Michelle Who?

It's been awhile since I've sat down and blogged.
Quite frankly, I haven't had much desire to do anything. I sort of ebb and flow like that.
Maybe It's all the hype of New Years and the opportunity it presents everyone with...you know, the opportunity to start fresh, but I find myself plotting and planning all sorts of things.
I've found this little reservoir of hope and excitement for this new year and I'm clinging to it like nothing else.
I have enjoyed writing down my goals on this blog and I love being able to accomplish the things I set out to do. It's also been a good tool to let me see just how far I fall short on most my goals.
I have really thought about where I need growth in my life, and I have been trying to come up with realistic goals to help me achieve that growth.
I have felt strongly for a while now that it's time to develop and strengthen my faith and my testimony. It's been strange the last little while, I have felt like a little kid as of late, it seems like I have so much to learn. Life has seemed to show me as of late that I'm still missing most of the big picture. I go to church and so many things are answers to prayer or question that have arose in my mind earlier in the week. I'm awe struck just about every week and I literally can't wait to hear more. I'm spiritually hungry, I guess twenty something years of going through the motions will do that to you, and I just can't get enough. Yet despite my hunger, I find myself avoiding the very things that will fulfill that need.

So this years first big goal is one of spirituality and knowledge.

1. I want to read or listen to an audio book of a spiritual nature, at least once a month. I had entertained starting with the early church prophets and working my way to current prophets as an idea. I'm open to suggestions, so by all means please give me any ideas. I am also interested in any other uplifting books outside of my faith if it doesn't contain material that is derogatory or offensive towards my faith.
2. I want to work on daily scripture study. I hope to focus on just two chapters a night as a minimum and go from there.
3. I want to read each Sunday school lesson before Sunday class.
4. I want to have FHE every Monday night.
5. Work on attending the temple more often.

Second area of life that needs work is one of personal health and wellness.

1. I want to run 10 miles a week, I really liked my four days running and two days strength training a week routine and plan to stick to that(even if I never stuck with it before).
2. I want to run a half marathon.
3. I want to stick to my WW points and plan
   
4. I want to attempt to make myself look presentable (make-up and matching clothes, etc, etc) at least five days a week. Laugh if you must but I think even five days a week might be over doing it for me.
   
5. Find new ways to exercise and enjoy myself

Third area in my life I would like to work on is my family.

1. I want to work out a schedule were we can study the scriptures together.
2. I want to do a family oriented night out at least once a month.
   
3. I want to have a night that is just for Derik and I to go out at least once a month.
4. I want to take at least two mini vacations/camping trips this year as a family.
5. Family prayer at least once a day/ FHE once a week
   

A few other miscellaneous goals

1. I want to take at least one community class, to learn a new skill.
   
2. Have all the house chores completed first thing in the morning
3. Have a meal menu planned out for each month
4. Complete Dylan's homework assignments, right after school.
5. Complete at least two act of service a month