Man Up...

I do not like making New Year's resolutions.  I suppose it's a principle thing.  I feel like if I make a resolution, then I have to stick to it because it's sort of like making a promise.  If I don't keep it, then I'm breaking my promise to do what I resolved to do.  Then I feel terrible.  And I feel like everyone's watching...like Big Brother.  Okay, that's not true.  Anyway, I've had more failed attempts at resolution keeping than I'd care to remember.  Like when a former co-worker and I resolved to take the stairs everyday at work in lieu of the elevator.  I was all over that, but I only lasted a week.  There were a lot of stairs. 

Or when I vowed  (for my health) to drink eight glasses of water a day.  That seriously lasted only a day.  Who has time to camp out in the bathroom every 10 minutes when you have a four-year-old and 20 month old?  If you've read anything on my blog about my wee ones, then you know major destruction happens when they are unsupervised for even a second.  So, the water thing didn't last.

Last year, I  purchased The Biggest Loser DVD workout and told myself (and maybe my hubby) That I would do it at least three times a week.  I lasted a couple of weeks.  But, I will tell you, that my abs and buns were burning as promised by the claim stamped on the front of the case.

While resolutions aren't my thing, I know I need to man up (woman up?) and hold fast to a few important commitments.  So, I'm putting it out there for all to see me fail.

Here goes:

1)  Stay ahead of laundry.  I'm tired of Mt. Laundry taking over my basement.  Digging through laundry baskets for my other matching sock is getting old.  May I just add that my laundry baskets were never full before kids?  *sigh*

2)  Workout at least three times a week.  Yes, it's making my 2011 list...for now.

3)  Eat leftovers.  This is going to take will-power.  My hubby is doing the happy dance all over this one.  He's been grooming me to eat leftovers for almost ten years.  FYI, I'm not excited about this.

4)  Blog more than twice a week.  I love the blogging community and forming those common bonds through words.  Of course I can't maintain those relationships if  I'm not writing more.  This means my kids will have to up their antics...after all, they are my creative muses.

5)  Read my Bible everyday.  I wish I already had this one tackled.  But, I don't.  If I want to grow closer to HIM then I have to crack HIS word.  One Year Bible...here I come.

6)  Re-train my children to pick-up their toys.  No more threatening.  No more pleading.  No more yelling.  In light of the massive haul generous giving of our families, we've got to get this under control.  And I don't mean me picking up their toys.

7) Commit to reading the books on the list for book club.  I don't know what it is about suggested reading lists, but something in my brain says, "Don't read them!" It's the only rebellious streak I have.  I've read two books so far.  Sorry girls.  I'll do better.  Catch 22 is on my radar.

8)  Finish our kitchen remodel.  Our budget has changed since B's layoff, but that's no excuse to not put the cabinet doors on for Pete's sake! 

9)  Grow my pet-care business.  What?!  You  didn't know I wore that hat as well?  You can add that to blogger, mom, wife, youth pastor assistant, cake decorator.  I'm a busy girl.

10)  Help my children grow in their faith.  This is a biggie.  My heart's only desire is to see them have a personal relationship with our Savior.  I can't make that decision for them, but I am committed to praying for them, teaching them and helping them understand the sacrifice HE made. 

So, my little top ten is out there on the Internet forever.  Not that anyone would google it to see if I did what I said I would (or would you?), but I think this is a doable list.  It's practical.  It's the RIGHT thing to do.  I can do this. It takes 16-21 times of repeating a task for it to become a habit.  Well, here goes, wish me luck!