Tuesday, January 05, 2010

Lights Out!

So, I was surprised last night while driving home how many people still have their Christmas lights on. I guess it's kind of nice. I mean, it's so much work to get them up. People might as well leave them up awhile. But, maybe it's just another instance of what I like to call "the Christmas Sprawl." Retailers now put out Christmas merchandise around Halloween, so I suppose it's reasonable that individuals would try to draw it out on the back end as well.

Merry (Belated) Christmas, I guess!

Saturday, January 02, 2010

Thoughts on the Coming Year

As promised, a few goals I have for myself heading into this new year...

1) Down to x lbs. by May 1st.
- Join a gym as soon as I have a source of income identified. :)
- Count my WW points.

2) Take better care of my fingernails.
- Keep nail clippers, file and lotion on hand (may require a larger purse)
- Refrain from biting and picking at my nails.

3) Show greater respect to my employer and friends.
- Beware of my facial expressions
- Exercise wisdom and caution before challenging a decision

4) Get a job!!!! :)

5) Make a new budget based on my new income.
- By February, if possible.
- Finish paying off my car
- Rebuild my savings account

So without further ado... Twenty-Ten, it's on!! :)

2009, As Amended

Before I launch into the goals for 2010, I want to go back and address 2009. I may have been hormotional when I wrote the last update. Upon further reflection, I realized how blessed I've been in 2009...

RELATIONSHIPS - I dated a couple of guys this year. (That's always something to celebrate!!)

TRAVEL - I got to go to India and tell others about Christ.

PEACE - As tumultous as this year has felt, I've had a tremendous amount of peace. Even now as I've resigned one job with no other job lined up, I'm at peace when I would otherwise have expected to be panicked.

FINANCIAL - God provided a rommate and some assistance with living expenses. In addition, it's the first year in several years where I haven't had any major expenses!!

FAMILY - I was able to spend some extended time with my family over the holidays (nearly half of the last six weeks)!

CHURCH - My church blessed me greatly by allowing me to take a six-week break from my responsibilities!!!

SPIRITUAL UNDERSTANDING - God has taught me some new things... 1) from the book of Job I learned I should be extremely cautious when questioning him, 2) He is GOOD... even when I can't see it, 3) He is faithful to take care of me and will never leave me alone (John 16:23), 4) Respect is an act of obedience (Eph 5 and the book "Love & Respect" by Eggerichs) and 5) it's not fair to withdraw from my friends like I have this year. My response to them should be consistent and reliable.

I don't know what 2010 will hold, but 2009 was nothing to snivel at. As you can easily see, I have a lot to be thankful for. :)

Friday, January 01, 2010

Welcome to Twenty-Ten, People.

It's just after midnight, and I thought I'd welcome everyone to the new year. I have a few "resolutions," though I prefer not to call them that. Resolutions are made to be broken. So... we'll call them "goals" for this coming year. I'll post them soon. :)