Tank Top Arms

Don’t give me any guff for saying Happy New Year 2 weeks late!!! Better late than never! Wow, I can’t believe it’s 2011 already (how cliche is that statement?). I am home at this very moment wishing I could get over this darn cold that has had a grip on  me for about 3 weeks now. It comes and it goes and comes and goes….like a bad relationship! Lol…anyway, in looking back at my 2010 “resolutions”, I conceded that I did not fulfill all of them, but for good reasons. I’m not trying to make excuses, I am DEFINITELY making excuses! Yoga: did it once. I liked it. But not enough to do it again. Sorry yoga fanatics! Just isn’t my cup of tea. If I want to truly relax, I need to have gloves on and a heavy bag to look at and punch. Learning French: eh, no time. I did go to the library and rent audio cd’s to learn on my own time. I could hear Rosetta Stone in the background laughing at me, that’s when I realized that I just don’t have the extra time needed to learn a new language right now. I’m not done with school yet and being a single parent requires me to pull double duty with responsibilities sometimes. The bible : I have been reading it a lot more and praying a lot more. I’m happy with that, but want to do more. This doesn’t mean that I get exactly what I’m reading still…I try to read the different versions for better understanding and that helps sometimes. Volunteering: I don’t think I did enough in 2010. I definitely shared the importance with the kids and shared opportunities with them, but I need to do more this year. Take 4 road trips: done and double done! Granite, it was with work, but traveling with these girls was a such a great experience! I made lots of memories, gained a better understanding of logistical planning when traveling via air, and learned to pack light!!!! (That’s a biggie for girls :) Learn how to sew and paint on canvas: yeah right. I think I may have been slightly high on this one! Gotta think BIG picture.

I have “resolved” that for 2011, I’m NOT going to make resolutions. It just seems so permanent and failure is involved in one way or another! Instead, I’m going to make goals. To me, this seems more attainable than resolving to do something for good that lasts about 1.5 months. So here are my goals for 2011:

• Graduate next month for grad school!
• Get myself and the kids involved in monthly volunteer opportunities
• Continue to read the bible and pray everyday
• MAKE A DIFFERENCE in Someone’s life EVERY DAY! (no matter how big or small)
• ALWAYS try to see the silver lining (blessing in disguise)
• Get hired full time somewhere ;-)
• Finish a 1/2 marathon trail run or road run…but in Tahoe!
• Compete in my first Ms. Figure competition
• Get down to San Antonio to see my folks and my soon to be new nephew this summer
• Try to get to NC and see my sis and brother-in-law before Dec 1st!
• Have a girls weekend road trip
• Begin my photography endeavor again after I graduate
• Paint on ONE canvas by the end of the year!

I think these are doable. I know they are doable! As a matter of fact, I’m going to print a few copies of my goals, print them out, and post them around my home so they serve me as a constant reminder of what I’m striving for. I heard a wonderful scripture today. It was Isaiah 41:10 and reads:

“So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

I like to see this as my compass for when I have anxiety about something, anything. Most of us aren’t born with an innate sense of confidence. I can only speak for myself when I say that I fear the unknown, and it’s then that I need to rely on my faith that everything will turn out just the way He intend them to be. Keeping that in mind, I am more confident that I can accomplish my 2011 goals. Just as a child leaps in faith that their father or mother will catch them, I know my Father will always catch me, in His own way.

Here’s to a VERY productive 2011!!!!