Goals 2011, Part Two!

I know I promised this actual blog entry several days ago. However, my boss has kept me fairly busy with working these past few days. Since I decided this morning I was going to take some "ME time" and drink a cup of caramel flavored latte, I decided I'd also write my blog entry.

Goal: Drink more water - I absolutely hate water. It tastes very metal-ly to me. Anything I put in the water taste like flavored metallic water. However, I know that it is important to stay hydrated since I keep getting SEVERELY dehydrated. So, I need to force myself to drink liquids. I think this means reducing soft drink consumption, too.

Goal: Eat less beef - Stephen has been on a crusade to only eat beef every other week for his health for a little over a year now. It has been a major pain because he is so blasted picky anyway and taking a category away caused issues. But, over this year, I have watched my husband look better and have increased health benefits. I think I will be joining him this year in the less beef category. If only Five Guys wasn't one of my best clients. :)

Goal: Learn to like tea - When going through college, prior to student teaching, professors told us to learn to like either coffee or tea. I cannot stand straight coffee. It has to be at least 3/4th milk and flavoring to get me to drink it (which I adore, by the way). However, I have yet to find tea that I can tolerate. At the Alice In Wonderland Tea (which I enjoyed, by the way), I drank a whole pot of raspberry tea, but I didn't enjoy it. I watch my mother in law drink tea at mid afternoon and wish I could stop and share a cup, too. I need to learn to like tea - would also be nice when feeling sore throat-esquish. I see this as a crusade.

Goal: Cut down - In general, I just need to cut back on everything. Stephen doesn't like to cut back and doesn't seem to like budgeting. I, on the other hand, have always liked a good budget. I think this is why I was able to be a home owner at age 25. I always knew how much I had to spend and paid credit cards off each month. Until I lost my job, had outrageous medical expenses, and married a man who thinks processed is a food group. I think I am going to make the new rule "You may only splurge if you have a good coupon and it is planned."

Goal: Live in Peace, Love, and Harmony with my In-Laws For Another Year - I don't see 2011 being the year we relocate. Therefore, I need to make a greater effort to get along with the FIL and MIL. I adore my MIL and I appreciate all the help and assistance she gives us every day. She makes sure I get to doctor's appt., to my jobs, and pretty much anywhere I want to go. But, this this not a happy house. We don't live in harmony with one another. So, for my part, I want to be more friendly, more helpful, and more accommodating. After all, I am a long range "house pet" in this household. Best to make the best of it!

These are the goals for this year. I have much to look forward to this year. In February, work is sending me to Orlando to repeat my job from August (WDW... here I come!!). In October, work is sending me back to Orlando to do the other half of the August trip again (Girls trip!!!). I meet with DORS rep. tomorrow (Thursday) to see what progress we can make on accommodations that might make this hearing loss easier to deal with. Have a couple of volunteer experiences lined up at MacArthur Middle (Science Fair, Spring Book Fair, Fall Book Fair). Maybe it will bring me or Stephen a new job, cheaper health insurance, or even a more healthy lifestyle. I welcome you, 2011. May it be a great year.