Eight for 2008

It's really late, or better yet, it's really early. Either way, I can't sleep. Hubby took Bailey on her first duck hunt this morning for about six hours and they are both cutting some serious zzzz's. I guess they're "dog tired." I'm left wide awake to think...

I've been trying to come up with my resolutions for the upcoming year. To be honest, I hate 'em because I never stick to them, therefore I don't like to make them. Isn't it the same thing every year? Lose weight, save money, spend less, take a vacation, be nice, etc. blah, blah, blah.

Below are eight personal resolutions that I would like to attempt to stick to (in no particular order)...

1. Become more involved in the community
Hubby is doing well with his job so it doesn't look like we'll be moving anytime soon, hence the reason to get involved. I've already accepted an invitation to Bunko that starts next week; we've found a church that we really enjoy and they're already hitting me up to keep the nursery; and I suppose I'll be joining the Junior League soon enough.

2. Say "No" to magazines
Now don't get me wrong, my subscriptions are fine to keep. It's the weakness I have of buying them last minute in the check out line at the grocery. I've even been known to buy a magazine I already subscribe to just because it hit the news stands before my copy was delivered. This should really save me some money.

3. Cook at least three nights a week and eat at home at least four
I believe this is a big part of the reason I've put on so much weight this year. It seems like all we do is eat out. I don't even get excited over going to eat at a restaurant anymore because it's so routine for us. I know, I agree it's my duty as a wife to feed my husband a home cooked meal. This is something we both want to do.

4. Get in shape, stay committed, and enjoy it
Do you like how I re-phrased "lose weight"? It sounds so much better to say "get in shape." I hate to work out. I really do want to enjoy it. I was almost enjoying it right before we got married. I was at least in shape and committed but then we went to Italy, and then we moved from Tupelo, and then there was excuse after excuse after excuse. No more excuses! I start with Brooke, my personal trainer, at 8:30 sharp on Monday morning.

5. Keep the creative juices flowing by trying new hobbies
I love my business and it keeps me busy but I get bored very easily. I hop from one hobby to another. I'd love to take some classes to learn more about... smocking, photography, calligraphy, sewing, etc.

6. Stop biting my nails
I've done this my entire life. This is a terrible habit. I somehow found a way to stop during our engagement! I also had pretty nails again prior to the holidays. I can do this is just takes a lot of conscious effort on my part. I just can't let the stress get to me.

7. Continue to "live it up" with Russell in 2008
By this, I mean to continue going places and experiencing things together. We've been very fortunate to be able to travel a lot in 2007. Our family has been really great to keep Bailey so we can take off whenever we please. Whether it was just to Starkville for a game, to the beach with the family, or a fishing trip to Arkansas with friends, we've created so many memories during our first year of marriage. I believe this will be a fun and easy resolution for us since we've already planned a ski trip to Taos, New Mexico during my birthday and Valentine's!

8. Work hard for a successful 2008
Hard work is the key to success. We both must continue to work diligently at our jobs. If we truly want to be successful, we must be prepared to give up our leisure time and work past 5 PM and on some weekends. Russell has truly been a testament to this. I suppose this is the reason the partners just gave him a raise. I'm so proud of him. Have I told you just how great he is? On the same day of his review, I also found out some good news with work. As of this week, I will be adding the states of Florida and Georgia to my territory. I'm really excited and flattered by the increase of responsibility. Hopefully I won't have to worry about my dialect for these new southern accounts!

Two of Russell's resolutions include...

1. Only eating lunch out once a week
(Unless he's with a client or one of the partners is footing the bill!)

2. Leave the office by 6pm
This is one I'm personally excited about since that means more time with me & Bailey. Hubby's a very important man, billing $200+ an hour for his time. He would tell you that it's a privilege to get to spend free time with him. Oh, do I know! Don't worry, he's not vain. It's just the attorney in him- always thinking of billable hours.