Checking In On My Goals

It's time to check in on my goals for this year. I definitely was a little more goal conscious than last month so let's see how things went.

1. Lose 15 pounds and develop a regular exercise routine. I'm jamming on that exercise routine and my stamina has soared. The low cholesterol diet not so much. However, I did lose the 2 pounds that I gained last month putting me back where I was at about a 10 pound loss altogether.

2. Feed my spirit (more than just a daily quiet time). I'm still doing pretty well on this one, though I think I did better around the end of May than I'm doing right now. I still commune with God throughout the day, but recently I haven't had the extensive Bible study times that I'd like to have. Still plodding and taking ground, though.

3. I want to build family relationships. I haven't spent as much time doing things with my family as I did last month, but I've prayed for them a lot more, especially my daughter. Again, still plodding.

4. I'd like to try some new venues of writing. I was asked to consider writing an article for Toastmasters Magazine. Now that is a real hoot considering Toastmasters is an organization for speakers, many of whom are professional, and I'm so not a polished, professional speaker. I'm still thinking on it.

5. I'd like to create a pretty, comfortable home. Huge strides on this one! First, my square foot gardens are the envy of all who see them. I have cucumbers, peppers, flowers, herbs, and no less than 84+ tomatoes on my plants. That's amazing for a brown thumb!

Secondly, my mother-in-law went to Massachusetts for the summer and will be living elsewhere in the fall so we've spent the weekend moving my office out of my bedroom and back down to the actual office room. This is no small feat that involves removing doors and door frames to accomodate my big desk. This time I appreciate my office a lot more than I ever did before and I'm going to great lengths to make it my workplace and haven. I plan to write a lot of bestsellers in here so it has to look great! I'll post pictures down the road when I get it looking like I want it to look.

I've also been on a huge decluttering and redecorating spree. I've drawn the line in the sand on the clutter issue and I can't tell you how good it feels to toss and donate and give and just get rid of things we don't need. Later this summer I'm also going to get together with a very special blogger that is well known for her decorating prowess. I can't tell you who it is yet because I don't want you to be green with envy, but trust me I'll let you know when it happens.

Finally, I made my summer menu which you can find here. I've started cooking more too. With my mother-in-law gone and my daughter staying busy, I guess I have no choice so I'm making the best of it and keeping it simple.

6. We will get out of debt this year. Done, except for the house. Maintaining with braces, a new air conditioner, and a car for my son looming on the horizon.

7. I will set aside regular writing time, preferrably 15 hours per week. I'm way overdue for this one. I'm juggling traveling, speaking, kids done with school for the summer and so much more and that's my excuse for not writing. However, I'm feeling like it's time for a writing explosion just to get it all out followed by an ongoing consistent schedule. My new office is the perfect place and I'm excited about it!

8. I want to learn to relax. I had to think on this one. I certainly don't have a relaxed schedule at the moment. However, I think "I" am definitely more relaxed in composure. For example, I'm heading to Denver on Thursday and I really feel quite at ease about it. I keep asking God why I'm not all wrought up and He reminds me of Isaiah 26:3 that He will keep in perfect peace the one whose mind is stayed on Him. So, I guess I'm making progress.

That's the wrap for this month. If you'd like to read the progress reports from others participating in the 8 in 2008 goals project you can stop by Extravagant Grace.