Because this is my 14th post, I have to post 90 more times in ‘08 to avoid paying out the hundred dollars. Is that a lot of posts? It doesn’t sound that bad to me. Unfortunately doing the math makes it sound a bit worse. Including today there are 59 days left in 2008. 90 divided by 59 is about 1.5. So that means I need to post 3 times every 2 days, with an extra post or two in there somewhere. Maybe that’s not so bad.

I should give you some background on the resolution thing. My friend Eddy lives a few thousand miles away, but he was here visiting last Christmas and we were talking about resolutions. I don’t remember why, but we decided to each name five things we wanted to do in 2008. We wrote them down and said we’d each pay the other a hundred bucks for each thing on our list that we didn’t do. At the time I figured I’d get everything done no problem. But 2008 went FAST. He and I hadn’t talked about the list in a long time, and I figured he probably wasn’t any further ahead than I was on it.

Then I talked to him on the phone yesterday, and he told me he’s pretty much finished everything. So that means I’m out 500 bucks because I got nothing done. Unless I can do it all in the next two months. There’s one thing I have some serious doubts about, but the other things I think I’ve got a shot at it.

As for the 104 blog posts, that was on the list because blogging is something I think I like to do, but which I don’t really do that often. I figured the goal of 104 posts would have me posting about twice a week. That’s not a bad schedule… unless you decide to do pretty much all of it in the last two months of the year.

This, the first post in my new blog, is my 13th post of 2008. That’s very bad news. If you read my old blog, you might remember the bet I had with my friend Eddy, that I would post 104 times in 2008. If I don’t, I have to give him a hundred bucks. Maybe not the hugest sum, but the failure that goes with it would be bad.

So, today, November 2, I’m renewing my goal of 104 posts in ‘08. Happily, we didn’t discuss the details of what constitutes a post. If I post a You Tube video, that’s a post. If I title a post “New Post” and then write “This is a new post,” that’s a post. But that last one would feel like cheating a bit, so I won’t do it unless I’m desperate. Which I almost am.

There are a few other things I have to do too, like be at 10 percent body fat, be able to touch my nose to my knees in a straight leg seated position, be able to play two Al Green songs on the guitar, and increase my biceps by an inch and a half. I have to give Eddy a hundred bucks for each of these things I haven’t accomplished by new years.

I’m at about 16 percent body fat I think. I haven’t touched the guitar in months. I can barely lean over when I’m sitting on the floor straight legged. I’ve probably lost half an inch on my biceps this year. And… I’m on my 13th blog post.

This is not good.

As a little reward to the regular Wednesday readers, I thought you might like a sneak peek at the new blog.  I’ll be officially moving over this weekend (well, dual posting for a while and weaning you off this site) but for now, you can take a look at the new “Sven’s guide to…” at http://svenyboy.org

If you linked here (and thanks to those of you who have - I’m touched) please redirect everyone over to the new site, and don’t forget to change your RSS feeds!  (Those of you reading on Facebook, normal service will not be interrupted, but you could click through and boost my stats a bit: it would really put a smile on my face!)

Woke up late again (as always) and i drove myself alone to class *sigh*…

Lots of tasks need to be done,,,yet t0o little time to fulfill those…

Where goes my motivation? where goes my passion? where goes my 2008 resolutions? (erk,,correction,,,i don’t have any) <——-ching!!! ching!!! ching!!!!! (that’s it,,,that’s the main reason of my unproductivity)

I used to be a girl with a never ending list of plans,,,i used to be a girl who knew exactly what she wanted and how to get it (or at least try to) =.=”

Mysterious enough,,,i lost that girl in me,,,and i slowly disperse into somebody whom i’m not really familiar of,,,hate to admit it but i miss my-old-self *sigh*….

But heyy!!!

One thing for sure,,,the only thing that i still possess is my love of procrastination,,,walla~~

I guess my obsession in procrastinate things is extremely strong that i won’t mislay that..  *wink*

Not sure if i can get back to who i really am (optimistically,,,yes,,s0on),,,but i’m trying my best!!!

Being myself is a blessing because not many people can be lucky enough to live their own lives,,,but i’d say,,,we have the power to choose…yeah!!! (#^0^)/

We are who we want to be,,thus,,,it’s worth the effort of finding who we really are and be true to ourselves,,,we’ll be even more contented if we live up our own dreams and walk in our own heels… *wink*

So fellas,,,let’s join me in my-very-own-long-lost-self mission,,,and the search is on NOW!!!

- I am stronger than my fear of rejection.

- I have the power to make myself healthy physically and emotionally.

- I don’t have to settle.

- I don’t have to put up with it.

- I deserve something for myself.

- I am a vibrant, creative person.

- I am more than what I see in the mirror.

- I am loved.

- I love.

- It’s up to me to make the difference.

As I mentioned in my 2008 resolutions, each month from February through November is dedicated to a room in the home.  Thematically, I plan to take each room and concentrate on what it represents symbolically.  But, I also want to give the rooms a little TLC as well.  I can’t afford whole make-overs, but I can work with what my mama gave me.  Literally, I am the recipient of a bedroom suite that is much better than what we had before (which would be bedroom suite).  I’ve thought long and hard about what I want the look to be…now I’ve only to work towards my daydream.

This is the first day of the first full week in February.  While I bragged about decluttering before, I discover that I actually have need to further lessen our storage within the room and choose among the knick-knacks that are display worthy.  I’d love to go as little, minimal as possible so that the colors and fabrics (yet unpurchased) will be the main attraction.

 Working towards my financial goals, I’m itemizing as much as possible and then donating to Salvation Army.  This will sorta also fill my desire to help donate to a charity as well, though it won’t stand alone to check off my list. 

Are you up for decluttering?  There’s the notorious junk surface, junk drawer, junk shelf, LOL, just waiting for you to work some magic.  I’ve spars-ed down my wardrobe, but organization in the bedroom’s closet and under the bathroom sink would be welcome.  I’m not committing to clearing the room perfectly.  I’ll do an honest effort and be as complete as I’m likely to get by the end of the week. 

I intended to update weekly (how boring would that be?) on my 2008 resolution mile-markers.   What I discovered was, even though I had not, in my mind, shot for the moon this January, I still put too much on my plate for the life I lead.  Doctor appointments and some other stresses really took over my time.  And there were things that simply were out of my control - like the knitting class being canceled, or my car not usable for driving to church.  Still, if I do say so my self, I am looking at January as a success in both achieving, attempts and self-awareness.

January goals were the following:

Financial: 

Here I have to brag.  We are waaaaay in debt.  But, we are getting mad-crazy at tackling our debt and building savings.  We were blessed to receive a little cash from my grandmother after her passing.   A bulk of it was put into a 5% earning account that we can’t touch for a few months.  Now, that 5% is nothing to sneeze at, but our credit percentage rates really make it not a good deal for us.  However, that money was left to me via my mom, who decided this is what she wanted done.  So, ok, we are in debt still, but if another emergency surgery popped up, there’s a bulk somewhere we can get our hands on. 

In the meantime, I’ve cashed in some matured bonds - and we have money in our savings just waiting for next weeks bills.  We are going to wipe out half our credit card debt (which is the only debt we have) in one blow.  Additionally, on our own, we managed to squirrel away over a thousand in savings.  How?  Honestly, God.  We were given a modest refund check (money we were forced to pay but shouldn’t have paid and they finally agreed).  And smarter, better shopping on my part. 

In addition to implementing the credit card roll over plan (or whatever it is called) we’re using an envelope system for the next few months, just so I can re-introduce myself to handling cash without checks/debit cards.  The only thing I can’t figure out is, now that we are doing so much better and seeing the light at the end of the tunnel…why am I more freaked out and feeling poorer?  Goofy.

Weight & Exercise:  

January was used to acquaint myself with walking.  I’m dreadfully overweight and therefore exercise, even in it’s most easy forms, is difficult.   I’m following a basic walking-for-dummies plan put out by the Mayo Clinic.  I must confess, however, that in the last week, I’ve not walked at all….before that I was accomplishing a great deal over what was asked, and I guess when my calendar started filling up with tasks to complete I reverted to curling up on the couch and reading as my “me” time.  The weight I lost, meager as it was, I easily put back on.  The thing is, I’m only down a week - and my eyes are open to why, and I have eleven months to make things right.

Follow Through: 

Here’s the most important thing I learned: part of following through is to not over task or over-commit yourself to begin with.  Prioritize.  While I didn’t meet all my goals, I did learn to go beyond asking for help to outright delegating without threats.  I also laid the ground work for those I work with (homeschool group) that it is just as important for them to follow through on their commitments - and to make those commitments bite sized.  I will say that on everything except the walking and memorization that I set for myself (and had control over) I followed through on.  The most important follow through has been helping my mother where the burial of her mom is concerned.  It was just too much for her emotionally, so I took over.  It’s actually brought us closer, and we aren’t who we thought the other was.  The burial will be in Canada and I’ve everything arranged except the train from NY to Niagra.

Activities: 

I was to learn knitting in January.  I could not for the life of me find a class that would fit my schedule.  February will be given a shot, but as the entire month is already spoken for, March is a more reasonable time to revisit this goal. 

However, I did accept the unpaid, LOL, job of redecorating someone’s Master Suite.  Complete with purchasing (reimbursed), doing all the hands on work (painting, reupholstering, etc).  This has been quite fun.  My twenty something self actually wanted to do that as a living.  It’s really cool actually.  I dummied up an inspiration board and everything.  Their style isn’t even mine, so I wasn’t sure how I would do at projecting someone elses desires with my own style…they loved it.  I’m not quite through, but should be soon.  They are already asking me to do their living room as well - for which I’m getting some money for my trip to Canada.

Scripture Memorization: 

My goal to memorize the book of John was a big flop.  Didn’t even crack the book open.  I’m going to rethink this whole-book goal of mine.  2008 just doesn’t seem the year that will allow me the mental time.  Random verses, sure, but a book feels daunting, so I’ll likely not make it. 

I think I would enjoy, however, going through a book, any book in Torah, and journal about it.   Hmmmm….maybe that would be a good blogging goal?

Investing in my Children:   

This I managed to do with all three individually, as a group, and as a family.  I’ve don’t pretty well (patting myself on the back) to include time for one on one with each kid with DH as well.  Both E18 and M15 were very sullen this month (transition period for them both) so I hate to think what they would have gone through had we not had this extra effort.  And still, I think they would have rather locked themselves in their rooms…but, in the end, I see a big difference in our interactions - and we weren’t a distant family before, just all going through very trying times.  Oh, and we even worked in time with both sets of grandparents!

Investing in Charity:   

Not going to give specifics on this, because that isn’t right.  That should be something that is private.  I will only say, to encourage those of you who are feeling the same desire in their spirit, that this is something that is so worth doing.  A Charity doesn’t mean necessarily an organization, it could just as easily be an individual.  There are different levels this year that I want to do…I want to actually do more than give money, I want to actually interact and make a difference.  The different levels I want to engage in this year, to become attached with, are on a person-to-person level, a community level, a state and/or national level, and then something beyond our country.  In January I’m concentrating on the more intimate in the list.  The reaction I received this month made me ashamed that my previous involvement with giving had been (unknowingly) impersonal.

Invest in Church:  

We’ve had some car difficulties.  There’s no heater, therefore no defrost.  Our church meets in the evenings, and with the cold temps I haven’t been able to safely transport my family in the night with fogged windows.  I have however, been emailing (we have an email loop) with updates to our families status, prayer needs, etc. and likewise have been praying for theirs.  Our pastor is awesome in that he mails what he plans on speaking about - but I’ve been studying a lot on my own.  Also, twice this month my parents took the kids with them to their church. 

We all love a bit of self-help from time to time; it helps pass the time and you always feel better afterwards. How generous of The Independent then, to give away a seven day guide devoted to helping us help ourselves! My favourite pastime! So, six booklets later and the inspirational CD to boot, I feel I should pass on the knowledge I have gleaned in order that you might all enjoy self-help as much as I do.Self-help books are no doubt written by illustrious, highly educated, experienced and motivated individuals. I am none of those things. Having read up on the subject though, I can say without fear of contradiction that any monkey with a typewriter could come up with a self-help series and the punters would lap it up. Couch your advice in warming, fluffy thoughts and whatever you do, don’t suggest you throw in the towel. Since I am no good at either of those things, here are a few thoughts on revamping yourself for 2008, courtesy of the master.

Naturally we start with a hook to reel you in. How do I get rich? Sadly for you, you poor, desperate schmuck, the self-help industry has other plans.

The book says: “Wealth happens slowly over a period of time when you turn surplus cash in something that works for you.”

The monkey says: No shit! How many people do you know who became uncommonly wealthy overnight? Yep, that’s right: none. ‘Overnight success’ is just a turn of phrase: no one actually expects to win the lottery. The key to having more money is to stop spending it. That’s all there is to it. When you get some money, don’t just piss it all up the wall and don’t think that living within your means is the same as living right up to your means and sometimes edging over. If you want to save some money, the clue is in the title. Save it.

The book says: “You should certainly make sure you set aside some time to [talk about money] before you get financially entangled with your partner.”

The monkey says: I don’t know about you but I’d much rather get involved with someone who is likely to fleece me for every penny I own and cheat on me while he’s at it. What’s life without a bit of risk?

The book says: “Remember that risk doesn’t mean bad.”

The monkey says: I rest my case.

Now you have learned - shock! horror! - that you will have to work for your money, we should probably turn our attention to your job. After all, this is how you will get your double-glazed semi-, and where you will spend the rest of your annual heating allowance trying to keep warm.

The book says: “Get your work noticed. The very best way to get your work noticed is to be very, very good at your job.”

The monkey says: I’m sure you have all been stumbling around in the dark wondering why you keep getting into trouble for showing up late, leaving things half done and sloping off early. Let me explain: you need to actually work. Facebooking is not an employable skill.

The book says: “Don’t ask for a pay rise when your company has posted poor results or lost a key account.”

The monkey says: Take photographs of your boss in that seedy club (you know the one) where he has an account and insists on being referred to as Margaret. No time is a bad time with the right leverage.

The book says: “A proactive approach to your work means that you acknowledge and appreciate what makes you happy and face up to what makes you unhappy.”

The monkey says: Not working makes me happy. Working makes me unhappy. If you had done what you promised in the ‘Money’ section, I wouldn’t have to be unhappy at all.

Tuesday: Relationships

Cripes! You are in dire straights if you’re reading this. Still, the monkey has advice for all, even the pig ugly.

The book says: “We wouldn’t be the fantastic people we are without that need to give and be given to.”

The monkey says: something vapid that makes you think he has said something but actually he’s just filled up his word count with empty words. But it felt like he cared, didn’t it?

The book says: “It’s an old cliché but you can’t hope to love or be loved by another wholeheartedly if you don’t have a positive regard for yourself.”

The monkey says: It is a cliché. You are the dog’s bollocks and that miserable c*nt doesn’t deserve you any way. One way ticket to singlesville, please!

The book says: “So romance is dead. OK, it’s time to either find the right person if you don’t have one already, or re-light the fire if you do.”

The monkey says: Or, admit defeat. You’ve had enough of the socks under the bed and the toenails on the carpet and, quite reasonably, you just don’t want to sleep with the sweaty, hairy pig. Pack his bag, girlfriend, and kick him to the kerb. Oh no you di’nt! Snap, snap!

Wednesday: Family and friends

Middle of the week: middle of the road. Not much we can tell you on this front that hasn’t already been said. Still, this is a seven day guide and we already used the CD option for day one.

The book says: “It is very easy in the rush of everyday living to overlook people close to us. I do it… Not because I don’t care but because I am too busy.”

The monkey says: Don’t forget: you have to be very, very good at your job. Whilst you are slogging your guts out trying to get noticed at work, you should also be prostrating yourself at the feet of that brother your haven’t spoken to for a month. Even though he was supposed to be ringing you right back. Tough break.

The book says: “We often close ourselves off to making new close friends. But you’ll be surprised just where and when you might meet someone who you can have a close friendship with - be open to this.”

The monkey says: But don’t give them your PIN. They’ll fleece you soon as look at you. Bastards.

The book says: “Often we grow apart from close friends. It is a sad fact of life, but you have to be prepared to let close friends go if the relationship is counterproductive.”

The monkey says: Ain’t that the truth. Make sure you get in there first.

Thursday: Confidence

We would have liked to issue this one on Monday, since none of the rest really matter if you aren’t confident enough to pull them off. Nonetheless, our newspaper sales are far more important than you and your terminally mediocre life and by now you’ll want to complete the set no matter what shit we print, so here goes.

The book says: “Spend time with pleasant, confident people… who will introduce you to others and look out for you. There’s a thin line between confidence and arrogance and you want to spend time with the confident ones.”

The monkey says: Not the ones I told you to ditch yesterday. Remember? What do you mean you haven’t told them where to get off yet? You are a confident individual! Tell them to shove it already!

The book says: “Get energetic. Many people lack motivation because they believe they don’t have the energy. Now, notice I said they “believe” they don’t have the energy. Your body is amazing; it stores energy, so even when you think you are tired there’s still loads of energy in reserve.”

The monkey says: Conserve energy for things like breathing and thinking? Don’t be stupid. Dance around! Knacker yourself out! Confident people are all shattered and hate themselves anyway - isn’t that what you want for yourself, you shy, backward chump? Now drop and give me fifty!

The book says: “When you are confident that you are worthy and that whatever you want to achieve is within your grasp, you start to trust and think more creatively. You start imagining positive solutions and outcomes and letting go of thoughts related to giving up and failure.”

The monkey says: Tom Cruise was not available this week to write for me, so I shall cut to the chase: join the Scientologists.

Have you already joined the gym? Those New Year offers can be quite tempting, can’t they? Now I’m going to tell you how you could have saved all that money you’ve just spent to join (remember Monday?) and keep fit and healthy without shelling out in Cannon’s.

The book says: “Listen to your body”

The monkey says: Don’t listen to your body when it’s telling you to have another Mars Bar.

The book says: “If you are currently overweight, you might be using food to change the way you feel, rather than to nourish your body.”

The monkey says: If you are thin, you don’t need to worry; as we all know, you are only as healthy as you look. If you are fat, it’s because you are unhappy and you’re eating through your pain. So stop with the pies, fatso.

The book says: “Beliefs create your existence. In any situation we seek evidence to prove that our existing beliefs are right - even if they cause us problems.”

The monkey says: Fuck off, Tom! No one wants your crazy religion!

So that’s it! Enjoy your new, confident, healthy, successful 2008! Now buy my book and fuck off.

Happy 2008! My experiments blogging, and trying to blog positively, have been instructive.

First the rules of blogging: to drive traffic (and feel gratified by your readership) you must “linkbait” - that is reference high traffic sites and comment on high traffic site. Plus ca change?? That’s how google works.

Second, this blogging platform, WordPress, gives you nice stats: you can see how people found your blog. There aren’t too many links on this site because most Zim sites are not about life outside. That means most traffic arrives via google and guess what we are searching for: mbanje and food! I also noticed I use the category food a lot (well it is hard to miss), so we have a virtuous circle, so to speak. I have tried to move up the “levels of life” to engagement and flow, and even to meaning and belonging.  Is it me or is you?

So are what are my resolutions for this blog for 2008?

Well, this is what I want to do - write about the process of the diaspora, not just from the point of practicalities, but about the general trends.

 Phase 1

At the critical election of 2002, it was clear what would happen. We would all go through a process of assessment: stay or go.  And if we stayed or if we went, what would we do to make a living.   And then after a year or so, a process of evaluating our decision.

For most of us, the diaspora has been soul destroying. We have been uncomfortable, poor, underemployed, underengaged and miserable. It makes my stomach clench just thinking about.

Some people reversed their decisions and went home. Others moved countries again. It would be interesting to count how many - probably 50%. We are actually becoming “frequent relocators”. You can see my other blog where I am keeping notes on that process.

Most people I know have been very bored at work and significantly underemployed though glad to have an income.

Phase 2

We know seem to be in another phase - settling in to new places and finding ways to make the best of it.  Some of us are not very stable.  Others are doing very well materially, event if they are not very happy.  Indeed Zimbos earn more on average than the average UK resident and we are one of the most successful immigrant groups here.

Phase 3

The world has moved on, though, while we have been tossed around on the seas of politics, and I think that is time we focused on what is happening around us.  We are not the only people to face decline. I have been to professional meetings in the UK and been shocked at the levels of expertise. The only thing distinguishing them from professional meetings while Zim was in decline is that their incomes aren’t suffering - but they will be in due course - these groups are no longer competitive. In some cases they were confronting techniques for the first time that we were using in Zim 15 years ago. But they are safe and secure. Deja vu?

So where has the world moved to and what are the big opportunities?

1. Everyone will mention 9/11. I’ll mention sovereign funds and the private equity moves of Qatar, Singapore and China. Where is the opportunity for us? Learn Arabic. Seek opportunities in EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) offices. French would do too, but you could have done that at home. The diaspora creates opportunities to play at levels we never thought of before.

2. Everyone at home is chuntering about the Chinese invasion. It is pretty visible. And our friends back home are moving back and forth to the Asia. But at home China means “zhing zhong imports” and an opportunity to slag off uncle bob. They are missing the point. Learn Mandarin, it is actually quite easy, and get Chinese experience. What we should also think about is how the boom in the Chinese economy is driving up prices of commodities. We know about this stuff and farming and everything to do with it is becoming more profitable.

3. India will overtake the UK in economic size in the next few years and is moving into industry all over the world. We have imported generic drugs from India for some time. They are likely to dominate growth in the new engineering markets - pharmaceuticals, nanotechnology, etc.  There is talk about setting up economic zones there. Indian firms are moving into the UK. No new language required but some humility from us perhaps. Indian firms are competent, innovative and world leaders at making money at the base of the pyramid. As the Chairman of Tata Industries has said, they should get on with it or the Chinese will do it for them. Learn from India how to make a fortune out of the nickel and dime markets.

4. The UK is having to rethink its place in the world. There are already 3 million households here without work. 15,6% of children live in households without work. We didn’t arrive here thinking of helping people less well off than us, but we could, and many of us have worked in social sectors before. Why does this relate to our agenda? It’s work, of course, and we are good at it. It will give us a sense of place. Capacity development in communities who have had a bad time?

5. The world has got much more sensitive about green and social issues - Fair Trade, etc. Selling our know how in sustainability units? A related area for people in my trade is the rise of the poetic tradition in management. It links to the next two points as well but it is developing quite separately. Positive psychology, appreciative inquiry, doing better by doing good, doing business at the bottom of the pyramid are all linked to a sense of a more global and yet more democratic world in which Gen Y is emancipated by the internet.

6. Creative and entertainment industries are massive in the UK. It amazes me to see Senior Lectureships in Festival Management. If you like to have fun, then you can probably make fun for a living. And why not? They may be the easiest industries to introduce on our return.

7. The internet has expanded in leaps and bounds. The fastest growing mobile phone markets are in Africa. This is the area in which I have got really fascinated and of course it can be run as well from home as anywhere else. Google is the dominant player now and Le Web 3, the semantic web, is the thing to watch. Right now the cutting edge is participative technologies commonly known as Web 2.0. Log into Second Life to see the most amazing spectacle. A platform that operates as a global playground and has an economy bigger than many countries. It’s exchange rate to the US dollar is now 300 to 1. Well that has us falling off our seats. Britain is a bit behind on Web2.0. A young entrepreneur in NZ, Sam Morgan, sold TradeMe, their equivalent of ebay, for over 200 million pounds in 2006. One of the world’s experts on Web 2.0 experts is James Manyika at Mckinsey.

And it has nothing to do with being Zim or not. It has to do with what has been happening while we have been busy. Is the next stage in the diaspora to say hello world?

Obtaining a university or college education takes a lot of effort and at times can be very exhausting. That’s why it’s important to properly fuel your body with nutritious, energizing foods that can help boost your body and brain power to get you through those intensive post-secondary semesters.

The following is a list of 8 nutritional tips to help you make it through the 2008 calendar year:

• Drink plenty of water. Among other things, dehydration causes headaches, confusion, and dizziness. The best way to keep on top of your game is to be well hydrated (this does not mean sugary drinks!) It’s best to stick to water, which will hydrate you faster than other liquids and it will also help with digestion.
• Make time for meals. Breakfast is important, as are lunch and dinner. Skipping meals plays with your blood sugar levels and may cause you to eat unhealthy snacks at inappropriate times. Scheduled meals during the day will help you develop good eating habits, and prevent you from running on empty during study time.
• The Calcium Crusader. Being good to your bones should start early – Calcium plays an important part in bone development and maintenance. When your body does not get enough calcium, it steals it from your bones. Milk products such as cheese and yogurt, dark leafy greens, and almonds are great sources of calcium.
• Get your vitamin D. Calcium and vitamin D go hand-in-hand, as vitamin D helps your body absorb Calcium, which keeps your teeth and bones in good shape. Vitamin D can be received by simply sitting out in the sun, but during the winter months fortified foods are a good choice.
• Sleep more. Are you a homeroom zombie? A lack of sleep can cause multiple problems, two of which are exhaustion and poor academic performance. Getting a good night’s rest is key, especially come exam time. Cramming can only do so much, but when you rest properly, it will help you bring your best game to the table.

This one week anniversary of 2008 resolutions, is real good in fact. 

Rate for Resolutions:

Financial:  Thumbs up!   Next weeks goal:  Create an Emergency Savings Account

All bills for the month of January have been paid with at least the minimum balance.  We were in dispute with one doctor’s office (turns out they were right, and they get their monies tomorrow).  The savings and extra payment portion of my goals will come out of the next paycheck.  The balance remaining, after gas and groceries, will be transferred to our savings.  We’ll be on our way to our first thousand! 

Weight:   Thumbs up!  Next weeks goal:  Walking three days for 15 minutes (45 minute minimum)

It’s all about exercise for me this month.  Diets come next month.  I did what was required by the plan I’m following, plus a little extra.  It is important to me that I here take note that no change in diet was made…in fact, I managed to consume nearly half a box of Christmas chocolate covered cherries…and managed to loose three pounds.  Now…that is just from being less dormant than usual…and only taking on four days worth of walking for 15 minutes a piece. 

I won’t lie.  The first night out I selected a lovely park down by the river with a large circular path.  The nights had dropped in temperature, so I didn’t have to contend with sweat/heat as part of my discomfort (yes, in FL winter exercise can still result in sweat/heat at night).  However, I think we were round half way and I was already ready to stop.  Pride kept me going.  I made this walk many times before - sometimes even at a quick pace - and never had a problem.  But because now it was “exercise” I was hurting.  My back felt stiff, and a sensation was had of every muscles between my shoulder blades turning into cement.  I asked my husband how long we were at it - it’s a large park and we were half way around.  When he replied I had walked the whole of three minutes…well let me tell you, I was willing to chuck the whole thing right there.  Honestly, if I had been walking alone that evening, I might have convinced myself that a walk back to the parking lot could be counted as part of my allotted minutes.  But, yea!!! I’m down three pounds!

Follow Through:  Thumbs down.     Next Weeks Goals:   Continue current successes, end HS meeting on time, meet with mom

I’ve been so tired this week.  I managed to be at all appointments on time, paid bills ahead of schedule…and put out some pretty good meals.  But everything else has been by the wayside.  I’ve even left myself without gas in the car and I know I have an appointment to get to tomorrow.  In fact, I shouldn’t even be blogging!

Activities:  Eh.   Next Weeks Goals:  Find and sign up for a new class.

Last week I signed up for a Knitting I class at Joann’s.  I’ll save you the story of the customer-unfriendly service during registration, and the customer-unfriendly service I received today when I showed up for what should have been my first class.  After $50 in registration fees and class supplies, after a week of waiting for the class, and fifteen minutes waiting (alone) in the class with two requests to find out why no-one else was there - well, I made them call the instructor.  The Joann’s rep and I were both shocked to find that the instructor quit in December…yes, before I registered.  There was a slight scuffle over how to reimburse me because I had written a check less than the obligatory 10-day wait period.  I did get my money, though.  So, no.  No activities.  I have to find another class somewhere.  So the poor self-rating for the week in review truly isn’t reflective of circumstances within my control.

Scripture Memorization:  Thumbs down.   Next Weeks Goals:  Memorize John 1:1-13  and prayer

At least I’m honest and not claiming to have memorized John 11:35 (in it’s entirety: “Jesus wept.”  trivia…shortest verse in the Bible).  Nope, I haven’t even cracked open my bible this week…which was exactly the problem before.  I also need to be more accountable with prayer.

Investing in my Children:    Lukewarm.   Next Weeks Goals:  Provide a family board game night

Grading this is difficult.  E17 has been mad at DH and I all week.   Basically, she’s started dual enrollment this week and it was a bit nerve wracking leading up to the first class, though she won’t articulate why.  We’re the bad guys because we sent her and she really didn’t have a choice.  I did buy her a few shirts that she needed, though I realize that isn’t investing time.  It was using my personal allowance as we didn’t have wardrobe stuff set aside.  She did excellent driving this week - something else she loathes doing - and I tried to build her confidence by pointing out all the things she did correct.  O16 was hot and cold with interest.  She is both her brother and sister’s biggest advocate, and of course with E17 feeling off and M15 depressed and recovering from surgery, and all three still mourning, well…hot and cold is better than I could have given at her age.  I’ve let her drive as much as possible this week - something she loves.  Today she accompanied me on an unexpected errand across town at a home-school book store.  I tried to encourage her to purchase some literature for personal reading - and she was upset claiming no time to add more books to her pile.  She did find a very reasonably priced French language program - and asked if the kids could have this since we are Canada bound this spring.  So, my pocket full of knitting refund money was splurged.  She also, timidly came to me in the cashier’s line with a personal bible study based on the theme of The Hobbit.  I dipped into the grocery money - I’ll make pancakes or something to make up for the meal.  M15 is more difficult.  I have made sure that he had more Dad time.  He’s not needing his mom just now.  Does that count?

Investing in Charity:   N/A     Next Weeks Goal:   Investigate time into something that directly affects my world

I’ll build up to larger circles of community.  Not everything will be dire straights…I just want to find something that goes outside my family.

Invest in Church:  Thumbs Down   Next Weeks Goal: Attend both services

I did speak with one father from our church.  I told him that I was looking forward to returning, but that it is difficult with Max just now (I don’t want Max exposed to germs this soon after surgery).   I didn’t go this week honestly, because I just didn’t feel like going by myself.  And that was the problem last year, too.