Goals for 2010

I'm really not very good at this bloggin' thing - so it's probably a good thing I don't have any faithful readers. :) I thought I would post some of my goals here for 2010 - admittedly, they are completely random in some ways - but it's just who I am!

1 - Become more fit. In 2009, I completed a 5K training program. My goal was to run the entire 5K, but I ended up doing walk/run intervals. I really would like to "become a runner" - I don't know why - it's just something I want to do. I hope to complete 2 - 5K's in 2010.

Need some inspiration -- check out this blog - http://freshfoodiefitness.blogspot.com/2010/01/blogging-jogging-entry-2.html . The video is my 5K training coach - Stacie Battjes. I have nothing but great things to say about her and Fleet Feet.

2 - I'm going green with my clothing. Stay with me. I really enjoy digging and come across an unexpected find. Well, I've ran across two blogs since January that have inspired me to only buy clothing from consignment shops, thrift shops or Goodwill. There will be some exceptions to the rule as noted in one of the blogs.

• Undergarments and shoes will be bought brand new from a store.
• Same with bathing suits.
• If I get a gift card to a store I can buy clothes with the gift card.

Check out these two blogs for great finds:
http://paulsbride.blogspot.com/2009/12/thrift-store-shopping-spree-and-new.html
http://beautyandbedlam.com/category/frugal-fashionista/

3 - Cook more. I love to cook (but hate the clean-up!)... I hope to try new recipes and expand my horizons. For money reasons, we don't eat out that much - so I do find myself in the kitchen quite a bit.

4 - Get my learn on! Last year was an incredible journey starting school again - I'm excited to start spring semester in February. May I toot my own horn? I had a 4.0 GPA for fall semester -- not bad for a working mom eh? Here's hoping for a for a few more 4.0's!!

5 - ENJOY LIFE --- take advantages of all the precious memories and times made with my family and friends!

Happy New Year!

It's hard to believe another year has come and gone. They warned me this would happy as I got older. 2009 was filled with lots of ups and downs. In January, I registered for Spring Semester at Salem College. One of biggest regrets in life is not finishing my degree. I decided it was finally time - I was tired of talking about it and took the plunge. It has been one of the best decisions of the year. Unfortunately, the same night I was at orientation - Superhusband found out he lost his job. This was heart-breaking for me because he had tired for two years to get the job - finally got it in July 2008. However, due to his heart attack - he was unable to hold a CDL license (even though he wasn't actually using it to drive - but to test people). Anyway, the governer had put a hiring freeze out at that time, so there was nowhere other position for him to move into. Unemployment was a nightmare (it took nearly 3 months before he received it), so I was extremely thankful we had some savings built up.

In May, he got a job at a local hospital. The department he was working in was actually a smaller department underneath mine - but our work didn't overlap at all. There was rumors that they were not going to hire for the position, but they did. In November, they let him go at the end of his probationary period --- another whammie. (Ironically, they have since not posted or hired for the job.) Anyway, I know everything happens for a reason. We are prayerful that something will come open (soon!) in 2010 for him. He has lots of applications/resumes out - he has received some rejection letters (which at least lets us know the job has been filled or he wasn't fully qualified).

Despite the stresses of finances and job losses, we have been abundantly blessed. I am so thankful for my family and friends. The name of my blog - "Faith, Family and Friends" - truly states what my life is about without these I don't know where I would be. Superhusband did receive good news from his cardiologist --- he does not need a defibrilator and his heart pumping function has increased to 40%. Superson is now in 2nd grade (where is my baby!)... joined Cub Scouts this fall (and loves it)... started Upward Basketball this month.

In 2010, I'm hoping to take control of things I can and let go of things I can't. I've turned to food with all the stress of the past couple of months and that is one area that I CAN control. I started journaling my food January 1st --- this always seems to help me. I'd love to lose 20 lbs by summer. In general - I want to be a better Christian, wife, mother, and friend. Regardless of what 2010 holds for our family, I know who holds 2010 and all my trust and faith is in Him.