I Set Goals, Not Resolutions or How I Spent the Last Day of the Year

I don't really do resolutions anymore. I don't like doing a bunch of stuff everybody else is doing. Sometimes I go along or else I do it because I am really into it, but sometimes things become so cliche that they drive me insane and I roll my eyes.

I do, however, set goals. Homeschooling goals, set more dates with my husband on the calendar, writing goals and such. Maybe even some weight loss goals thrown in for good measure.

I spent the last day of the year graveside with my friend Jill, who lost her son Nolan one year ago, and her 4 other kids were there. I was there also with my own 5 children, my husband, a friend of over a year (Angeliina) and someone who I have known off and on but recently realized I really dig (Ginette). It was a tragic and sad way to end the year, and I wouldn't be anywhere else but standing there with my friend who is going through the worst time of her life. Later that night we went to Angeliina's to ring in the new year and had a blast (she put up with me despite my head cold and low energy!).

My friend Jill and her son Nolan

My point is that if I spend 2014 doing things pretty much the same as I did them in 2013, that would be just fine. I love spending time with my kids, my husband, my parents, my friends. I love to write, to be there for people if they need me, to bake for people. I like to help. If I could make one resolution it would be to watch more movies snuggled up with my husband like we used to do. I think that's a rockin' resolution!

My mother-in-law sent this to me and I don't know the author, but it's a lovely way to think about the new year, I think.

There comes a time in your life when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh. Forget the bad, and focus on the good. Love the people who treat you right, pray for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living.