4 Simple Goals

Elsie over at A Beautiful Mess has suggested we all take a moment to name 4 small, simple goals that we would like to acheive before 2011. Here are her guidelines:

1. choose simple goals that will make your life richer and happier on a daily basis. choose things you may not otherwise get done, but that are not difficult to accomplish. 

2. do not choose result oriented goals, choose activity oriented goals. for example.... instead of "lose 10 pounds", choose something like "eat fresh fruits and vegetables every day". get what i'm saying? positive actions instead of just the end result! 

3. choose goals that are personal that you believe will truly make your life richer just by doing them! they can be daily, weekly or one time experiences. 

4. choose a reward for each goal as it is accomplished! it can be a small or large reward. 

5. blog your goals, each one as you achieve it and a big post when they are all finished before the new year! i'll be doing this too! links back to this post are appreciated. 

It has been a bit of a challenge to come up with four simple goals, and a bit scary to voice them here, which adds pressure to realizing them. But here they are:

1. I WILL USE MY COOKBOOKS!

This goal is inspired by The Bitten Word , a foodie blog by Washington DC couple Zach and Clay who decided to actually start making recipes from their many beautiful cooking magazines instead of just admiring them. Ramon and I sat down with Jamie Oliver's latest cookbook, Jamie's America , and a pile of stickies, and marked the recipes that made our mouths water. I promised him I will make them all by the end of the year. We've decided to do this with all of our cookbooks, and I'm excited about being challenged with new things in the kitchen...and pleasing my foodie husband! 

2. I WILL BUILD A WARDROBE THAT MAKES ME LOOK MY BEST


As you all know, I gained weight over the past couple of years and no longer fit into children's clothes like I used to. I have slowly been buying clothes to fit my new, feminine figure, but held back a little, thinking, "Maybe this is just a phase and I'll lose it all at some point." Well, I have to say, I am tired of #1, wearing the same few things that fit over and over, and #2, having drawers full of clothes that are too tight! I also would like to begin dressing more feminine...I am usually in jeans or stretchy black capris because I am either walking the dogs, doing house work, painting, or making cake bunting. No audience for those things! :) I usually make an effort to pretty myself up before hubby gets home. But I think it might be nice to start being pretty just for me, too.

3. I WILL ASK FOR HELP


Kiki was such an easy dog to train. She really wanted to please me, and very much enjoyed getting praise for a job well done. I am always so proud of what a well-behaved doggy she is; I can (and do) take her everywhere, from restaurants to international hotels to the hair dresser.
Boston is already showing signs of being a little more feisty! I know I am good with dogs, but I also know it would be best to get a little outside help from a professional. In that past I have always tried to do things myself, but with this, I am going to humbly ask for help.

4. I WILL JOURNAL AGAIN


Recently I stumbled upon the journal that I kept in on my old computer, and it was such a joy to read! So many personal thoughts, so many memories; and so many notes about the seasons and simple things. While I do write about some of these things on my blog, there are some thoughts I keep to myself, whether they be too personal, or for fear I might bore my readers. Also, with a blog it has to look nice and sound nice, so there's a certain formality about it. And so: I will begin writing in my journal again!

So, what will my reward be, besides more happiness and fulfillment?


I don't know!


Why don't you all give me some ideas?


I would love it if you took part in this too....looking forward to hearing your thoughts and simple goals!


xoxo country girl