THE WEEKEND

The week end was again one of extreme busyness. Going out with friends on Friday night was enjoyable as was going to Wicked at the Fox on Saturday afternoon. Working to accomplish goals and regular housework made me look forward to a quiet Sunday with an early 9:00 am church. As always a call seems to change our day.

Kent received a call from a family he baptized on his mission some 46 years ago. They will be in Oklahoma City on the 18 through the 20 and wanted to know if we could come. Kent said yes. We invited the kids but Andrea and family were busy. Ben and Becca said they would come with us so after Sunday lunch the next hours were spent coordinating plane, car and hotel reservations. A nap seemed to elude us. Maybe next week.

Today, I am back trying to accomplish goals. I don't understand how I got so much more done when I worked full time. I guess it's like an acquaintance said, "growing old isn't for sissies."

NEED FOR GRATITUDE

The problem I’m having with my goals are when it comes to the scriptures, Ensign and the words of the prophets I tend to read and then ponder and reread. This doesn’t go too when with achieving goals that are so specific. However, the likelihood of me achieving goals that aren’t specific is even less likely to be achieved. So, today I have been reading the ensign and rereading and pondering the First Presidency Message. I haven't finished my exercising but it needs to and will start now.

There are many things on my list that will make my life easier but everyday living keeps me from getting to the things that need to be done that day. This is why I keep a gratitude journal. When I see all the negative and I can’t get things done attitude creeps in I stop and write in my journal. Things fall into place and I’m ready to begin again with the right attitude.

THINK ABOUT CHANGE

In a little over a year Kent and I will be putting in papers to serve a mission for our church. We have the option of going for 6 months, 12 months,  18 months or 23 months. Where and how long we serve will be impacted by how well we prepare. I don’t do New Year’s resolutions but I have set Mission Preparation Goals. So for the next 12 to 18 months I will be working on these goals. I chose to write in my blog what I'm doing so I have an accountability because is a public forum individuals are more likely to succeed.

The first goals I’m setting are more specific goals. The second goals will be less specific but just as important to me.

Lifestyle Goals

1.       Exercise 8 miles a day – at least 5 times a week (I'm currently at 2 miles a day)
2.       Eat clean, whole foods
3.       Eat out once or less a week
4.       No fried foods
5.       Plan a weekly menu based of foods that can be prepared ahead of time or in a crockpot
6.       Read 8 quality books written by general authorities
7.       Read Ensign and Smithsonian magazines each month
8.       Read “Preach My Gospel”
9.       Keep gratitude journal going
10.     Continue with daily scripture study
11.     Keep spiritual journal
12.     Find ways to give meaningful service especially in community
13.     Develop a healthy lifestyle

Relationship Goals

1.       Set up a retirement budget and try to live it now
2.       Send out more thank you and birthday cards
3.        Get a smart phone for Kent and have the children teach him how to use it so we can real time talk to grandchildren
4.        Convince one of the children that they want to be responsible for our finances and house while we serve a mission (use guilt if necessary)

Household goals

1.       Pay off house
2.       Set up how to unclutter and store our entire household so we can rent our house while we are gone
3.       Check all appliances and plumbing to make sure they are in good working condition
4.       Place all warrantees in folder that can be given to family member willing to care for our house while we are gone

Person goals

1.       Continue to encourage Kent in his photography
2.       Work on my art and scrapbooking
3.       Learn how to paint with water color

That is a good start. I’m sure I will find other things that I need to do that I’m not aware of. I'm glad I have given myself over a year to get this plan into action. Also I am already doing a number of these things I'm sure I will succeed.