I’ve never been good at making resolutions at the start of a new year.  Usually by the second week of January, I have forgotten what I even resolved to do, so I didn’t even attempt it this year.

That being said, there is a looooooong list of things in my life that I should improve.  I’m oh-so-good at making excuses and rationalizing my bad behavior.  For example, “I can eat four Christmas Tree Little Debbie’s because I walked to the mailbox today.”  Mmm-hmmm.

I have had a couple of things pop into my mind over the past week or so that I’ve decided will be my goals for the next few weeks…or months…or year(s)….however long it takes!

The first is my practical goal: wash the supper dishes each and every night after our meal.  Good grief, I feel so pathetic for typing that.  I’m great at cleaning up after supper, and putting away leftovers, and straightening up the kitchen.  But I am TERRIBLE at those darn dishes.  Ok, maybe dishes is too broad.  I should say pots and pans.  Plates and utensils and glasses are easy, because they get thrown in the dishwasher.  But I despise pots and pans.  So they usually get put in the sink to “soak” (aka be ignored) until the next day…or the day after that…or…well, you get the point.   It’s really, really bad.  SO.  My new goal is to wash the pots and pans IMMEDIATELY upon the completion of the meal.  I am on day three of this, and it’s going successfully so far.  How many days does it take to make a new habit?  21?

My other goal will be a little more difficult.  It’s to “be where I am.”  I’m really bad about being somewhere physically, but having my head and thoughts somewhere completely separate.  For instance, if I’m at work, I’m thinking about things that need to be done at home.  If I’m at home, I’m thinking about what to blog about next.  If I’m driving down the highway, I’m thinking about how I wish we could go to the Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo this year.  Now, if I were in the “now” as I was driving along, instead of wishing we were out of town, I would notice the bald eagles roosting in trees next to the river I’m flying past at 65 mph.  Or if I were less distracted at home, I’d spend more time on the floor playing with Abby, seeing more of her smiles and getting more of her snuggles.   I just haven’t been a very good steward of my time lately.  I hope I can change that.  Soon.