here's to making 2013 fabulous!

Happy New Year to my dear followers! I apologize for not posting regularly on here. There have been a lot of ups and downs over the past year, but I am determined to make 2013 better than 2012. We humans, being imperfect sinful messes, always say this every time a new year rolls around. Occasionally it works, and more often it doesn't. We make resolutions to lose weight, read more books, make new friends, stop smoking, eat better food, travel more, etc.... The list could go on forever. And while resolutions can be good, I think it'd be helpful to realize that we will never be perfect no matter how hard we try.

So. I do have resolutions, though I am calling them goals because that just sounds more attainable. Besides, my goals are meant to be habit-forming and thus a change for the better, though a few of them are just fun. So here is my list.

• read my Bible more often
• treat my body better and get it in shape
• drink a green smoothie at least once a week
• eat breakfast
• snowmobile with Nate as often as possible while the trails are open
• play the piano more, and teach myself Claire de Lune
• take up knitting again
• learn how to crochet
• perfect the art of making a latte (I consider it an art anyway...)
• sew a fantastic Halloween costume (gonna be the Miller High Life Girl!)
• take more walks/hikes
• work my way up to running
• plan at least one weekend up north camping trip for this summer
• write something every single day
• purchase clothing only from thrift shops (this is a goal I will expand upon in a later post)
• shop local: both shops and farmer's markets
• write monthly letters to friends and family
• plant a vegetable garden
• harvest dandelions for wine again
• purchase a DSLR camera (I even have my eye on one... ^_^)
• read 50 books, at least 10 of those must be non-fiction
• begin making Christmas gifts at a decent time this year
• BLOG BLOG BLOG 
• don't forget that it's okay to dress up and put on a little lipstick just to do mundane shopping
• always remember that each day is a gift from God and try to enjoy it

There you have it. It's probably not a complete list of goals, but I also tend to overshoot when I plan things out for myself. I think I'm addicted to life, specifically experiences in life. I want to do everything, go everywhere, see all the beautiful sights this world has to offer. Realistically, I know that'll never happen, but I can begin a little closer to home and enjoy what the Lord has blessed me with, which is a fair bit of goodness.
And I mean it when I say 2013 is going to be fabulous!

taking walks

Anyone who knows me knows that my favorite thing to do is read.
I can curl up in bed or on the couch and read for hours.
This isn't a bad thing, and on a day like today when it is pouring outside (Thank you, God!!!), once I get the cleaning done, reading is exactly what I'll be doing.

But getting out of the house is so good for you and your body.
Taking a walk is one of my favorite forms of exercise.
It strengthens my legs and I work up a healthy sweat.
And with all the hiking trails available within 15-20 minutes of our house, I have absolutely no excuse to not get out and walk.
All the good things walking does for your body you probably already know.

But did you also know that walking is good for your mind and your soul?
My husband and I take walks/hikes together as often as we can.
And during that time, we talk.
We always have incredibly stimulating conversation, but when we are out walking, it's different because we are not distracted by other things at home and we are focused completely on each other.
And when I take walks alone, which happens more often than not, I put on my headphones and listen to music or an audio drama, and just appreciate the glory of God's world around me.
Sometimes I don't even turn any music on, I just listen to the sounds of nature.
In the springtime, you hear the spring peepers -- the baby frogs.
In the summertime, there are lots of sounds.
In the autumn, you hear the rustling of the colorful leaves as the wind blows through the treetops.
In the wintertime, usually you just hear the silence. (That might be my favorite.)

Think about God and His faithfulness when you take a walk.
Think about how you may better yourself in life, and then apply it when you get home.
Think about history, science, philosophy, literature, psychology -- ANYTHING that gets your mind going.
Take a camera along (or use your phone) and snap photos of things in the landscape that fascinate you.
Heck, snap a picture of the blue sky.

And you know what?
This is all good for you and it doesn't cost a thing. (Except for the gas if you drive to a park, but it's worth it, trust me.)

Walking is good for your body.
Walking is good for your mind.
Walking is good for your soul.

So get out and take a walk!