Looking forward to 2016

From the Hip

Well, it is resolution time ... again. And like many others I am a resolution person. I usually break them all. I don’t intend to at the beginning of the year, but it just happens.

Last year, I wrote my resolutions based on a top 10 from research done by the University of Scranton. They were the normal – lose weight, get organized, attain financial balance, live life to its fullest, stay fit, learn something exciting, quit smoking, help others with their resolution, more family time.

So, this year I did a search to see what it says about resolutions. I got good laugh right away – PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), suggested on Twitter that I could save animals by not eating them in 2016.

Well, we are in beef country, so, that is not going to be on my list.

Other ideas from http://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/holidays/more-holidays/100-resolutions – and no, I will not list all 100!

Take Up Yoga

I have never had much elasticity in my body – even when I was young, thin and fit. My muscles do not like to stretch.

Assign your kids regular chores and make then follow through

My kids have flown the coop. I still get them to help when they are home. Growing up, Josh’s nickname was “Oh Tall One.” He kept me from climbing a ladder to get to the top shelf.

Since the boys have moved out, I keep trying to get my husband to not put everything so high, but I guess I am just going to have to break down and tell him.

Walk a little slower and take in your surroundings

I am already the slowest walker of everyone I know.

Stop pressing snooze

That is not going to happen – especially when I look at my phone and it is 18 below zero.

I soon got bored with the list and decided I should make one of my own.

Pay it Forward

It is no secret that 2015 has been a rough year for me. Because of that “roughness” I have discovered a community who cares. I always knew they were there for everyone else, when they were in need, but it was a very humbling experience when the community came out to help us when we needed it most. Whether it was a donation for my son or a hug for me. I hope to be able to pay it forward.

Hold my family close and tell them I love them every day

This is easy for me to do with my husband and my sons, but not so easy for my extended family. Living so far away for so many years, my friends are more like family to me than my extended family. I am the only one of my siblings that does not live in Iowa and I speak to them very little. We text and chat on Facebook occasionally, but have very few phone conversations.

My family thinks I live in the middle of nowhere, and the last time anyone from my side of the family visited us was in 2008. I have always felt like the black sheep of the family, so it is hard to reach out.

Exercise more

After my knee surgery, it took me a while to get back into shape. When I am Nashville and the weather is nice, it is easy to go for a walk, especially since I have Garry to walk with. I get home and my body gets rigid with the cold and I don’t want to do anything. I went through all the agony and pain so that I could do more. It is now time to put up or shut up.

Enjoy my friends more

I constantly have offers of doing things with my friends, like have lunch, or go to a movie, or even go out for a drink now and then. I get so wrapped up in work and home, that I forget to enjoy my friends. I don’t seem to make time for them as I should. I had a good friend who passed away this year and my biggest regret is not spending more time with him.

Sew more

For Christmas, I made my grandson a little apron to carry his tools in. I forgot how relaxing sewing is. It has been 10 years since I have done any sewing and I had a good time doing it. I used to make homemade gifts for my friends and family, and I enjoyed the look on their face when they knew I made it myself.

Take more photos for myself

Anyone who knows me, knows I love taking photos. I literally take thousands of photos. I am always trying to get that award-winning shot. This year, I started selling my work professionally in a serious way and was thrilled to have a sale. I entered a couple of contests and was accepted into the Western Spirit Art Show for one of my photos. It made my heart soar! I was so excited when I got the acceptance email that I actually squealed.

2015 has definitely been a challenging year for me, and I will not be sad to see it go. I look forward to new beginnings and a new year. I think that is why I love New Year’s so much. It is a fresh beginning and a clean slate.

I sincerely hope everyone has a safe and happy new year and that all your resolutions come to fruition.

 

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