New Year, New Resolutions

Ugh. It has been almost two years since the last post on this blog. But, I really want that to change. That's one of my new resolutions. One of the things I have let hold me back is my two adorable children.

Don't get me wrong, I love them! But, I am trying not to use them as an excuse anymore.

I have been feeling that I needed change for the last few months. Big change. I guess having a second kid really made me realize that I am not where I want to be in life. That is not meant to be a "pity me" statement. It's just a fact. I have a good life, and I am a good person. But, I could be better. A lot better. This year I want to start becoming the person I want my kids looking up to. So, here it goes. My resolutions.

1- Be a better Mormon. This might seem too big. Or, it might seem too vague. But, I promise it's not! It just has multiple steps involved. Which, I think, is okay. I don't remember the last time I went Visiting Teaching. I am not even sure that I know the ladies I am supposed to teach. That changes now. I am committing myself to AT LEAST making contact with them each month. I also need to keep a better schedule where temple attendance is concerned. There are a few other steps. I want to do better with personal scripture study. I want to really learn and understand the scriptures. The best part about this resolution is that any improvement, means I succeeded! That's not meant to allow me an easy out, so much as the inspiration and encouragement that comes with baby steps.

2- Read a new book every month. I don't really like reading. I see posts on Facebook all the time about how people who don't like reading can't be friends with so and so who posted it. Or, about how they must be stupid or hate learning. Or, all of the above. That makes me feel bad. See, the thing is, I am extremely auditory and it's hard for me to create something in my mind, visually. I don't find it fun, like other people. There are a few books that I have enjoyed reading, but, overall, it's hard. But, I also feel like that will never change if I don't work at it. Like working out. Those creative muscles will never get stronger, if I don't give them practice. I'm starting off this month with Northanger Abbey. I have read Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Emma and Mansfield Park. I need to read all of Austen's works for a project I am working on. Next month will probably be Persuasion, haha.

3- Take my children on a new adventure every month. I want to try to take them to new places every month, but I am also okay with places, like the Aquarium, that we have already been. James has never been to Hogle Zoo, or the Dinosaur Museum at Thanksgiving Pointe. Those are the kinds of places I want to take him every month. I want to spend some family (and sometimes friend) time doing something out of the norm, every month. I am going to cut myself some slack with this one. I will consider it a success if I make half of the months! Haha! I just can't let us sit at home wathcing TV all the time any more. We are getting out and living life.

4- Cook more. I'm gonna take that a step further: I want to experiment with new recipes more. But, seriously. Even just cooking more would be good. It isn't that I don't cook or make food. I do. But, I need to make healthier and more exciting options. We shall see how this one goes...

5- Take a class. Any class. A language class. A dance class. An art class. A photography class. Other acceptable options: lessons in an instrument, or voice, or acting. I just need to learn! I want to study. I miss school! I just crave learning new things, and this is vague, but also not. I need to take the initiative and find a class somewhere. This one I am excited and scared for. I'm Little Red Riding Hood.

6- Meditate/Practice patience. I think lately I have been taking too much to heart. I have been taking things too personally. I need to get back to letting things slide right off me. Going with the flow. I want to do Yoga, and that will help me learn good meditation practices. I have seen some Yoga routines to do before bed that help you unwind and relax. I think I might try those.

7- Blog more. Haha! I know... Seriously, though. I want to record more of the moments I have in my life personally, and with my family. I want to practice my writing skills. I used to be a fairly decent writer. I think I have lost touch with that. I am going to try to blog once a week. Maybe I will work it into my Sunday schedule/routine. I want to remember things. I have a terrible memory. Besides, looking back is such fun!

That's it. Those are my resolutions. What are yours?