Friday, February 3, 2012

It took over a month, but I finally have a resolution!

This year, I haven't been quite so in the "make a New Year's Resolution" kind of mood.  Maybe it's because my due date is rapidly approaching and I've got so much more on my plate because of it.

Last year I made three resolutions.  Before I get to this year's resolution(s), let's revisit how last year went down...

Resolution #1:  To blog more. -- I think I did fairly well with this one.  The last half of the year was a little touch and go but if you think about it...that's when I've been pregnant.  I've dealt with a lot of morning sickness the first several months and then things got overwhelming between substitute teaching, Jackson's speech, getting ready for Baby Ruth, etc.  So, I consider this resolution a success!  And, I want to continue it into this year.

Resolution #2:  To run a 5k. -- Well the whole unexpected pregnancy thing kind of ruined this one.  Actually, I shouldn't blame getting pregnant because right before I got preggo, I resolved that I am just not a runner and this would NEVER happen.  I'd much rather do aerobics, spinning, Zumba, walking, etc.  This resolution would've been a complete BUST no matter what!

Resolution #3:  To try and get an idea patented. -- I looked into this one very early on and was and still am very serious about it.  Trouble is, as I expressed in previous posts, getting a patent is VERY expensive.  Like tens of thousands of dollars expensive.  And, I simply don't have that kind of money nor am I at a place of confidence in my idea yet that I'd feel comfortable asking for investors.  So, this resolution is on the back burner for now.  Also, there's been a lot of political talk about changing patent laws so it's probably best to wait and see what happens there.  It may make it easier and less expensive or it could nix my whole idea in general, as some people have patented similar things.

This year I've taken a lot of time to think about what I want to do this year and what I want to consider a "resolution."

I know that I want to lose the baby weight, plus some, once Ruth gets here.  In fact, I've joked with several people that my resolution is to lose at least six pounds!  Should be fairly easy come March, right?!  Ha!  In all seriousness, I do want to lose a fair amount of pre and post pregnancy weight but I don't want to make that my resolution.  EVERYONE resolves to lose weight or diet or exercise more.  And most of the time it's unsuccessful in the long run.  So, this is just a goal for me in the YEARS to come...not just a resolution for this year alone.

I also know that I want to get more creative.  I had a wonderful friend teach me how to knit and am excited to build on my knitting abilities.  I have learned that that kind of crafty thing, as much as I wish I found it more fun, just isn't for me.  I am glad I know how to knit now so I can make my own stuff...but I don't think it's something I'm going to be doing a lot of.  So, I've decided not to worry about learning to crochet.  I DO want to learn how to use a sewing machine, though.  Not to make a bunch of stuff, but just to be able to do simple things like hemming or taking in clothes.  It's just a good skill to have!  I also will continue to build on my photography, which I REALLY enjoy.  It's hard right now, being 35 weeks pregnant so I'm really going to get into it once Ruth gets here.  I am already planning out a newborn shoot for her and some sibling shoots for her and Jackson.  I CAN'T WAIT!  Even though I plan on doing these things, I don't want to consider them resolutions for this year as I think they will bleed into the next year as well.  Learning to sew and make things and building on my photography are going to take much more than just 2012...so I won't consider them my New Year's Resolutions.

So, you ask, what ARE your resolutions for this year?!  Get on with it woman...

First up...grow a garden!
As, I expressed in this post.  I have a lot of fond memories of my grandparents' garden and my grandmother preserving all the goodies they grew.  And, I want to do that this Spring.  First, because home grown tastes better.  Second, because it'll save us some money on produce.  And third, because I don't want this tradition to be lost on account of me.  Granted, this year will probably be a small garden -- some tomatoes, herbs, and a few other veggies...but hopefully, each year, as my confidence in my green thumb grows...so will the size of my garden!

Second...be still!
Our church has been studying Spiritual Disciplines.  The one that I'm the worst at is being still.  And, I don't mean just not moving.  I mean taking time, regularly, to be still and silent in the presence of the Lord.  Truth is, I hate silence.  I always like to have background noise, whether it be the TV, radio, or some type of visual noise.  Pastor asked a great question -- Does your life resemble someone who looks like they want to hear God's voice?  And, I have to be honest...mine doesn't!  I don't spend nearly enough time in The Word, in prayer, and mostly just being still.  How can I expect Him to speak to me, when I'm crowding Him out with a bunch of noise that doesn't really matter?  I too often expect God's voice to be like a loud, booming thunder; when in reality, He more often speaks in a whisper!  So, that is my main resolution...TO BE STILL and listen for God's voice.  Now, is this going to be hard?  You bet.  My whole life is about to change with the addition of another little one.  But, that HAS to become more motivation to follow through on this resolution.  I cannot expect my relationship with the Lord to grow, and for me to instill that relationship in my children, if I don't spend time with Jesus.

There is a great video that expresses our reliance on noise.  I've watched it over and over and I have been so convicted by it.  Here it is...I hope it touches you too!



If you're having a hard time viewing this video on my blog page, here is the link for it via YouTube.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvyXie8_aYw

XOXO!!