Let's Talk: Resolutions, Goals, and What I'm Looking Forward To

I'm linking up with Erika and Andrea for a session of Let's Talk.

Today, we are talking about our resolutions, goals, and things to look forward to.

I did a resolutions post HERE.  I created a list of 100 things that I'd like to do or work on this year.  I've already failed tremendously at some items on the list (I'm still drinking Diet Coke), but I have stuck with other things (read the Bible everyday).

I know that it would be highly unrealistic to complete everything on that list, but it was still fun to create.  All of those items are things, in theory, I would like to do.  But I also know we go through seasons where certain priorities get more attention than others.

Now I'm going to create my slightly adjusted goals.

1. Read the Bible everyday.  I've been doing this for 26 days now.  I've even incorporated it into my Religion class at school.  The 8th graders seem to enjoy reading the daily assignment.  We chuckle at the crazy (to us) Bible names!  One thing that I have realized as I complete my daily reading is that I really do NOT understand the Bible!  There are so many stories that I just don't get.  I have explained to my class several times that this project is to simply READ the words of the Bible.  There is great merit in that.  However, as I read, I am realizing that I have a great desire to engage in some in-depth studies of the Bible. I spoke to my priest about this and he chuckled at my confusion.  He's going to help me explain some of these stories to the 8th graders!

Part of my Bible reading for today.

2. Join a Bible study.  They offer studies at my church.  If my schedule allows, I want to sign up for a class.  I am also looking into joining an online Bible study class such as the ones offered by Lifeway. com with many of the Beth Moore books.  I haven't read anything by Beth Moore, but I have heard great things about her programs.

Here are some of the books that look intriguing to me:

3. Reach goal weight.  I've lost about 40 pounds since last April.  I have 40 more to go.  I am at a point now where I am pretty happy with my body and I like what I see in the mirror.  I like my clothes, and I enjoy shopping for new pieces.  However, with this new love for self, I don't want to get complacent and stop the effort.  This includes following the eating plan set out by my coach and continuing with exercise.  One of my goals in the 100 List was to run several half marathons and a full marathon.  I've since decided NO.  I don't think I enjoy long distance running!  Ha!  Great time to realize it after I've signed up for two halves in the next few weeks.  I'm going to get through those and then maintain a 5K running base while focusing on weight training.  My coach really believes in me and is confident that I can reach my goal weight by this summer!  Eeek!  It's weird to think that I could be my own version of tiny by this summer!

Don't give up...don't give up...don't give up!

I think focusing my effort on these three things is a great place to continue with my resolutions.  Oh, one last goal is to blog every day.  So far, so good.  I usually do well in the first part of the month and lose steam mid-year.  I'd like to look back someday and be able to read about what we did in August!

Now, on to the things I am looking forward to!

First up, a four day trip to Disneyland!  We took the kids to see the mouse a few years ago, and I'm ready to head back.  We are combining the trip with a school conference that I'm attending.  I'll go to classes until 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.  The boys will have tons of time to roam and explore.  I'll be able to join them in the evenings and then we have all day Sunday and Monday to play as a family.  We've been saving money for this trip for over 6 months, so I'm really excited to have a blast, eat some great food and relax!  I need to start planning the restaurants we'll eat at!

I'm also looking forward to going to our nephew's wedding in June.  Weddings are fun.  It's hard to believe that this "kid" was only 14 when I joined this family!  He was an usher at our wedding and we are coming up on 13 years in April!

I am looking forward to running a 5K with my husband.  He has always sworn up and down that he'd never be caught running.  Well, guess who's using the Couch to 5K program to train for his first 5K?!  We are going to do the Undie Run on Feb. 13...and NO, I will not be running in my underwear.  Not in this lifetime!  I really enjoy working out together as a couple.  We are also looking at signing the whole family up for the next Color Run this spring.

I am looking forward to a weekend in May when we drop the kids at my brother and sister in laws house and spend the night with just my honey.  When we wake up, we are going to a Dave Ramsey Smart Conference.  We went to one a year and a half ago, and it was AMAZING!  Can't wait to be inspired again!

I am looking forward to spending a lot of time at the water park this summer.  I'm happy about this for several reasons: 1. The kids are old enough to run and play without me. 2. Eric will be joining us. 3. I'll be near or at goal weight and will hopefully feel confident in a bathing suit.  Not that I'll be sporting a bikini or anything, but I want to feel happy in whatever I pick to wear without feeling like I need to wear shorts or a cover up. 4. Family time.  5. Expend energy!

That about wraps it up for me.  It was fun thinking about the things I'm looking forward to, and now I'm ready for those things to happen!