So There's This Thing Called a Resolution

Or something like that.

I am fearful of resolutions.  Why? Because it's such a big fancy word and intimidating in nature and well, if you don't stick to your resolutions you fail. And then you feel miserable.  And it's just a big ole mess so how about we use another word. Goals. Promises. What I am STRIVING-FOR in 2012. Yes, that's better.

So here it is....What Hannah is striving for in 2012--

1.  Wean off the Diet Dr. Peppers.

I can't believe I just typed that.  I am oh-so hopelessly addicted to these wonderful carbonated beverages that I can't believe I would choose to ditch them.  But, yes they are becoming a stronghold.  Like that McDonald's commercial where that man can't talk to anyone before his coffee, I am that guy.  Rude, cranky, and will walk/drive/run in whatever element to get myself a DDP. When something in life gets that crazy, it might be time to back off. 

2.  Stop yelling-parenting...as much.

I am yeller.  The blog community now knows.  I so shamed.  But sometimes, when you're tired and the piles of clean folded clothes have been knocked off the bed for the ump-teenth time because of little men jumping on your bed, and half a roll of toilet paper is now in the toilet sopping wet, and a bag of cheese crackers is now in tiny pieces because "They needed squishing, Momma"-- an ELEVATED tone of voice seems to sneak out every now and then.  But see I know that silent-whisper tone is far more effective, but it just feels so good to get a little loud sometimes. But my boys don't need to see that and I definitely do not want one of them picking up the habit, so it has to go.

3.  Run a half-marathon.

Another thing I can't believe I typed.  I have been bitten by the running bug, and well...I love it.  It has provided me with a type of therapy that even Dr. Phil himself can not provide. (But I am a huge advocate for good sound Christian couseling...oh yes...like Momma said, 11 out of 10 people need therapy)

I think Elle Wood's says it best in Legally Blonde-- "Exercise causes endorphins.  Endorphins make you happy.  Happy people just don't kill their husbands.  They just don't."-- Oh yes, Elle.  It sure does help.  With children, as well.

I see now what all of y'all running peeps are addicted too. 

I will, hopefully by God's grace, complete my first 5K in 11 days at the Louisiana Marathon.  Nick will be running by my side and a host of family and friends will be there.  Ms. Susan, Lauren, and some other friends will be completing the half-marathon and I could not be more proud of them! Ms. Susan just mentioned to me a while back in November that they were going and maybe, if I wanted, I could run the 5K.  At the time I was a little less than thrilled, but I started back running anyway.  I originally started this whole running thing last May.  So, I incorporated the Couch to 5K program (2 workouts at a time) and what felt good and now I am up to about 50 minutes of running.  It feels good, y'all.  I want to go further and hopefully get faster.  There is a lot of freedom and peace in hitting the pavement and the physical changes (I notice and so does Nick, but other than that probably no one else does.) I know I will never be a stellar athlete and I am not wanting to go to an Olympic event, but I do want to be considered someone who takes care of herself in all aspects.  And this hobby definitely helps me maintain the physical aspect of myself.  Which I guess is the main reason I am continuing to run.  Plus, I like to see how far I can push myself-- just 1 minute more, just to one more mailbox, just through one more song. And when you accomplish that, it feels good.

4.  Fall more in love with my Father

It's easy, when life is taking you on an easier path to forget about how important your relationship with the Lord is.  In a couple of weeks I will be attending a Beth Moore event at her former home-church, First Baptist Houston.  In order for me to attend (since its free) I had to commit to memorizing 2 verses of scripture every month for the year of 2011.  Well, my little spiral of verses is complete and I am very happy I did it. (My one resolution for 2011...eek. I don't like that word)  Those verses seemed to choose me and helped me through some very low seasons during 2011.  I am thankful when those seasons are over, but I find myself, when things are good that the relationship with my Heavenly Father takes a backseat.  While I hope 2012 is full of high moments and good seasons, I hope it is all surrounded my an intimate relationship that is invested in daily with Him.

So....

I was thinking I needed to round off my list with another thing-Hannah-is-striving-for in 2012, but 4 is good.

I appreciate so much y'all allowing me to work through my thoughts, attitudes, groans, moans, and happy times on here.  I hope that the feeling of a fresh-start finds you now and your slate can be wiped clean.  I know One person that wipes it clean everyday, but allow yourself the true chance to start over.  As a habitual screw-up, I take that opportunity every chance I get. Ha!

I wish each of you a remarkable 2012.


Happy New Years, y'all.