It's a new year

I keep thinking that I will actually take the time to write down my thoughts but it seems all my time is all filled.  As the New Year starts, instead of resolutions, I am setting goals for this year. 

• Laughter
• Marriage
• Activity
• Cooking
• Travel
• Learning

In order of importance, I want to laugh more, especially with my family.  If we are laughing, we are having a good time, and that is so important as my kids continue growing and evolving.  I want them to laugh!

Greg and I celebrated 18 years of marriage this year.  The fun times still outweigh the bad, but I need to devote more time and attention to Greg and my marriage.  Kids are always a distraction but I am guilty of not giving Greg enough of my focus.

More activity is also on the agenda for the year.  I am still thoroughly enjoying my weekly soccer games with my beloved Natural Disasters.  I am also planning on participating in a breast cancer walk sometime this year.  Details to follow.

Cooking for friends and family has always been something I have really enjoyed.  Between kids, work and outside activities, I have not been spending time in the kitchen.  What I figured out this holiday when I was feeling out of sorts, was when I started cooking Christmas Eve, my mood soared.  I have to figure out a way to try one or two dishes each week.  I often overwhelm myself by trying to do an entire meal of new dishes. 

I also want to start on a project that will marry some of my goals for the year.  Mom sent me a very old box that contained some of my grandmothers handwritten recipes.  Ninie loved to copy recipes and share them.  The one's mom sent me are just a few of the many recipes Ninie wrote out, so this year, I am going to start working my way through her recipes.  I am hoping that this will be something I can do with one or more of my kids.  Stay tuned.

Travel always makes the list of things I want to do more of.  On the calendar are plans for Kauai, Hawaii and New Zealand.  I am hoping to explore some new areas of California as well.  I think it will depend on what our summer brings.

Learning can come in many forms.  I am done with higher education, and think I get enough school with Garrett's homework ;-(.  However, I have signed up for a photography class to learn how to take better pictures.  I am also looking for a class to learn about wine - making, tasting, exploring. 

This year is starting off with the promise that every year does - the ability to make better decisions than in the past.  Here's hoping I do.