When I was a little girl, I would snuggle down deep inside the heavy blankets and quilts of my grandma’s bed – alone, waiting to fall asleep, and think about what it would be like when I became a “grown up.” And as I pondered all of those things looming ahead- going to high school, college, getting married and having children – once in a while I would let my mind think about what it would be like to be without my grandma, my mother, grandpa, uncle and many other beloved relatives. But as a child I couldn’t conceive of that. Those days were in the dark, distant and murky future that was such a great distance away.
This morning when I couldn’t sleep, it occurred to me that I am in the midst of that distant future now. My beloved parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles and special family friends are mostly gone now. And I am the “old one” although I really don’t feel that old yet.
As I do have my own 7-year-old child, I had a chance to sit with some other moms, mainly in their 30s and they were shocked to know that I am in my 50s. One mom had me pegged for about 45 (God Bless her!) so I guess my attitudes and looks aren’t quite as ancient as I supposed they would be when I was a little girl looking ahead.
Still, it’s truer that I have more New Years behind me than ahead of me, and this year I seem to have the need to make the time I have matter, and the resolutions I make more binding. So with that in mind, here is how last year’s resolutions went and what I plan for 2013.
So let’s see how I did on last year’s resolutions!
1. To try to get more ORGANIZED prayer time into my day, especially with my husband. I was actually pretty good with this thanks to the Divine Office. And since my kids got me the Kindle Fire! for Christmas, I have added the Divine Office App for that as well. I also have a Rosary App on the my Kindle Fire (because even cradle Catholics can stumble over the Apostles Creed!)
What I have learned about myself is that I need to get up early enough to get in one hour of exercise and then immediately get a glass of water and sit down to do the office. If I try to do it the other way around, I won’t exercise. But if I get the exercise in first, I always can get the office in.
This year I would also like to include more rosary time as well AND I want to teach my children to say the Angelus – something I was not taught as a child, but that I would like my kids to learn before they leave the house. I would also like to add more family rosaries with the kids and Mr. Pete – if I can ever get him home early enough!
2. To get more scripture study in too. I did somewhat better with that. I think that too is something I need to do first thing in the morning or it just won’t get done.
This year I would like to try going over the mass readings with my family on Saturday evening and discussing them. I found this interesting app (also available in hard copy ) to get us started.
Also have the Roman Missal App on my Kindle and the Catholic Answer Bible
3. To be more organized in my household, but particularly with my homeschool. To that end I am going to make myself write in my homeschool blog more to keep a more accurate picture of what we are accomplishing.
I always seem to be playing catch up with my homeschool blog, but at least by keeping track of things on this blog, it’s easier to cut and paste it over there. I am keeping better records via everything I have learned through Lee Binz and her High School Transcript Solutions! That really has been a God send. I totally prepared Sam’s transcript and I have an ongoing transcript for Gabe and Noah.
4. To read more to the Rosie and resurrect my Library Thing. Here is a good list to start with!
Here are some other good reading lists for the entire family!
5. Be more conscientious of keeping track of my money.
6. Lose weight!
Lost 15 pounds last year! Slow but sure. Would like to continue that, but a bit faster.
7. To practice my instrument at least 3 times a week.
I took the entire summer off, which wasn’t very good! I want to be more consistent this year and challenge myself, perhaps with some of this material.
8. Realizing that my medical transcription business is probably going the way of the buggy whip, I would like to branch out into writing my own curriculum and e-books this year to see if that is the direction I would like to see the next phase of my life head.
10. Become more proficient with my DSLR camera!
I feel a lot more comfortable with my camera but there are still features I am not using and I would like to learn more this year.
11. Make a concerted effort to let the people in my life who are important to me – KNOW THAT!
Ongoing, but something I try to do every day!
