a great start to a new year

Every year, I make new year resolutions. I actually call them goals for the year. I also pick a theme that I want to concentrate on for the year. And, usually, by the middle of January I have forgotten my good intentions and am right back to doing what I have always done, which isn't bad but isn't great either.

This year has been much, much different. First, I have felt prompted to set some very specific goals. Second, I am making my goals very visible. And third, I feel more energized about them than I have ever done in my life.

First, my goals. I actually have A LOT of them this year. It is a little daunting and I am not making as much progress toward all of them that I would like, but I am still making progress. Here is my list:

Spiritual:

• Gain an intimate relationship with my Savior. 
• Spend time in the temple every month, not just go - spend time there. 

Family: 

• Work on family history, specifically the Wells side. 
• Write meaningful emails to my missionaries. 
• Bring my missionaries home and get them settled in the next chapter of their lives. 
• Finish 2014 yearbook, Ireland vacation book, Paris/Germany vacation book, and Italy vacation book. 
• Write in my journal and blog weekly. 

Health: 

• Keep track of my net calories every day. 
• Move every day. 
• Lose 30 pounds. 

Financial: 

• Pass the PMP exam
• Pay off all credit cards and other loans
• Kickstart my retirement
• Become Elite with doTERRA

SCA: 

• Learn trapunto and make largess items
• Make a lefkara veil for my Laurel
• Enter Kingdom Atlantia Persona Pentathlon in 2016. 

Yup, it is a big list. I will give you a quick update as this is actually month two of my goals. 

I was called to be the Gospel Doctrine teaching in my ward and we are studying the New Testament. Yup, I'm actually studying regularly. Heavenly Father knew I needed help staying motivated. I went to the temple in January but didn't spend as much time there as I needed to. I have a trip planned for February already and will spend more time in the Celestial Room. 

For family, my emails are getting better. I'm talking about my studying and lessons. I don't know how this new information is received but I feel better about it. I am almost finished with my 2014 yearbook and should get it ordered this month. I finally got some family group sheets from Mom and Dad and will get started on verifying information this weekend. In the meantime, I started indexing almost every day. I'm not writing in my journal or blogging every week, but I'm better than I have been for a while! I'll get there as I continue to work on my schedule. 

Health wise I'm tracking my food 95% of the time and have already lost 5 pounds! I have to be vigilant every day but it is paying off. Woot! 

Financially, I passed my exam!! I have not done anything about retirement yet but I have paid off half of my other debts. I will be going to FL in March to work a doTERRA event, have a class, and make some contacts. I will take what I learn there and start making contacts here in VA. 

For the SCA, I have been focusing on the lefkara veil that I want to get done by June. It will take me that long to do it as it is a monster piece with a lot of work. I am also doing four scrolls and 2-3 household towels (items that were not on my list but I'm doing them anyway). So, I'm super busy. 

And that is my list.