Fresh...

I guess that's the word I think of when I look at this picture of Kelsey above and in my new banner. Kelsey on the ski hill learning how to ski and then sledding for the first time this winter. The fresh white snow. Her eyes as bright and beautiful as the fresh snow. When I looked up the word fresh in the dictionary there are many definitions, but the one that defines it most for me is: full of or renewed in vigor or readiness for action; not faded. That, too, is Kelsey. Last week she began preschool and loved it. She was so excited. I'm going to take the opportunity when she is at school (2 days a week for 2.5 hours) to try and accomplish some of my goals for 2008. Well, I realize, I'll need to use other time, too!

So, a good word for me to start 2008 is fresh. Fresh starts. Everyone you talk to (mostly) this time in January are making resolutions for the new year. I, in the past, have made small ones and some big ones...usually eat healthier, exercise more, lose ___ amount of weight, be more forgiving, more patient, etc., etc. The past week, I have really tried to come up with a list of items I really want to focus on for 2008. And, according to my friend, Ann, you must be specific about how to reach them. You know, not just that I'm going to eat healthier and lose weight and be kinder and more gentler. You need to write down exactly what your resolutions are and how you plan to reach them. Well, I'll do her one better than that. I'll put them on my blog. I won't go into specifics too much here (that will be in my notebook here at home.) However, here are the things I really, really want to work towards in 2008:

Study Photography More. I want to take those kind of photographs that make you feel like you have to catch your breath. The ones taken from a uniquely artistic perspective with sharp contrast and amazing catch lights in the eyes. I have a couple of on-line mentors whose work I love and they inspire me. Of course, I need to re-read my camera manual (as boring as it is!), read a few other books I have on the subject, take a class, load and learn Photoshop Elements6, and take even more pictures!

Organize/Declutter. That means my photo's too! And, everything else that may clutter or disorganize my home. Starting with the whole concept of Simplify.
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Oh, and here are the ornament boxes I finally bought after Christmas this year. They are labeled, one each for Robert, Ryan & Kelsey. So much better than wrapping them and trying to find the boxes for some of them. My whole storage closets are getting overhauled.

Health/Food. Plan and prepare healthier meals for myself and my family. My brother, Bob, gave me this book for my birthday and I think it will help me a great deal! I'm going to start pureeing tonight.

Love. Yes, plan a real date night more often with my husband at least once a month. And, also, take each kid on a "date" once a month with either me or Tim. We've done this in the past, but when things get hectic...it goes off the list. I will make sure to schedule them on the calendar for 2008 more often. (Last night Kelsey had a "date" with her Dad and went to the NMU vs. Notre Dame hockey game.) Side note: NMU beat ranked #6 Notre Dame---GO Cats!

Spiritual. Pray. I plan to journal more each day. I feel better when I dump stuff out of my head and onto paper. Even if it is just writing down three things I am grateful for that day.

Personal/Health. Oh YES, I need to stick to a healthier way of eating and get myself trained again with regular cardio and strength training exercise. I am more specific in my notebook, believe me.

Fun. I am going to try very hard to "not sweat the small stuff." Beginning next week I am taking downhill ski lessons. Yes, I do know how to ski already, however, after a long absence and seeing how my seven-year old son can ski circles around me, it's time to brush up/fine tune. Should be fun. Also, I have to throw in there planning a family vacation, scrapbooking and reading.

And really, talking about fun...what could be more fun than starting fresh and making resolutions for the new year and then blogging about it!

All of our dreams can come true--
if we have the courage to pursue them.
Walt Disney

Have a great 2008 and if you have any resolutions...e-mail me or leave me a comment. I'd LOVE to hear them. I would.