31

I turned 31 today.





I've been thinking a lot lately about the things I really want in my life, what's really important. There are many a blogger following the model of monthly goals, one major accomplishment for each month of the year. I, too am taking on this model.

January:Organize the house 
What better way to start the new year than to get everything organized and clean and shiny :) I'm working on it - I'll give you an update at the end of the month.
February: Shower and get dressed and make a genuine effort to look pretty EVERY DAY. 
I spend most days in jeans and a sweatshirt of some sort with my hair in a hat and no makeup. I'm known to go roughly 4 days without showering. It's gross.
March: Learn Photoshop 
I think learning Photoshop would really enhance my business. I'm hoping to gain a good grasp of the basics in March.
April: Obtain a business license 
This is just something that needs to be done and it's also one of those things I'll avoid like the plague. It will probably get done at the END of the month.
May: Eat all meals at home 
We eat out WAY too much. This will be a crazy challenging month for us, but I think it's an important habit to get in to.
June: Exercise every day 
Again with the good habits! I haven't been exercising and my body can tell. I'm hoping to have begun SOMETHING prior to June, but it's my goal to do some sort of physical activity every single day in June.
July: Zero frivolous spending
No buying movies, no new clothes, no household items that aren't necessary, nada. Another tough month.
August: Learn a new craft 
The craft world is my oyster. Yarn wreaths? Sewing something? Knitting? Painting? What will it be? Even I'd like to know.
September: Dedicated 1 hour of unplugged time with the kids each day 
SO important!! I've been profoundly aware of how plugged in I am. I definitely spend time with the kids. 10 minutes here, 15 minutes there.... then I check the phone or my computer, or I make a call, or I take a picture for instagram. All fine things in moderation, but I want my kids to know that every day they have my undivided attention, even if just for an hour. One solid hour.
October: Read Pillars of the Earth 
Why this book intimidates me, I'm not quite sure. It's been on my list forever though, so here goes nothing!
November: Overnight trip with Ritchie 
Because of December's goal and how much money we're needing to save, I'm not sure where we'll go, but even if we get ONE blissful night in a nearby hotel without kids, sleeping in and enjoying each other uninterrupted it will be a huge investment in our marriage.
December: Apply for adoption 
I'm scared to even put this down. We've just begun to really save and commit to this in our minds and hearts. There's still a TON that could stand in our way. The longing to start this process grips me so tightly that I can barely breathe sometimes. It's a goal. An important one.

Follow along, will ya?