Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Hope for a New Year?



Well, we are at the end of yet another year. So I find myself wondering if I am any better off now than at this same time last year. Did I make any resolutions last year? And how long before those resolutions went the way of the dodo bird?
See, every year, everyone talks about New Years Resolutions. And I mean EVERYONE! We get asked by our colleagues and by our friends and neighbors, "What are YOUR New Years Resolutions?". Heck, even the advertisers get in on the deal. Fitness clubs and Gyms probably make the most money at this time of year because of everyone signing up to make good on that resolution 'to get in better shape'.
So, if I have been around for as long as I have, What is there left to be resolute about? HA!, That's just the rub that I am getting at. What is it about our New Years Resolutions that we (me) cannot seem to conquer?
I am thinking that part of it may be that we aim to big. I know that if I say I am going to lose weight and I have lets say 50+ lbs to lose that if I have not dropped 10 lbs the first month then its right back to cheesecake and fatty burgers. I know that to be successful I, and I am only talking about myself here, I am sure there are many who are WAY better than I. But I digress, I know that if I start with a smaller, more obtainable goal, such as losing 5lbs, I might have greater success. And I can then make another resolution to lose another 5 lbs after that and so on.
And what of other goals, such as getting a promotion at work and/or being a better friend for example? How do we tackle such lofty goals? Certainly they are worthwhile and we feel they would make us better people. If they did not, we would not set them as goals, would we?
How do we break down getting a promotion? Maybe see where we can increase productivity in a certain area and putting in the time necessary to be noticed for positions as they became available. And how about being a better friend? That's a hard one no? I guess that you need to know just what your friends need or want IN a friend, or IN you for that matter. Of course listening and being there for them during their trials has definitely got to help.
Well, I am really trying to figure out what I most need to work on so that I CAN make some resolutions. Of course I am finding it difficult at how best to achieve "financial independence' and
'children who listen better'.
I am working on both of these as a matter of fact. I know they might seem pretty 'out there' and if you knew my circumstances maybe even unrealistic. But there is not to question but to do and so me and spouse WILL do. We are going to do the things we should have done before things looked so dire. We will 'bury' the credit cards and do something drastic. LIVE WITHIN OUR MEANS! Okay, it seems so simple when you write it down but it does not seem so simple when kids need braces for example. Or when something goes wrong in the house(money pit) and demands replacement, such as the Water main or the Heater/Air Conditioner. Sort of why we are burying the credit cards and not cutting them all up like we want to. Anyway, would welcome anyones advice on money saving tips in any area.
As far as the whole getting kids to listen better goes we figured we would call Nanny 911. Then we figured there was no way in hell I was going to put my family on television. Fat chance! Not that they are not the best kids ever, occasionally anyway. They are just, well, lets just say the decible level in our home can get mighty loud sometimes and I always wonder just what the neighbors are thinking. Because you know, even when we are having a ball, WE ARE LOUD!
I think the most common thing heard in our house apart from the repeatedly calling of children by their name until they answer is the word, "what?' or maybe "sorry, I didn't hear you' followed closely by "you never said that." Of course me and spouse find ourselves pulling out hair and groaning in misery because it seems to get worse as the children get older. In fact, I don't have a clue as to how to actually break this goal down. So, any help in this area is welcome as well.
WOW! that felt good to get off my chest. I hope I don't read this in a year and wonder 'what the heck was I thinking?'
So, now I am wondering Just what are you fellow stalkers out there putting on your lists of New Year Resolutions? Are they lifestyle changers? Are they going to cause you to make drastic changes in your routines or your home life? Please put on your brave face and let me know what you have planned for the New Year as well. Are you a big party person with lots of friends or do you roll over and kiss the spouse at midnight and go back to bed? Or are you somewhere inbetween?
Here is wishing you a very Happy New Year!


12 comments:

cornnut32 said...

i don't make new year's resolutions anymore. i found that after the three weeks (days, more like it) that i work on them, i get discouraged when i fail. so, instead, i try to set mini goals throughout the whole year instead of putting so much pressure on myself all at once.

Rhonda said...

I heard a good one today, in fact. Hers was to rid herself of the toxic people in her life. Great plan. But I already did that. And it does feel good.

I am making the resolution to get into better shape. My husband asked if I'm going to do the low carb thing, or what exactly, because that is his plan. I just want to start looking more AT what I'm eating in hopes of making better decisions little by little. I'm not going the all or nothing route. Been there done that. I already play soccer as much as possible and love raquetball, no matter how badly I suck. Now if I could only watch my intake, I could actually feel better. And that is my goal, moreso than a size 6 (hahaha). I just want to feel comfortable again. And, hey, putting on my shoes without getting red-faced and out of breath would be really cool too! lol

Ronda's Rants said...

I am working on mine as I type...finishing touches!!!
We would love to think we are party people for New Years but the sad truth is I just want to stay home and curl up with Hubby on the couch and watch movies! Just the best!
Happy New Year's to Blogstalker...may you come out of the shadows!

Messy Jess said...

Food Storage and Emergency Supplies are on my list this year. It's been a cold winter! Oh and lose 100 pounds, become a better cook, keep my house cleaner.....

Rhonda said...

we'll celebrate new yorks midnight with the ball drop because we have big plans first thing thurs a.m. But we we'll do a kiss at midnight (at least!) to ring in the new year! ha ha

my goals are food storage, also debt reduction, maybe find a way to get some $ in the bank (ha! now that's a lofty goal!) but instead of leaving it at that I'll do mini goals. Canned meat and veggies and learn how to make all things wheat. Same with the debt stuff, we got one thing paid off, now we'll focus on the next, and then the next, and then the next. We'll also cut out some extras to obtain it.

The difference between a goal and a dream is ACTION.

Mike said...

I made one years ago and have kept it ever since. Never make another new years resolution.

Tulsi said...

Even young I never understood New Year's Resolutions. I don't make them. We are reducing our debt, but that began a couple of months ago. I'm working on food storage which began months ago. I never begin something just because the year number increases. I think one thing wrong with that is that people don't pick one thing. They pick a few things and it is not do able and they give them all up. I will be a great missionary mom, but not on January 1. I plan to be a great grandma. But that won't begin until this summer. A NEW YEAR resolution just doesn't make since to me. I do admire anyone who starts new and completes it.

Aunt Julie said...

My goal is to keep on keepin' on. Have a Happy!

Melissa B. said...

Happy New Year to you as well! I'm not one for resolutions, but I'm still a pretty resolute gal!

MissKris said...

I've never been sucked in to making resolutions. Dunno why. I could care less about anyone else's too and never ask. I guess I learned a looooooooooong time ago that life is what it is and take it a day at a time. That's about as far as I go.

MissKris said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Melissa B. said...

Hey, I've got 2 other things on my mind today. First off, don't forget Sx3 tomorrow...it's a stitch! And I've got a pretty good chance of snagging a superior blog award...thanking you in advance for your support!

My Fun Stalkers Who Rock