New Years Resolutions 2013

Every Year many people make Resolutions. Why? Well I don't know! I can only say I make plans. I refuse to make resolutions. I figure if I call it a plan then I will be more likely to stick to it. Yes, I am an odd ball. I realize that they are practically the same thing. However, I am a planner. I make plans. It's just something I do. So as I was figuring out my 2013 Plans, I couldn't help but wonder when people started making these cockamamy resolutions and why. Wikipedia helped me out with this one (I love Wikipedia! They seem to have all the answers!). Wikipedia says:

"A New Year's resolution is a commitment that a person makes to one or more personal goals, projects, or the reforming of a habit. A key element to a New Year's Resolution that sets it apart from other resolutions is that it is made in anticipation of the New Year and new beginnings. People committing themselves to a New Year's resolution generally plan to do so for the whole following year. This lifestyle change is generally interpreted as advantageous.The ancient Babylonians made promises to their gods at the start of each year that they would return borrowed objects and pay their debts. The Romans began each year by making promises to the god Janus, for whom the month of January is named. In the Medieval era, the knights took the "peacock vow" at the end of the Christmas season each year to re-affirm their commitment to chivalry. At watchnight services, many Christians prepare for the year ahead by praying and making these resolutions. There are other religious parallels to this tradition. During Judaism's New Year, Rosh Hashanah, through the High Holidays and culminating in Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement), one is to reflect upon one's wrongdoings over the year and both seek and offer forgiveness. People may act similarly during the Catholic fasting period of Lent, though the motive behind this holiday is more of sacrifice than of responsibility, in fact the practice of New Year's resolutions partially came from the Lenten sacrifices. The concept, regardless of creed, is to reflect upon self-improvement annually."

Well I learned something new at least. In order to write my 2013 Plan I had to think of 2012's Plan. I realized I finished most of what I had on my list and yet I left some items undone. This is typical of me and most likely every person who has ever made a resolution or in my case, a plan. Every year I try to make my New Years Plan an attainable goal, however, I sometimes make some retarded goals as well. Some of my goals I have repeated on several lists and have yet to finish them. 2013 will be different though (as if I haven't said that in years past). This year I will finish all items on my list. So, as I wrote my list I decided to break it down into 5 sections: Physical, Spiritual, Financial, Social, and Personal. I figured I could use a change in every part of my life. I am listing my 2013 New Years Plan on my blog. Why? Well, mainly because I can, but also I want to share how ambitious and driven I will be this coming year. I have wasted so much time this year and have passed up many oppurtunities that could have advanced my career, bettered my life, or helped others. So here goes. 

My 2013 New Years Plan!

Financial Goals:

1. Find a great, new, well paying job
2. Increase our savings account
3. Pay off a minimum of three school loans

Social Life:

1. Volunteer at several different companies/institutions:  The FRO, Orphange, Hospital, Police Department or Sheriffs Department and any other charity or needing companies
2. Take a few classes to increase my education- via college, Michaels baking classes, adult school, or military base classes- need to get smarter
3. Become certified in these areas:   MS Office, Typing, Translator (Spanish and/or ASL)
4. Actually learn Spanish- Brush up on ASL
5. Help more of those in need via babysitting, cooking, cleaning and if possible financially. 

Physical Life:

1. Find and stick to an exercise routine with minimum of 3 days a week of exercise- tone up
2. Getting to a healthy and perfect complextion (or near to it at least)
3. Eat Healthier (no stomach problems)- can't ignore veggies much longer!
4. Tan to get rid of this snow white skin- so when I'm at the beach I don't bring ships to shore
5. Get a hollywood white smile- gotta have pearly whites
6. Become a fashionista on a poor man's budget

Personal Life:

1. Show my loved ones I love them more often
2. Be a more supportive, caring and compassionate wife- my husband ought to like this one
3. Have a more positive outlook on situations and life- don't be an Eeyore
4. Start a cleaning routine to keep my house spotless- basically increase my OCD
5. Figure out what type of career I want and go for it- I actually have to make up my mind
6. Get preggo and have a beautiful little baby 
7. Relax and enjoy life more- means more fun right?!

Spiritual Life:

1. Read the Bible in its entirety- 1 year Bible- this time I will do it!!!
2. Develop a closer walk with God- The most important goal in life!

I hope your lists are ambitious and attainable as well. Life is too short to just waste it away. Why put off  for tomorrow what you could get done today? This is my new motto. God Bless you all and have a great 2013!!!! Happy New Years!!!

The Coming New Year!!! 2013!!!

2013 is a few days away and I just can't believe it! It seems like this year has flown by. So many things have happened this year and yet I feel as if I haven't made the most of my time and oppurtunities. While I have completed most of my New Years Plans for 2012, I have left several things unchecked. These will of course be carried into my 2013 Plans with a few new projects and goals I would like to accomplish.

2012 was jam packed with what I like to call firsts and many amazing memories. A short recap of 2012:

• January 4th- My hubby (fiance at the time) celebrated his 28th birthday- I made him a delicious checkered chocolate and vanilla cake with raspberry filling and buttercream icing. Sadly he had to go back to base a couple of nights before his birthday so we celebrated it early with pizza, a movie and cake. 

• January 27th- Our Wedding Day!! Some friends and I surprised my hubby by flying his parents into town. He was so surprised and happy! We married in a courthouse- so much cheaper and doesn't put you into debt when you are just starting a marriage. I will never forget that day! Happiest day of my life! 

• March 19th- The Marine Corp. gave us orders to move to San Diego MCCS Miramar. I started a new job in San Diego, CA and moved into a wonderful apartment. It was a huge change for me due to being two hours away from my parents and everything I have grown up close to. I love San Diego now and could see myself living here for a long time. 
• May 28th- I celebrated my 25th birthday. Man I'm getting old!! 
• September 4th- Laid off from my job due to company financial problems. 
• November 24th- Thanksgiving at my parents. Met Dancer and Classy, my parents new mini horses for the first time. 
• December 24-26- Christmas at my parents house. 
• Sometime during the year- met some new wonderful women who I became friends with. Its great to have Marine wives for friends because we are all going through many of the same issues and can help each other out. 

There are many things I didn't list but are just as important and have made this year amazing. I have had to over come many emotional problems, physical changes, lifestyle changes and financial hardships in 2012. I look back over all that has happened this year and am truly grateful for everything that took place. God has not only kept His hand on our lives but has blessed us immensely. I am still actively seeking employment, but I know God has a plan for our lives and will provide me a job soon. 2013 will be just as amazing, I am certain of it. 

Sadly this year wasn't as amazing for others as it was for my family. Many people lost their homes, jobs, family members, and our country faced some major tragedies. A few that stood out to me:

• San Bernardino City filed for bankruptcy- possibly putting over 350 citizens out of jobs.
• Hurricane Sandy rocked the East coast damaging thousands of homes, destroying historical sights, costing millions of dollars in repairs, and ruining the Holidays for many families.
• September 11th- US Consulate in Benghazi stormed and US Ambassador killed.
• Sandy Hook Elementary School attacked by single gunman killing 27 total including shooter- 26 innocent lives lost.

Every year our country faces hardships, tragedies and duress, but we seem to pull together and survive it. May God bless you and your families in the year to come. I pray that in 2013 you will have a financial blessing, peace, love and Gods grace in your life. Happy New Year and God Bless!