i've been emptying my computer files and reviewing my plans for 2009. i came across a list of things i wanted to change in my life. i am a serious list maker. it's like a quick form of journaling. the things that mattered to me last december do not all remain important. but that is in part because i made an effort in these areas and now, they don't seem to be such weaknesses for me.

goal one: a photo a day: though my total photographs for the year were way over 365 (i had a number here but it was waaay off. maybe it's 6,000?)there were many days that i didn't take a single one. my focus in making this goal was to force myself to see in a different way and to really pay attention to what i was photographing instead of indiscriminately snapping away. i have improved in one respect: i delete at least half of the photos i take.

goal two: save for christmas: i didn't start this goal until april or so but still i saved a few hundred dollars which went a long way into making december more comfortable. because i always forget about the hidden expenses: party food, gas for activities and parties and other things.

goal three: write my life: this i feel i can check off and i don't even desire to add it to my list for 2010. i've conquered the struggle i had with it.

goal four: be present: an effort to really be aware of my family and the moments of my life. this could still use more work.

goal five: cook and eat more healthily: yes, i've done better with this too, in main because i've allowed myself to spend a little more on groceries. it hurts, but i'm ok with it now. also, i learned how to make a really good minestrone soup.

goal six: monthly extreme nice: sometimes i have such snarky thoughts in my head let alone the muttered comments to bad drivers. i wanted to spend a day or more concentrating on being a nice person. eventually i realized that i generally have positive thoughts for people around me unless they're really being awful. so i'm reverting back to my goal of years before, a monthly litigator day. i use it to think about our marriage and about him personally and do whatever i can to make him feel special. it's no secret, he used to love it when i'd announce it was his day. maybe i'll try to add in a day for each kid too. is that crazy that it feels unrealistic? there's only 5 of them and 30 days...

goal seven: buy more shoes: eh. i started out well and then fizzled. i'm not so great at spending money on myself. i think i should try again.

goal eight: a hug in the morning and a hug at night: this is now a habit. and i enjoy it too. i think my kids have come to depend on it. and even if i lose my patience 20 minutes later, at least they had that hug!

goal nine: plant a vegetable garden: thanks to the litigators hard work, we did have an awesome garden this year with the best heirloom tomatoes. and even pumpkins. but since i'm not really a 'natural' gardener, i'll have to revise and make improvements this year.

goal ten: make a car emergency box: ever since i read about that family that was stranded in the snow for a few days, i worry! i did fill a box...then it got emptied. and then i filled it again. i suppose this is less of a goal and more of a 'put it on the seasonal chore list'.

goal eleven: make a recipe cheat sheet: it's such a great idea because there are so many recipes i make over and over but need a few reminders. i read about it awhile ago on angry chicken's blog and it sits half finished on my hard drive. maybe i'll finish it before tomorrow night!

goal twelve: buy a fountain pen: just barely did this and i forgot how much i LOVE LOVE writing with a smooth ink pen. and, you can change the colors! And that was the whole idea: I knew I loved it, but I waited so long to spend money on this small thing that brings me so much pleasure.