2014 Goals

It's almost been a week into the new year, say what! I've already incorrectly filled out '2013' as the date on some paperwork and I'm adjusting to the new '4' at the end of that number. But, I'm pretty stoked for the way the new year has been progressing. For me, it's all about getting off on the right foot, getting that good start. With time off from work for the remainder of the first week into the new year, it allowed me to settle down and breathe in the new possibilities. I felt rested and ready to take on the goals I set for myself. Husband and I agree, it's going to be our best year yet and we're thrilled to challenge one another in our areas of weakness, to cheer each other on in our improvements, and to experience it all together as a solid team. 

Like with any set of goals, there's a list and a set of reasons why...

• My biggest goal for the year is exercise. Coming out of high school where I played volleyball and soccer year round, it never dawned on me that my body would change. But, yes it sure did. And now, with all the foot surgeries out of the way, this is MY year to bring my body back. It makes me feel better about myself, boost my self-esteem, and builds a stronger body and heart. I'm thrilled to be back to Boot Camp Challenge and truly look forward to the changes I hope to see. I'm already sore from my first day back and it feels great!
• With exercising, you have to eat clean, eat healthy. And that's my next goal, to make sure I'm consciously taking in the right amounts of protein, veggies, fruits, and so on. It's going to be a learning experience as I discover what foods I need and what works best for the results I'm aiming for. I can't wait to get it all figured out to the point where it becomes second nature.
• My blog has been like my baby over the last year. And 2014, feels like it could be a great year to soar high with Tales of Two Hills. I'm so excited to push boundaries, perfect my writing style, and connect with new readers. I have loved documenting my life as a keepsake to look back on, and in the process I have so enjoyed sharing it with each of you. As the year progresses, I can't wait to see where I can go with this blog of mine, the connections I will make, and the audience I can reach. 
• Photography is a whole different kind of joy that I have found. In taking pictures, I aim to capture memories and to document life. What I love so much about it, is that I get to incorporate into my writing, my blog. I have loved learning my camera and figuring out the configurations to capture a moment. The photos I am able to take, as I have learned the angles, lighting, etc., help me tell my tell my story. So for this year, I hope to practice with my camera more and to learn everything that I haven't yet become familiar with.
• I have always loved knit items...blankets, scarfs, sweaters, and so on. I want to take on a new hobby and I would love to learn the fundamentals of knitting. I have a coffee collar I have been itching to make; now I just need to learn how to do it first and then I'll be good to go!
• Oh budgeting. It's been a part of marriage that allows us to live without worries. To be productive with our income and determine where it all goes. At times I tend to get frustrated with it, which is why I love having a husband that will take it head on. So this year I have hopes to follow the budget we have put in place and to get better at it. It's not as scary once you become familiar with it. And that's where I want to be. 
• Time management is something I always thought was my strong suit, but I'm finding more and more where I need to improve. And as 2014 goes on, I want to have a better grip on what I do with my time and how I am able to accomplish more, enjoy time with family and friends, and do the things I love without being stressed about something I have yet to do. 
• The above goes hand in hand with getting more involved and making time for my friends. If I can successfully manage my time, then it will allow me to find the time needed for getting more involved in my community and keeping time set aside to reconnect and grow stronger friendships and bonds. 
• More Bible and God time is something I'm really ready to throw my heart into. I want to commit more time to reading and learning, especially with my husband. As my most important relationship in life, it's important that I make the time to really focus my energy into building and strengthening my faith. 
• Lastly, I want to build more furniture with my husband. We have had so much fun creating furniture ideas and then turning them into functioning pieces for our home. I have loved having handmade items that exemplify who Pete and I are together. The goal for the year is to build more, get more creative with our designs, and push our abilities.
• Lastly, a goal I will have with every new year, is to always find the time for us. As a married couple with a fairly busy life, it is so important that we not only find time for one another, but that we take the time for one another. I want to never stop dating, exploring, and taking adventures. The Hills have one wide open year ahead of them, and it's my wish that we soak in every opportunity while unconditionally loving each other with grace.

I know this year has a lot to offer, and I know that it's the effort I put into it that will make it so great. I've got a lot of goals I want to accomplish and I'm ready to put in the time, effort, and energy to come out of this year smiling from the inside out.


Update: To see my one other goal for the new year take a look here and here.