What did you resolve to do in 2014?

Did you ever notice that the only time we talk about New Year's resolutions is on New Year's Day and maybe a week or so into January? Why? If it's a yearlong commitment, don't you think there should be some check-ups along the way, perhaps a quarterly report? Or do we all just fall off the bandwagon by February and March? Well, I'm proud to admit that for at least the last year or two I have been a stickler for my New Year's resolutions or as I am now calling them, my goals for the year. So, we are more than halfway around the bend of the year and I thought I would take a look back at my goals and check my progress now while there is still room to improve!

Goals for 2014:

Spend more time with friends and family.

Since January, I can honestly say I have made an effort to spend more time with friends and family. I'd like to have more parties and dinners at the house in the next few months, including Friendsgiving (let me know if you want to come) and a football party, and see some of those friends that I haven't had a chance to see. I have dinner almost every other month with some of my former library ladies, there's been some Pinterest parties and book club meetings too. So, let's get together if we haven't yet this year! I'd love to see you!

(A special stop in Columbus on the way back from Indy for a visit with the Stelzers and birthday celebrations at PNC Park for Barbara!)

Save money and BUY A HOUSE. 

Well, priorities have changed a bit - paid for a honeymoon and are still paying on the ridiculous car repairs needed on the G6. We are saving, so that is a huge step and we are definitely trying to be more financially responsible. We've look at a few house but haven't found anything and have come to the realization that it might not happen this year, which just gives us more time to save. I'm not ready to come to the realization either that I may not be walking distance from Highland Park.

Finish building my dollhouses.

When it was crappy out, this goal was going so much better. I have no desire to sit inside right now and finish my three unfinished dollhouses.

Be healthy.

I'm proud to announce that other than the stomach bug that killed me before the half marathon, I have been relatively healthy this year. I drink more water. I eat healthier. I lost 10 pounds. Remind me to take my allergy pill and my vitamin and I'll be even healthier!

RELAX.

Surprise, surprise...I'm making strides at learning to relax. It hasn't been easy. I'm still pretty tense. I'm not letting my to-do list get the better of me anymore. And huge breakthrough - I have been planner free for almost six months! The app and Google calendar trick is working well.

DO MORE.

At the beginning of the year I wanted to read, write, photograph and cook more. Well, I've done all of those except probably write. I've read 36 books already this year. I try to photograph fairly often and I'm improving my skills in the kitchen. So I have definitely welcomed back some of my hobbies into my life and am trying others.

(Fun picture from a day seeing the zoo from the lens of my camera.)

How are you doing on your resolutions or goals for the year?

2014 I have to admit, you haven't been so bad! Here's to a happy and healthy remainder of the year!