Goals for 2011

I thought it might serve me in the long run to post some of my goals for this next year. Something written in black and white for all to see and for myself to be reminded.

Taking some cues from this helpful guide: http://simplemom.net/new-years-resolutions-2011/, I will share a few of the "stars" I'm shootin' for this year.

Personal Growth:

• continue canning/freezing/preserving fresh produce as it makes its way to me. I tried my hand at salsa and tomato soup this summer. It was A LOT OF WORK! But, I decided after my 2nd bowl of tomato soup that I think it's worth it. I just can't go back to condensed tomato soup.

• Read "Food Matters"; Watch "King Corn" and other documentaries that will encourage conscientious, healthful eating habits in our home

Physical Health:

• continue regimen at the Y and if my back allows me, begin training in May for a fall racing schedule.

• Move away from refined sugars. I'm not eliminating sugar. We just like it too much and I'm too serious about many other things. So, we're eating sugar here...I'm just going to begin purchasing Sucanat and using Agave Nectar, Honey as substitutes for good ol' white sugar.

• Eat less cheese. Might sound funny, but we eat A LOT of cheese. Cheese and chocolate. ;) We could get by fine with a little less. My hubby has high cholesterol and my son has reflux/excema/asthma. I want to see if cutting back on our dairy intake may help all of us.

• Eliminate/Avoid all foods/drink with artificial colors/flavors in it. Again, this is mostly a push for my son who suffers from excema, but I think it'll be good for all of us.

Marriage & Family Life:

• Be nice to my hubby. Some days it's really as simple as that. I just need someone (my mom would suffice) to stop me in my tracks at times and say, "Briana, be nice!" I speak too frankly, abruptly to him. It's really disrespect and I want to grow in this area!

• I also want to make more of an effort to have treats around the house that my hubby enjoys like peanut butter cookies.

• Show honor to my extended family (mom/dad/siblings) by acknowledging their birthdays and anniversaries.

Money Matters:

• I'm putting myself on a "spending freeze" of sorts, challenging myself not to buy anything that isn't absolutely necessary. Defining what's necessary is going to be the challenge.

• I'm taking a "spending fast" in order to meet another financial goal we have and that is to establish an emergency fund, a principle we gleaned from Dave Ramsey. Read about it here: http://www.daveramsey.com/article/emergency-fund-kick-murphy-out/lifeandmoney_saving/

What are some of your aspirations for 2011?