angry. Regardless, BWood was spotted just two rows above me. What is the deal? I swear he's stocking me. It didn't bother me until JLoveless asked if BWood & SWood were making out. I puked in my mouth.

When did I start liking cabbage? In all forms I like it? Boiled, raw, in soups. . .I can't get enough and it's starting to creep me out.

Happy St. Patty's Day to all! My the luck of my green sheets spread to all four corners of my much anticipated luxury bed.

2006: A Special Report

So I've been avoiding this post for days. . .you know, the dreaded 2006 review of the year's goals. Admit it--you've all been waiting for a report--wondering what, exactly, I've done with myself over the past 364 days. Well, here it is. It isn't perfect. For those of you who forget. . . .I'm not perfect (though I was once told that I was perfect on paper).

Goal 1: I want JLo hair.
Report: Unless JLo has decided to fire her hair dresser and go with a more natural look. . .I'm sad to report that my hair is getting quite long, but still lacks the JLo zeal. I'm not giving up, I'm just facing reality.

Goal 2: I'm going snow-shoeing.
Report: 2006 brought many opportunities to walk through a great deal of snow in many pairs of shoes.

Goal 3: Juggling. . .maybe Eric could give me a few pointers.
Report: I've juggled any number of things this past year.

Goal 4: I'm entering a photo contest & winning.
Report: My photography competition chickened out. Though I did enter a picture in Runner's World. Still waiting to hear a report on that one.

Goal 5: Developing a custom event book business.
Report: Where Flowers Bloom Designs is an up and coming business. Wedding books have proven to be the most lucrative, but baby albums, guest books, and baptism themes hold a great deal of promise in 2007.

Goal 6: I'm going to SMILE more often.
Report: I'm smiling right now. Special thanks to everyone for making this one a reality.

Goal 7: Volunteer with a Child's Hope Foundation. . Calli, let's talk! http://www.achildshopefoundation.org/about_us.html
Report: Calli and I talked. We talked on Wednesday mornings for several months when I helped in the office. Haiti Days was a success, and I'm still working on the photo album, but it's coming along nicely. LOVE A Child's Hope Foundation.

Goal 8: Spend a week on the beach. . .any beach, but I'm aiming for Hawaii in 2006.
Report: I was a lovely shade of brown for most of November. I'd give about anything to be on a beach right now sipping a tropical beverage. ALOHA.

Goal 9: Finish decorating my bathroom.
Report: My bathroom is redecorated. There are a still a few finishing touches to make, but aren't we all a work in progress?

Goal 10: 1/2 marathon. NO--I'm not going crazy. . .well, maybe--13 miles?
Report: Ran 13 and was crazy about it.

Goal 11: I'm going to read the Old Testament this year if it kills me (it just might).
Report: You won't believe this, but I finished. I'm not claiming that studied the Old Testament, but I read it. I'm thinking about making the Pearl of Great Price my scriptural goal for 2007.

Goal 12: Institute!
Report: I did pretty well for a few months, but then my enthusiam fizzled.

Goal 13: I'm going to write a children's book and a short story.
Report: Mission accomplished. It's not quite ready for a literary award, but I put my simple words on paper and any 5 year old would love it. Maybe I'll share it with my fellow bloggers sometime.

Goal 14: I'm going to be a better friend, sister, & daughter in 2006. Boy, you're all in for the best year of your lives!
Report: I suppose the accomplishment of this goal would depend entirely upon who I ask.

All in all, I think it was a successful year. Granted, I have lots of things to work on. Lots of ways to improve. Lots of places to see, changes to make, and goals yet to achieve. Thank you all for helping me work toward my 2006 goals. I couldn't have done any of them without you. Kimmy dropped me off up the canyon early on Saturday mornings and tried to help me with my JLo hair. Mom constantly asked me how my old testament studies were coming along. Calli "hooked me up" with Kent. LeAnn was our Hawaii entertainment. Lori encouraged me to develop my business. Mark went with me on many an XT adventure. Ryan made me smile more often. Laura and Eric ran the long and winding road race.

Hope you're all ready for 2007. We have lots of work to do.

2006 Aspirations

In an Organizational Behavior class I took a few years back, our instructor told us that to ensure successful goal-setting we should share the goal with those around us and talk about it often. So, here are my 2006 aspirations.

1. I want JLo hair.
2. I'm going snow-shoeing.
3. Juggling. . .maybe Eric could give me a few pointers.
4. I'm entering a photo contest & winning.
5. Developing a custom event book business.
6. I'm going to SMILE more often.
7. Volunteer with a Child's Hope Foundation. . Calli, let's talk! http://www.achildshopefoundation.org/about_us.html
8. Spend a week on the beach. . .any beach, but I'm aiming for Hawaii in 2006.
9. Finish decorating my bathroom.
10. 1/2 marathon. NO--I'm not going crazy. . .well, maybe--13 miles?
11. I'm going to read the Old Testament this year if it kills me (it just might).
12. Institute!
13. I'm going to write a children's book and a short story.
14. I'm going to be a better friend, sister, & daughter in 2006. Boy, you're all in for the best year of your lives!

Doable, don't you think? I mean, think of the things I've done in 2005.