I never liked the idea of “giving up” something during Lent. Once you tell me I can’t do something or have something, the stubborn 5-year old in me wants it more. During Lent, I simply choose to make a positive change–this year, I chose to stop using paper napkins and switched to cloth ones.
When it came time to make New Years “resolutions” last year, I decided to take my views on Lent and apply them to the New Year. I thought long and hard about my typical resolutions–loose weight, don’t forget peoples birthdays, and the like. While those are nice things to hope for in a coming year, they weren’t as meaningful as I wanted them to be. So, I came up with a list of 12 personal Intentions for 2009, and here is how I graded with each one of them:
1. Become aware of my spiritual self. GRADE: D
I really wanted to start looking for a church to join with my family this year, and that never happened. I was raised roman catholic, but I do not think that is the religion for me. Next year, Buckaroo will need to start attending some sort of religious education class so we have to get on this. I see the many benefits of attending a formal church and committing yourself and your family to your church community, and that is not something I felt 100% on last year which is why I can say that I earned a little higher than an “F” for this one…
2. Spend less time on the computer. GRADE: B
As I sit here typing on my new laptop, I can say with all honesty that I have spent less time on the computer. But I can’t give myself an “A” in this area because its not so much a conscious change, it’s simply a change forced onto me because I am the CEO and life gets busier by the day.
3. Read to my kids every night. GRADE: B
I don’t do this as often as I’d like, but I do spend quality time with each of my kids daily so I think that should count for something.
4. Like myself. GRADE: A-
September 1st, I took the bull by the horn and made a sharp left towards Me-Ville. I got serious with my diet (although I refrained from the fad diets because I know well that the turtle always wins). I also started going to the gym more often. It may sound silly, but it’s amazing what loosing 5 pounds can do for your confidence. I still have my bad days, though, where I get really down on myself for being up a pound or two. And I still can’t look in the mirror without finding something negative about what I see. But I am getting there. Slowly.
5. Get a Hobby. GRADE: A+
What started out as a way to vent at the end of the day, turned into my fondest hobby. I LOVE BLOGGING and I have realized that the blogosphere is my favorite hobby. It’s so much more than writing…I have made some great friends through blogging, and have won some cool loot. It’s so much fun.
6. Get a Hobby with my Hubby. GRADE: B-
We did well with this until the last season of Lost ended. Fortunately for me, DaddyMac has great hours and spends lots of time with us at home. But not all time together is quality time, and that is what I intended with this, well, intention. We do enjoy discussing politics together, and we have a newfound love for challenging each other in Super Mario Brothers!
7. Be a Better Wife. GRADE: A
You know the saying, Happy Wife Happy Life. It’s so true. I realized that being a good wife meant being personally content. This year brought me so many positive changes that I found myself truly content with so many areas of my life. No, I don’t pack DaddyMac’s lunch every day, or iron his clothes, but I think I do a damn good job as his wife. I do wish I cooked great meals more often, though, and as soon as I get that new kitchen I am dreaming about I just may do so.
8. Go to a summer concert & buy myself a cowgirl hat. GRADE: A+
I had the chance to see Rascall Flatts with my sisters and my mom this past summer, and of course I splurged on a fun cowgirl hat beforehand. I have worn it many times, though there are no pictures to prove it. Guess you’ll just have to trust me.
9. Do Something Alone. GRADE: D
I really didn’t accomplish what I set out to do here. I wanted to take a day trip alone, or a weekend getaway with the girls. I wanted to get out there and spend time in my own head. The situation never presented itself and I never pushed it. This will certainly top my 2010 Intentions list.
10. Make time for True Friends. GRADE: B
Well, 2009 proved to be the year where I’d realize who those true friends are. I learned a lot about myself and what matters to me and in friendships this year. It was quite possibly the most meaningful lesson of my 20′s. I have better friendships now than I did when the year began. I only give myself a “B” in this area, though, because there are still some true-blue friends that we just didn’t get to spend enough time with this past year.
11. Buy the book “The Power of Less” and commit to 3 changes. GRADE: D
I bought the book, and read it, and liked it. But, I honestly can’t remember the changes I decided to commit to so I don’t think I deserve a great grade.
12. Write more. GRADE: A+
You read my blog, don’t you?
So, overall my 2009 Intentions got a “B.” Not bad.
You’ll have to wait ’til January 1st to see what I intend to do in 2010…How about you? What are your Intentions for 2010?
