Our Little Geekling

2011 was… an interesting year. Lots happened. Lots of highs, lots of lows. I’m grateful that we’ve entered a new year, with new possibilities, and a new outlook. I am hopeful for 2012. I am hopeful for continued happiness. This, how I feel now, is the happiest I’ve been in the last two years. I know that it can get better, though. That’s what I’m counting on.

So, folks, here’s what I’d like to do in 2012.

1. GET FIT! I know. Seriously, though, by doing CrossFit I should be able to lose weight this year! But I do know it’s not really about weight, but about inches, fitness, strength. Really, my plan is to change my diet to more Paleo options, not just low-carb, and to make it to the gym at least 4 days a week, hopefully 5, every week this year.

2. TRAVEL. Jim and I are going to Mexico in April. We are planning to go to Seattle in September as a family. I’m planning to go to Nashville in October to meet up with some of my favorite ladies in the world. And I’m hoping to make it to The Blathering in November in New Orleans to see/meet my imaginary friends*.

3. READ 25 BOOKS. Now, I’d like to read many, many more than this, but since I’m starting school again, I’m keeping it realistic. We’ll see how it goes, and hopefully I can up it next year. 25 books is just over 2 a month, and I think that’s feasible, even with my school reading.

4. BE A GREAT MOM AND WIFE. Standard goal. I’m doing it. I want Eriana to love me next year as much as or more than she does right now. I want her to seek me out for hugs and kisses, love seeing me, get excited about me. I know my years with her liking me might be limited, based on how many mother-daughter relationships go (though I hope we can buck the norm). I just want to cherish my time with her. And my relationship with Jim, while great and comfortable, can always be better. We are a great team, and he is my best friend. But I want to be a better wife and ensure that I give him the love he gives me.

5. DO WELL IN SCHOOL. My college career has been pretty good, and I’m, generally, a good student. But I’ve never been a mom while a student before, and I’ve never had to balance so much and do schoolwork at the same time. Even working full-time and going to school wasn’t as challenging as I anticipate being a SAHM and going to school to be.

6. SPEND WISELY. I’d like to pay off our credit card debt again, and that is definitely feasible. I’d also like to get our car loan down significantly, more than just paying the standard payment each month will do, as well as re-establish our emergency fund. But all of my financial goals center around spending more wisely, and buying simply the things we need and not everything we want.

7. STICK TO A SCHEDULE. It’s silly to make a specific schedule, since Eriana and I are generally so flexible. But, since I’m going to be in school and Eriana is starting at a new day school, I’d like us to be on more of a schedule. I’d like her to have a realistic outlook for each day, and I’d like to try to stick to it so I can get all of my planned housework, my schoolwork, shopping, cooking, working out, and some teaching for Eriana as she continues to absorb so much every day.

I hope to be successful in my endeavors, and I hope 2012 is an amazing year for you all!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

*I have long-called Jim’s gaming friends his imaginary friends, and he noted, after the Blathering, that I have many, many more imaginary friends than he.