New Year's Resolution 2012 - January Update

I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.
- Jimmy Dean

After reviewing my resolution list I am pleased with the progress that I have made thus far.  However, since I didn't knock it out of the park in some areas that I thought I would have....ie/exercise, ahem. 
I am going to practice breaking goals down into bite size pieces as suggested in the book that I am currently reading "The Money Saving Mom's Budget - by Crystal Paine


Her first book "The Money Saving Mom's Budget"  released on January 10th on Amazon.


This has been a great read and has so many useful tips and tricks that I would definitely recommend you add this to your reading list!



Here is an update for you to see:

Personal:

1. Start an exercise routine and stick with it - Well, not as consistent as I could be......ok ok ok. REALLY need to work harder at this

2. Cut down/out sweets - ......and this

3. Join Booking it on Lifeasmom.com and add 12 books of my choice to read on to of there list

(total of 24 book) - I am doing well with this resolution.  In January I read the assigned reading "One Bite at A Time - by Tsh Oxenreider and I read Son of Neptune - by Rick Riordan

4. Read Bible in 1 year following this plan (www.esv.org/biblereadingplans) - I stayed on schedule for this up until the last couple of days in January.  I am still trying to catch up.

5. Compile a list of 12 habits to develop in a year and link up to report on moneysavingmom.com - Did this here. But haven't done the link up.  For January it was to get up earlier.  I was pretty good for the most part but will continue to try and keep up the 4am wake up in Feb.

6. Learn to use our DSLR camera that we have owned for a few years but I have no idea how to

use. - Still need to do

Marriage:

1. Read 2 Books Together

2. Monthly Date Night - Went to Olive Garden!  Was wonderful to have some quality time together!

3. Read 3 books on marriage

Home:

1. Redo Home binder to work better for me.

2. Involve Renae in chores

3. Start Monthly "other" cleaning project (ie/baseboards, etc.)

4. Do monthly De clutter Project - Redid our master closet!  Trust me....this was HUGE!  I plan on doing a post about this soon.

Financial:

1. Switch to Cash only for Groceries and personal spending allowance - Didn't do for Jan. but should be in place this month

2. Redo monthly budget.....and stick to it - Didn't do for Jan.

3. Save/buy "new-to-us" car for Norm - Saved some, long way to go

4. Continue with investments - yep, right on track

Children/Homeschooling:

1. Monthly date with just Renae - didn't get to do

2. Swimming lessons for both girls - still not started yet

3. Continue to Pre-K Renae - yes, will be doing an update post soon

4. Make decision on schooling direction for Renae - still working on this

5. Finish alphabet and letter sound recognition and Teach Renae to read - ongoing

6. 1 field trip a month - went to The Children's Museum!  Was wonderful, will post pictures

7. At least 1 family vacation - need to budget for this

8. Read 10 read aloud books to the girls - Read Beazus and Ramona - Beverly Cleary (Renae loved this)

Friendship/church:

1. Send Birthday cards out early - Sent, but not early (sorry Jody)

2. Send 1 note/card per month to encourage someone - didn't do

3. Start attending church - not yet

4. Start getting involved in a homeschool group - not yet

Blog:

1. Set up/follow weekly blog schedule -hmmmmm, haven't done set up let alone, follow through

2. Plan to blog posts 1 week in advance - see above

I am also linking up to moneysavingmom.com post here.  Come join in the fun of goal setting, it's not too late,.....think of all that you can accomplish once you put your mind to it!