New Years Resolutions

I thought I usually posted some goals/New Years resolutions every year, but I went back for four years and couldn't find any :) I never have a set list with a very structured plan, but I do usually consider some things I'd like to do. My main goal for this year is to simplify/declutter/get rid of stuff in our house. Minimalism = sanity for me. It's why I don't have many pictures on the walls or stuff sitting around my house. Clean is calm to me.

 

We've been cleaning out my mom's house and I've been very conflicted between my goal to clean out my house and keeping stuff of hers either because I like it or because I want to remember her. I've tried to be very selective. I kept this green lamp and took it to my office at work. 

Another goal for this year that kind of goes with the last but could contradict if I'm not careful is I want to do some random repairs, improvements, and decorating to our house. We've lived here for almost 11 years now and it's time to do a few things to maintain and spruce it up if you will. I have a One Note file with a page for every room in the house. Some rooms need more than others. We fixed a major water pipe issue last week under the house that has been a problem since we lived here. We've tried a couple times to get it fixed over the years with no luck. We finally found the right person and got it fixed pretty easily. Carson can now take showers in his bathroom instead of mine!! He sent me this pic and said he wants his hair to look like Miles'.

The next two things are actual goals. I want to prioritize exercising again. It's been a while since I've done anything consistently. Taking care of my mom over the last year took priority and while life is still very busy, I definitely have more time than I have had in a while. And this next one is probably doomed from the start, but I'll throw it out there anyway. I'd love to wake up earlier on workdays. I am a snooze for an hour kind of girl. My alarm goes off at 5:45 every morning and the earliest I get up is 6:30am. I would love to get up & get ready for work first and then have time to relax, read, or do things around the house. I know I would love it, but I also love laying in bed until the last second. We'll see where this gets me. Side note...I had some very hard days taking care of my mom. One night Carson surprised me and spent the night with me. God blessed me with an easy night with my mom and a fun night with Carson. His surprise made me cry and he was so happy to make me happy. I'll always remember that night. 

Last, I want us to "take the trip" this year. We've limited travel over the years for various reasons, but this year, we are going to start making it happen. Disney made me realize that our family thrives on shorter trips. We don't need a week at the beach anymore. We need 3-5 day trips with stuff to do. So far, we have trips planned to Hot Springs (Darrin's work), Aruba (Darrin's work), Boston (Fenway to watch the Braves!), and Houston (wedding). I'd love to plan something next New Year's again too.  

I couldn't be more excited for this year. Here's to 2026!