New Year's Resolutions

It's that time once again to start thinking about New Year's resolutions. I'm not that big on formally making resolutions at the new year. I am in a process of renewal at different times throughout the year, however. Every August I resolve to make this the best year for my class. I made a resolution to obtain my Master's degree and am going to see that through to completion in a few months. But as for the traditional New Year's resolutions? Not so much.

I do recall making resolutions just once. They are recorded for posterity's sake in my journal and were penned on Sunday, January 18, 2004. I was inspired by a talk early that morning at church. What a coincidence.

For what it's worth, I resolved then to accomplish a few things in 2004: moving to a simple home; organization at home and school; financial discipline; mental and physical activity. Obviously I was rather ambitious and bit off more than I could chew in a single year. We certainly have not found the home at this point, despite moving three times since we've been married. I find that my motivation to stay organized, at home anyhow, is a bit stifled by the lack of space. At work I have some breathing room. But I throw things out mercilessly. Financially, I've done much better. I became *debt free* (not counting college loans, but doesn't everyone have those?) in 2008. Unfortunately, I'm not finishing out the year that way, but I certainly have more options heading my way, so the light at the end of the tunnel is much more visible. I just have to make sure to keep that under control and am relieved to know that I am capable to doing so based on recent history. And lastly, keeping a sharp mind and body have been a *work in progress.* My recent bill of health was mostly clean, but I need to observe a healthier diet.

Can you see how difficult it is for a guy like me to make resolutions every year? The trouble with me is, I think too much. And then the equation gets more complicated with a wife, two children, and one on the way. Quite frankly, it's probably better not to worry too much about myself and simply resolve to better serve those around me.

Well, in 2009, I want to be able to make a resolution to do at least a couple of things, so what better way to do it than to publicly present a few ideas for the new year. After all, this will have been 5 years since my last resolution, and since I waited 30 years to make resolutions the first time, I think at least once every 5 years from here on out would be a good idea.

And unlike last time, when I made those resolutions on the 18th, I'm going to make my resolutions on the 29th and give myself a few days to prepare. Or binge.

In making this resolutions, obviously I've done plenty of reflecting on the first set of formal ones I made in 2004. I would like to maintain and perhaps modify a few of those resolutions. First of all, the housing situation needs to be addressed. With another child in the mix, we're going to have to keep our eyes out for something with an additional bedroom this year. I'll get to that in a moment. Secondly, financial discipline is a must in this day and age of economic woes and bailouts. Those are my two primary objectives for 2009.

I cannot speak for Kari, but I'm not one of these people hellbent on owning a home. I realize that it is a worthy goal and something that will be a major benefit. But I teach school. And sure, there are deals out there for teachers, but perhaps I'd like to think that with my schooling and future employment situations still somewhat unknown at the moment, I don't want to get locked into a place to call my own yet. There is something rather comforting about renting. The maintenance and water are taken care of, for example. It's not the greatest situation, but I am glad that I'm not pining away to be in a home like some friends and family members I know. It will happen when it happens. There is no need to rush it on this one. I do not plan to.

Whatever the case may be, we will definitely need to look at three bedrooms sometime soon. Probably this summer, but I'm not sure where. Now that *Crazy Next Door* is gone, maybe another three-bedroom place will open up here. Otherwise, we'll have to keep our eyes open. Plus, it wouldn't hurt to talk with friends of mine in the Real Estate business. Personally, I'd rather deal with people I know and trust on this topic.

Secondly, I mentioned financial discipline. At this point, there are some loose ends to tie up with Christmas just having come and gone. I'd like to be able to get those bills squared away and there are a few upcoming opportunities to do so. So I will definitely take advantage of that. And with the card, at least there is an upside of knowing that I am due for a pay raise once again in 2009 and perhaps a new job opportunity. Anyhow, just being a bit more aware and careful with funds is going to be important.

I look forward to returning to this posting as a way to take stock of my progress. Pray for me and these resolutions if you read this. I could use all the help I can get! It will not be easy, but I know that with this determination to improve, and my past success in taking steps to do so, things will work out for the best! It's just up to me to maintain a positive attitude and remember to never give up!

As my university program director pointed out, *[Life] is a ropes course, not a game of "Survivor".*

Too true!

God bless.