2013 Resolutions

I’m not sure if there is ever really an easy time for someone to change their ways but it seems like every 365(ish…depending on leap year and such) days, life changing proclamations are made.  I rarely even feel a need to make them, for the sole fact that I know I’ll break them.  Classic. 

Now that you’re fully aware of how skeptical I am at making New Year’s Resolutions I’m here to tell you that I’m going to take a swing at ‘em again.  Epic fail or not, I’m going to try.  Actually, “try” is the key to all of mine since there isn’t really a true measure for most things on my list – I get to be the judge.  I’m going with broad here, people.

Number One: Life Organization

In general, I already consider myself to be a pretty organized gal.  However, after I started blogging, different areas of my life (either in tandem or individually) started to slip.  At least that’s how my OCD mind has perceived things.  Since I’m in no way wanting to stop blogging my best resolution is to become more organized with my life in general.

I’ve actually already gotten a little heads up on this one with the help of the lovely, Erin Condren.  For those who follow me on Instagram, you may already know but I ordered one of her Life Planners.  I’ve already found it that it helps me, especially during the day while I’m at work.  If a random idea/thought pops in my head I can write it down and everything stays in ONE PLACE.  I also love lists and the gratification from crossing things off of them. I’m sorry but “DELETE” doesn’t hold a candle to the sound of my pen swooshing a check mark across a beautifully bound piece of paper. 

Number Two: Patience

The harsh, no frills reality is that I lack patience and it pours over into nearly ever aspect of my life.  I want to learn how to do my “new” job & be good at it.  I want our mini kitchen remodel to be done. I want this blog to “grow.” I want to flip a house.  I want learn how to take better pictures. AND I want all of those things to happen NOW.  I’m awful, and after re-reading those last few sentences I sound kind of selfish too.  The thing is, by wanting all of it now, I’m doing nothing but wishing my life away.  I am looking forward to those experiences happening, individually and gradually over time these wants are going to end up as benchmarks of my life and my life with Chris. My mom has always told me “nothing will come before its time”…I think I need to live by that a little bit better and give thanks for what I have.

Number Three: Give Thanks

I need to do just that.  Give thanks every day.  Concentrate on what we have and do not dwell where we are “lacking.”  God has given me a beautiful life filled with the most amazing people.  I need to rejoice in that a bit more than I do.

Number Four: Happy Healthy

This is my all encompassing eat better and loose a little weight.  I would like to be happier and more comfortable in my own skin.  I’m not talking crazy weight loss and I don’t even want to put a number on it.  To be honest, part of it comes from me being too cheap to buy new clothes when I have perfectly good ones in my closet that are just a size too small.  I enjoy running and going to spin class but I couldn’t tell you the last time I did. Aside from the physical benefits, I find the time I spend working out is often therapeutic.  If I had a stressful day at work it helps me unwind.  It also keeps me from biting Chris’ head off during “that time of the month” if he left his wet towel on the floor…grrrr.

Number Five: Faith

We need to find a church, or at least try to find one.  After talking with friends and co-workers I’ve heard this is a process that can take awhile.  Chris and I both grew up going to church regularly which has left us with clear ideas of what we are (and are not) looking for.  We both know we want to raise our future kids in a church and we feel like it will be good for our marriage as well.  Our butts just need to find their way to a pew on Sundays!

Number Six: Clothes

This actually goes hand-in-hand with number 4 but here it is.  NO clothing purchases for me this year.  I’m actually terrified by this goal and its loftiness but I think I can do it.  Obviously, I will make exceptions for necessities but I can’t think of a single thing that I actually NEED right now.  On the other hand, I could fill my entire house with dresses and boots and jeans that I WANT but that would just be silly.

Number Seven: Read

Unless it’s a blog or magazine I just don’t read.  Sad I know but it’s been the truth.  The exception was our honeymoon where I finished all three Hunger Games books during our two weeks in paradise.  It was lovely.  After that I decided I should probably make an effort to pick up a book and use it for something other than decoration.  I’m open to suggestions so please let me know your favorites!

Number Eight: Marriage

I’m not going to claim to know the secret to a successful marriage, but I do know they take work.  Just acknowledging that they take work is a step in the right direction.  It wasn’t until after we were married that we instituted a once a month date night that was planned in advance (seriously, planning in advance makes all the difference).  Sure we go out to eat or to  a movie (rarely) but it’s always been a last minute, “I’m bored, wanna go out?” type of thing.  This is our night and it’s something for us to look forward to.  AND it can not be changed once it’s set.  Period.  I love Chris and I want to do everything in my power to guarantee that we will still be together in 50 years.
So there you have it, 8 Resolutions for 2013.  Wish me luck!

I plan on doing a monthly update to let you all know how I/we are doing…I’ve already put them in my planner.  One point for an organized Jennie!