2014 goals

I don't usually make new year's resolutions, but the more I think about it, the start of a new year is as good of a time as any to reevaluate one's state, reflect on the past year's mistakes and failures, and make goals to better the next year. 

For me, most of 2013's self discoveries happened after Elana was born and I intend on taking what I've learned and moving forward.

In the next 358 days I intend to...

Get more organized

I'm obsessed with cleaning.  And as my house is clean, it really isn't organized well and there are so many things that need to be overhauled with organization.  My kitchen, important papers, toys, clothes photos, computer files, time, I could go on and on.  I also know, from experience, that getting organized won't happen unless I take baby steps and work on one thing at a time.  So, I'm going to try to take one thing a month that I'd like to organize and get it done the best way I know how. 

Purge unneeded things

I do this yearly.  Mostly because we have moved every year that we have been married and moving makes it easy to see the things you never use.  I love it.  I'm the opposite of a hoarder.  However, I need to get rid of clothes.  I have clothes from before I ever has children, while I was pregnant with my girls, clothes from immediately after giving birth, a few more months after giving birth, and then regular clothes.  Granted, they are all organized, but there is a lot of them and no way I'll ever be able to wear them all again.  So, once a month I'll be going through my closet to purge pieces I know just need to go.

Play more with my girls

I want to be a mom whose children remember me being engaged with them.  I love teaching Emmy things and seeing Elana learn new things daily.  I have to remind myself that the baskets of laundry and the sink full of dishes can wait.  The chores will get done in time, but time won't stop and my babies won't quit growing.

Save some money

Lord willing, this year we plan to purchase a house.  I'm not getting my hopes up because life seems to get in the way of the plans I make, but it is still in the back of mind.  I'm elated to think of having a home of my own to do with what I choose and I have some major pinterest ideas to put to work.

workout more

I know a lot of people say this, but this isn't completely about losing weight (although losing some post baby lbs would be nice).  I've been trying to run lately (I say "trying" because I'm extremely slow and out of shape), and I feel really good when I finish.  I've noticed I'm more patient, less anxious, and happier when I sweat some.  It is beneficial to everyone around me ; )

Do some things for myself

As a stay at home mom or two who works randomly at two different jobs, saving my sanity is important, but keeping it as a priority can get lost in the mix of everyday life.  Once a month I'd like to do something for myself.  And this does not equate to going grocery shopping by myself.  I'm talking, a girls night out, a massage, take a trip, have a date night with the father of my girls - something that doesn't involve any of my jobs (photography, nursing, and mothering).  This month I'm attending a girls night out with some fellow RN friends and all of us could not be more excited to get away and hang loose. 

Now, hopefully I can just keep up with all of this and keep you all informed on how things are going.