Refresh & Recharge. . .

Perhaps resolutions are cliche, and granted, most people never remember what they resolved to do, let alone actually do them. Unless they are resolving to do the same things year in and year out without much follow through.  I know I am often guilty of that one.  So why do it?  For me, it helps me refocus. Plus, I think a big part of the New Year's resolution ritual is looking back at what you resolved to do LAST year.  Did I do what I resolved? Do I even remember what I resolved to do?  That is one handy thing about this blog--I simply go back and look. Plus, since I put it out there for anyone to see, I think it makes me more aware of whether or not I am following through.

So, let's look back at last years resolutions--they were shorter than most years (although I had a few goals I didn't blog about). . .

1- Finish School: I can proudly say I graduated from college. . . finally.  But I did so summa cum laude, so I am quite please with myself.

2 - Finish my book.  I wrote enough papers to equal a book, and had additional professors encourage me to pursue publication and doctoral degrees, but I did NOT do much writing on my book. After graduation I got off on a tangent and let that goal rest.  But I think it will be back this year.

3 - Finish house projects--namely the bathrooms.  We did remodel one of the bathrooms, and the laundry room.  Next the girls' bathroom.

4 - Be a better house manager. . . who knows.  Maybe.  Though Rob would likely say no.  Goals like this one are not very definitive so hard to say unless drastic changes occur.  No drastic changes occurred.

5 - Spend more time with my kids.  We did institute the Friday Family Fun Night.  And while it may not occur every Friday, the kids love it and look forward to it.  No major vacation though.  We did take several small trips, however (Astoria, Long Beach, Oysterville, Mt St Helens, Idaho, Seattle). We had ideas and vague plans, but this year I'm thinking London. . .

But I don't really need the list to see all the big things we've done as a family.  Rob started running and lost 50 pounds.  We all started eating healthier. I graduated from college. We purchased and completely renovated a rental property.  Rob passed his Pharmacy boards.  The girls piano lessons have taken serious root.  I started a business.  There are countless other smaller things that make me proud of my achievements over the past year. Maybe this year will be more about refining what we've started.

If I were to pick one word for my thoughts on 2011 it wold be:  FOCUS.

I need to focus on a few goals and cut the fluff.  Simplify.  I have often said I would be really good at something if I tried to do less.  It's still true.  What needs focus?

1.  Focus the goals for my home decor business.

2.  Focus more time for family

3.  Focus on healthier, simpler living

4.  Focus on my writing

5.  Also, focus on things like dejunking my house, my yard and use of free time

Hopefully by doing that I will be able to accomplish big things this year and by focusing on what's important, I plan to thoroughly enjoy myself, my family. . . my life.