Reflections

I have totally slacked on writing lately. I have a whole list on my phone of blog topics to be. A whole list as in 9 topics. No big deal. Nothing to say. I will say that part of my slacking started with the ending of the semester. The ending of my graduate classes (two of them) and the ending of kindergarten before Christmas. All of this mixed in with three snow days, Christmas shopping, Holiday party planning, packing and cleaning. It has been a busy month! I will lay this out there, though. I think that since May, I have been a little depressed. I haven't been myself lately. December snapped me out of it. It was filled with traveling to see family and friends. That always helps. It was filled with giving to others. That always warms your heart. It was busy, which always helps me in some strange way. The slower things are going for me, the more time I have to think about EVERYTHING. I used to have panic attacks. I haven't had one of those in a few years (knock on wood) and I think that the way things were going, I could have possibly been headed that way again.

December has been a time of reflection for me, as well. I have thought a lot about my past year New Years Resolutions. It was more of a goal. One that I didn't tell very many people (3, I think) and will not divulge here. I met that goal and it took me nearly all year, but I did it. I have thought a lot about what kind of year I want 2011 to be. A new year means another chance to make your life better. I truly believe that everyone should have a New Years Resolution (or even a few). Something that you have reflected on and you want to make better in your life. This year, I have a few. Four to be exact. I decided to share them here, but will not talk about them anywhere else. So, readers, do not ask me about them later or talk about them.

MY 2011 RESOLUTIONS

1. To start and keep a savings account. Don't judge. I don't have one. at all. It's embarrassing. I have had  one a couple of times, but always end up having to drain it for something. I want to keep one and put a set amount of money in it each month. Sure beats that coffee can buried in my yard. ;)
2. I want to take at LEAST 2 vacations this year. Of these two vacations, I want to visit at least one new state or country.
3. I want to have a regular work-out routine. No more "donating" to the gym. I need to go. At least regularly. Maybe start with 2 times a week and work my way up to more. 
4. To keep in touch better with Nikki, Matt, and Henry. I got the chance to visit with them on Christmas Eve. For those who don't know, Nikki and I have been best friends since 8th grade. We met in 7th grade, but really decided to like each other when we did family trees and we both have the same Polly Feltner in our family tree. We are related, but not sure how distant or exactly how. Maybe she's like my 7th cousin twice removed or something? I don't understand how all of that works. I digress. Seeing them on Christmas Eve made me realize that I need to call more often and visit even more often. There are not many people in life who just "get you". Nikki will always be my best friend for that exact reason.

So, before you pop open that bubbly, ask yourself, "What kind of year do I want 2011 to be?" Reflect on the past year and think of ways to make improvements.