RESOLUTIONS . . . .

Julie posted about her resolutions today and asked everyone if we had any yet, how we keep them and any tricks of the trade. Truth be known - I am one who waits til the last minute to set or think about the resolutions. I was curious about New Years Resolutions and where it began. This is what I found:

The tradition of the New Year's Resolutions goes all the way back to 153 B.C. Janus, a mythical king of early Rome was placed at the head of the calendar.

With two faces, Janus could look back on past events and forward to the future. Janus became the ancient symbol for resolutions and many Romans looked for forgiveness from their enemies and also exchanged gifts before the beginning of each year.

I also found the top ten resolutions interesting:
1-lose weight
2-stick to a budget
3-debt reduction
4-family quality time
5-find soul mate
6-quit smoking
7-find a better job
8-learn something new
9-volunteer/help others
10-get organized

With that being said - I picked 3 of the 'typical' goals and then 2 of my own. Thanks to my friend, Julie, now I'm in the mood. Here is what I've set:

1 - WEIGHT! I've posted about this recently and I've already started, but I need to STICK to it! I need to make sure that I don't fall off the wagon completely! That I don't completely give up. I am pretty good at getting started and sticking to it for a month or even two or three, but after awhile I get happy about the results and start to slack. If I keep up with it - I'd stay thin. But if I continue to slack - I end up like I am now! About 40 lbs. over what I'd like to be! I am starting my hard-core rigor right after the first of the year!

2 - POST! I am going to combine 1 and 2 and post about my weight loss. This will probably bore you but I hope that it will keep me motivated. If we have to "check in" we always do better, right?

3 - PICS! I have a great little camera now so no excuses not to take pics anymore. I was so good when the kids were little but I've slacked over the last couple of years. Not good! I will take more pics - can't hurt to have too many, right? And I am determined to learn how to post pics and post them. I have such cute kids and pics and can't post them! :( I may even get daring and show pics of me in my swimsuit as I progress. EWWWW!!!

4 - FAMILY! I am horrible when I leave my house for the theatre - I get so involved with the atmosphere there that I forget to come home right away. Usually a late night visit is 'required' after each night. Sometimes it's work related, sometimes not. But when I do get home, I feel the guilt and miss the family and home so much. So . . . I am going to be better about saying "sorry guys - I really need to get going!"

5 - WHISPER! Plain and simple - I yell WAY TOO MUCH! I yell at the kids to clean, I yell outside for them to come in, I yell for them to stop arguing, etc. etc. etc. It's time for me to calm down or at least stop the yelling. :) I have experimented in the past and it does make a difference when you just make a choice not to yell for a day. I whispered pretty much all day one Sunday and in turn the tone and spirit in my home was so different! I know this goal is not just one to take lightly or that will happen overnight but I'm determined to remember to "whisper" as often as possible!

There ya have it! My top 5 resolutions - not too far out of reach (like Julie did!) but challenging enough to work on! Now I'll pass the torch and ask you - have you set your resolutions yet?!?!?!