Goals Not Resolutions

Every year, until last year, I started the year with a set of New Years Resolutions which went out with a whisper just like the old year. Last year, I set goals for myself - measurable goals and guess what? I actually changed my life. I lost 25 pounds and kept it off. I started eating healthier and exercising regularly. So, this year, I'm not making any more resolutions, but I am going to share some of my goals for the new year.
1. Continue to exercise at the gym at least 3 times a week and exercise everyday at home.
2. Make healthier choices with my eating, especially in the after dinner area.
3. Lose 35 pounds by next New Years Eve.
4.Enjoy more outdoor physical activities with my family.
5. Take a gratitude walk everyday where I focus on the things that I am thankful for in my life.
6. Pay off all my credit cards and STOP using them.
7.Enjoy every day with my family- take time to stop doing the things that need done and enjoy the moments that make life worth living.
8. Tell my family I love them every day.
9.Blog at least once a week.
10. Work on completing my stories and submit them to a publisher.
11.Work on maintaining friendships.
12.Ask for patience with those in my life who need it the most - especially my MIL.
13.Save a portion of my pay every month.
14.Read the following books:
The Brothers Karamozov by dostoevsky

The Castle by Kafka

Sons and Lovers by DH Lawrence

Oedipus Rex by Sophocles

The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by McCullers

The French Lieutenants Woman by Fowles

On the Road by Kerouac

From Here to Eternity by Jones

The Postman Always Rings Twice by Cain

Atonement by McEwan

Terrorist by Updike

Plus 82 more!

15. Blog at the end of each month on how I am doing to achieve these goals. Wish me luck!!

What are your plans for the new year??

Big Changes in the New Year

I don't know about everyone else, but it so hard for me to believe that another year has passed by. It seemed like 2007 dragged by in the beginning, but the end of the year has just flown. Anyone else feel that way?
I wish that I could say that I am looking forward to the new year ahead, but with my husband gone so much of the time, it's hard to find things to look forward to. I guess those rare moments we can be together are one thing. At least he will be here for New Years, which is more than I can say for last year.
Anyhow, with the new year upon us, I plan on making some big personal changes, not the least of which will be diet and exercise related. I'd like to lose 30 pounds this year, but I am keeping that quiet so that it's a personal goal and I don't feel the pressure of living up to anyone's expectations but my own. I can't remember when the last time my husband told me he thought I looked beautiful was. How sad is that?It would be so nice to have him look at me and see that spark in his eye. We love one another, but sometimes I wish that newness - you know the look of lust that you have when your relationship is new? I wish that was still there.
I am also paying off all my credit card debt. No more debt. I want to be able to pay my credit cards off in full at the end of every month. I want to be more financially responsible and actually start saving for my future, and for my children's future.
In the long run, I guess I have high hopes for 2008 as far as personal growth, I just don't expect much on the happiness front. How good can it be when my husband is going to be gone 200+ days out of 365?
I hope that the rest of you have a happy, healthy new year!