Ready for "08!

Now that I've had some time to ponder about what 2007 was and how it has affected me, I am starting to put into action, some goals for 2008. Screw the whole "New Year's Resolution" thing; but I still want to set some goals for myself and my family so we can continue to move forward in our ventures.

Finances
Okay, this is a huge one, since we are constantly struggling with money and we are not very good at financial decisions. So, this year I am working really hard to stay organized and up-to-date on my bills and debts. I have created a chart for monthly bills, where I can keep track of what is due, when, and how much needs to be payed. I've also created a "debt log" in which i am keeping track of our current debts (credit cards, loans, medical bills, etc...) For the average person, we aren't really in bad shape, but we just never make enough money to cover what we owe. So, with Josh finding a job soon and with me working and continuing to work after maternity leave, we are going to try to keep on track so we can repair both of our credit scores. I'd like to have a house someday but if we continue to make bad financial choices, we'll never be able to do it. But, I think we're on the right track. Luckily, Ethan will be starting pre-k in fall and that will take some of the daycare strain off of us as well.

Career
I am determined to keep my job after the new baby comes, and I know it'll be heart-wrenching for me to see my little guy go to daycare, especially so young. But I really think this is the best decision for our family, and I'd like to also start working on getting my career interests in order. I may start taking a class here and there in the future for auto cad so i can advance in that field.

Home
Our biggest goal right now is trying to plan and make meals and have real sit-down meals as a family. With me getting home around 5:30 we usually get fast food or grab a pizza or whatever and we are trying to let go of that bad habit for obvious reasons. Growing up, we always had family meals, especially dinner. Even if it was just grilled cheese, we still sat down together and talked and I'd really like to create that for us as well. So, we are trying our hardest to clean off the papers/toys/junk covered kitchen table every night and eat together, and enforcing better eating habits in Ethan. Luckily, Josh is an awesome cook, so when he gets the urge to create a good meal, it's like eating a gourmet meal. Some of his best recipes are:
1. Italian chicken and pasta
2. Bow-Tie Pasta with Garlic Butter and Herb Sauce
3. Baked Tilapia Fillets with Potato Crust and Shredded Veggie Salad
4. Fried Chicken Bites w/BBQ Sauce (and ranch dip, yum!!)
5. Oven Broiled Sandwiches with cheese and herbs
Mine are:
1. Baked Potato Soup
2. Scalloped Potatoes
hmmm...I like potatoes. I'm not the greatest original chef, so I'll leave this one to Josh! Hopefully, I'll add a recipe section here soon!

Health/Personal
I've been trying really hard to be more health conscious during this pregnancy. I have to admit, I was pretty bad with Ethan! I ate lots of fast food and ice cream and sweets!! I have had a few (or more!) slip-ups with this one too, but on the brighter side, I have included a lot more fruits and veggies to my diet. And I really try to stay away from soda. The one hard thing is caffeine because I love chocolate! But I really don't have the stomach for a lot of sugar so it's usually in very small amounts. But I do feel much better during this pregnancy and a lot more energetic. One thing I haven't done is exercise, which i didn't really do with Ethan either. But i feel so guilty if I'm not spending all my free time after work with Ethan; it's so hard to balance out working, being a mom, and trying to have time to take care of myself! But this time, I am much more aware of what I'm eating and I'm really trying to keep my weight gain under control. So far I've gained about 16 pounds which is pretty good. I think at this point in pregnancy the average weight gain should be between 16-22lbs so I'm on the lower end of that at least! Also, of course I have quit smoking and drinking and I'd like to continue that after the baby comes. Of course I'll have an occasional drink here and there, but now with two kids, i definitely don't want to start smoking again. I feel SO much better just being "clean" and not putting toxic things in my body. It is very rejuvenating.

To Be Continued...