A 2015 To-Do List {my resolutions}

Call them what you will: resolutions, goals, or just a to-do list, are great ways to stay on track and get things done. I tried to make this list longer, but then I realized I need to be realistic. So here’s my list. It’s short and sweet, and actually seems doable.

It’s funny that I’m making this list now, before the baby comes, because I know half the things probably won’t happen, because I’ll be a zombie for a couple months at least. It’s hard to remember that newborn phase now that Julia’s sleeping through the night and usually sleeps in a decent amount in the mornings. This list will actually be fun to see a year from now.

I think I need this mug by freeborboletta to help motivate me in the mornings.

1. Project 365

Basically this means that I’ll take at least one picture a day, every day this year. I’ve done this twice in years past (see them here and here) and successfully finished it each time, so I’m eager and excited to do it again. My photos will be posted to instagram (under the hashtag #365jess), I’ll be using prompts from here for each day, and I’m still deciding if I’ll post them on here in a monthly round-up or on Facebook like I did last time. Ideally, I’d love to post them somewhere else (here or FB) but that will probably be low on the priority list. (Keeping two under two munchkins fed, somewhat dressed, and alive is high on the list, for example.)

2. Lose the Baby Weight

I think every new mom has this as a goal for themselves. Because of complications I had with Julia’s birth, I didn’t start working out again until 6 months postpartum, and even then I didn’t do anything other than walk. It truly wasn’t until a year after her birth that I felt “normal” again and increased my workouts. I’m praying things will be better/different this time as far as recovery goes, and that I’ll be able to work out much, much sooner. After I have the baby, I’m planning on getting a FitBit, so if you have one, I’d love to hear your recommendations; I’m having a hard time picking which version I want. I’m also probably a little too excited to join a gym again—this article really resonated with me. (Hello, childcare and “me” time!)

3. Read 10 Books

I love reading books, and I know the number I have up there is pretty laughable, but I’m keeping things realistic. I’m a SAHM who occasionally does some freelance writing on the side; I have a toddler (and an almost newborn), and I have a husband who works crazy hours and will deploy again. Five books may sound measly for some of you, but I’ll be extremely happy if I can make that happen!

4. Make a cleaning schedule

I’d like to make a basic and simple cleaning schedule and follow it. Something like, do laundry on Tuesdays and Fridays, clean off the dinner and coffee tables on Wednesdays, and change the sheets once a month on the 15th. Stuff like that. We do have a cleaning lady come to our house every two weeks who cleans the floor, so that will help tremendously with keeping the house clean, but I want to feel good and productive about keeping up with the house, too. 

5. Intentionally Make Time for Myself

It took me a very long time to realize that I needed to put myself before my daughter sometimes. Granted, we were in the middle of a transcontinental move when she was just four months old, and then lived out of a hotel for three months, but still. I wish I made more time for me during that year. In 2015 I’m going to continue to take advantage of child care (Mom’s Morning Out, baby sitters, a gym’s daycare, etc.) so that I can have a few hours to myself each week. It’s vital to my well-being, and I know it’s good for the kids to socialize as well. I’m mostly curious when I’ll feel comfortable leaving the littlest one away from me.

6. Spend More Time with The Husband

I can count on one hand the number of dates we went on in 2014. Granted, he was deployed for four of those months, but still. I want to spend more time with him (without the little ones around). We do have our evenings together, but that’s usually when I’m on the computer working and/or we have the TV channeled to something other than PBS or Disney Jr. I should probably hop on Pinterest and look up some date nights at home ideas, so we can get creative and enjoy each others company more. But now that we have a couple trustworthy babysitters, I’d like to go out with him—at night—maybe once a month? (I know that’s pushing it and asking a lot with a newborn entering our lives, so I’m not going stress if that doesn’t actually happen.)

7. Read my Devotional

My grandma got me Jesus Calling for Christmas and I’m really excited and eager to dive into it; I’ve heard wonderful things about the book! I love the mornings, and would love to read this then, when my mind is still fresh.

8. Keep Up With The Blog

I’m not oblivious to the fact life is about to get a bit lot messier with two, but this is my space and I love it. I have no idea how often I’ll post, but I do hope I don’t neglect my blog. There isn’t much more to elaborate on this topic; I just want to keep up with my writing!