Organizing!

Here's what I spent my afternoon doing today! Organizing bills, taxes, insurance, warranties, manuals, and other important documents! I wish I had a before picture, but I wasn't thinking quick enough. I'm so happy to have this job behind me. I haven't gone through all of our "important" documents since we moved into this house. I think we are good to go for another year now! Yea!

Happy New Year!

Ok - so I've realized how much I've neglected this blog in 2008. Shane laughs because I was so excited to have this blog, and to have a online documentary of our life, however I have miserably failed at actually utilizing it! I'm usually not one to make "New Year Resolutions" however, I do enjoy setting new goals and dreams throughout the year. I find that I'm usually motivated by by trying new ways to achieve my goals whatever they may be at the time.

So with that being said, one of the things I would like to achieve this year is updating this blog more. Here is a list of some other interests for 2009! I don't want to call these goals or resolutions for the new year, however I find that living intentionally usually helps me stay focused on what really matters!

Jackee's intentions for 2009:

1. Bible Study/Reading: I would really like to find more time to get into the Bible and really let God speak to me through his word. I don't do this nearly enough right now. I absolutely love to read, however usually it involves reading books, magazines, and Internet articles. It's time to dig into some Bible study!

2. Cooking: I'm going to try really hard to learn new recipes and cook better dinners. I've found that just planning ahead really helps me in this area. Even though planning a "menu" for the upcoming week seems a little obsessive, it really helps me have plenty of options in the house when we get home at 5:00 and ask "What's for dinner?" What's even better is that Shane and I enjoy cooking together!

3. Running: I want to get running again. I've never really stopped running for an extended period of time, however I have taken a few weeks off after doing a challenge with some friends this winter. I want to become more consistent in my running and possibly start running in the mornings before work. This would help me with routine and accountability. We will see about doing any races. I don't have much of a desire to do a marathon at this point...I'm not all that competitive when it comes to races.

4. Sewing: I know, I know...a little dorky. I've had a bit of an interest in sewing for a while now, and my parents gave me a sewing machine for Christmas this year! I've started sewing an apron and I'll be excited to finish it finally. I also want to make some pillows and some kind of blanket. We are starting small and see how I do!

5. Debt Reduction: This has been something Shane and I have been working on consistently for a while now. It's something that isn't easy, but will be so worth it when we can be out of debt! Although, I don't see us completing this goal for many years, it's still something that I like to focus on and never forget.

6. Simplify: I love trying to clear the clutter out of my life. Whenever I simplify, it feels like I can focus on everything else better. I'd like to continue to go through our house and get rid of the things we don't need or use.

So I was sharing with Shane the items that I would like to strive to achieve in 2009 and he agreed to let me put his list on here too! It's great to have discussions about what we want to work toward together and there are a few we left off, however we will probably devote some other posts to those! For now, here is Shane's list!

1. Bible Reading: I want to continue to grow my faith and learn more about what God's will is in my life.

2. Serving: I want to find where God would use me and my story to help others.

3. Running/Lifting & Eating Healthier: I'd like to find a balance in working out and life. Spending the right amount of time to stay in shape while not letting it consume my life.

4. Career Promotion: I'd like to find ways to continue to grow in my career and possibly get promoted. And a nice raise to help with everything above! :)

5. Home Projects: Multiple projects around the house that need to be done! ie: lighting in basement, crown molding, new fence, paint porch

Dream big this year - and do something about it! Happy 2009!