I find that the best way to get motivated to do something I don't really want to do, is to announce to the world I'm going to do it. With my integrity now on the line, I'll get it done no matter what. So here's my Top 10 Things to get done in January.
1. Finish scrapbooking all the pictures from the first half of 2010. I was doing great until I joined the local farmer's market. Then I was baking 2 days a week, selling one day a week, and shopping for ingredients 1 to 2 days a week. That plus homeschooling the kids left me with no time to scrapbook. I also ran out of supplies necessary to do it. I got some things for Christmas, and aside from needing photo paper and sticky squares, I should be able to finish the first half of 2010 by the end of this month.
2. Lose 10 pounds. I've lost 6 so far, but 10 was on my January 1st goals list. If I hit that before the end of the month, I'll re-adjust the goal at that time. I'm doing it eating no grains and no sugar for 4 weeks. More on where I'll go from there on my Top 10 February list.
3. I will write at least the 1st chapter of Genesis in the bible study ebook I'm trying to do this year. I know I'll have to do much more than a chapter a month to finish anytime in the near future, but the first is the hardest because it's setting the format - after that you just repeat the pattern with new information.
4. I will go on a date with Tim. When we renewed our vows in early October, we got good at having a weekly date. With the holidays, and his reduced hours at work, money's been tight and dates were put off for a while. We still don't have extra for a nice dinner out or a movie for two, but we can go for a motorcycle or 4-wheeler ride on the warmer days, or drive into town to check out what's new at the thrift store.
5. I will talk to people all month and try to set up either another class to teach on how to use coupons effectively and easily - or else find someone to sign up for Kara's site: . I'm trying to help others learn to save money on groceries. They need this information and I want to bring it to them as close to free as possible.
6. I will cook healthier versions of regular foods for my family this month. I will not be buying the cheaper, less-healthy foods with chemicals, artificial food colorings and flavorings, an abundance of sugars, nor unhealthy white, processed wheat. I'll be buying more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and organic items.
7. I will be sure to exercise 12 times this month. That's 3 times a week, although I may do less one week and more the next. It's more than I would've done without it being on my list of goals.
8. I will make the calls on weekends I've been too busy to make time for. I hate the phone, maybe it comes from telemarketing jobs I've had, but I hate talking on the phone. Maybe I just hate sitting still that long, or not being able to multitask (since I try to be a good listener when I am on the phone). Anyway, I'll make the calls I've been putting off - there's about 5 of them.
9. I will finish the bible study we started before Christmas. I will complete the Lineage of Grace Series before switching days and taking a break from Wed. nights. The boys both want to be involved in Feeding the Hungry at our church. That's on Tues. & Thurs. Bible study is on Wed. My bible study has prevented them from being able to serve, since we can't make another 65 mile trip each week, so I will finish the study I'm in, then switch our shopping/errand day to Tuesdays to allow them to volunteer. That also gives me 7 days instead of 1 to pull all my coupons together before shopping.
10. I will not be too busy to make time to do fun things with the kids. It may be simply watching something on Netflix online together, or taking a walk on a warm day, or playing a board game - but I will make time for it.
