It's been a long time since January 1st of this year.  I decided then to make my New Year's resolutions based on things that are actually doable.  Of course, in the back of my mind there are those stereotypical ones like exercise more, eat healthier, blah blah etc.  But I wanted my resolutions to be more about the little things in life that are important.  Things that I have lost my connection with that I want to get back. It has take me over half of the year to figure this list out, but I still have time to work on it.  As I start to feel more in control of my life, these things are all totally doable!

1.  Go To The Library

I haven't been in a library since I was in college.  And, then, it was out of necessity and not pleasure.  I remember, as a child, going to the library with Mom to check out a book or a record (I think I wore their copy of the Mary Poppins Soundtrack out!).  I felt so grown up when I finally got my own library card.  I can still see it...a blue paper card with a small metal insert that had my membership number on it.  As much as I have grown to love reading in my adulthood, I really want to utilize our public library system.  And they have so much more than books these days, who knows what all I can find there!

2.  Church

Growing up, church was a huge part of my life.  We were there every Sunday.  The music ministry at church was my haven...my sanctuary, literally.  I miss that and I need to get back to it.  

3.  Day Trips

We haven't really taken a day trip for about a year now.  The last one we took was to the Outer Banks.  We spent a lot of time in the car but it was a great day.  We got to see some wonderful historical sites and found one of the best restaurants ever when we took a wrong exit looking for fast food.  It would be great to do more trips like this because there is so much in this area to explore.  And I've come to the realization that these trips don't have to be extensive or far away.  I simply need to find things of interest in the area and get in the car and go find them!

4.  Dining Room Table

Plain and simple, we do not use our dining room table nearly enough.  Every day meals are usually on our laps in the den in front of the tv.  While that is great, I want to utilize my table more.  Growing up, we always sat at the table for dinner unless someone was sick...that was about the only way you got to eat in front of the tv then.  But, I love setting the table, obviously, and I think I would enjoy using my things more on a daily basis if we made the effort to eat at the table several times a week.  And, of course, having dinner parties and gatherings would also be more welcomed!

5.  Play Cards

I miss playing cards.  That was another activity we did almost weekly when I was growing up.  And I've played some cards here and there, but would love for it to be a more regular thing.  Grandmother and I always played Gin, the 11 card version.  There are so many card games out there and I have so many decks of cards (thanks, family!) that it is high time that I used them!

6.  Candles

I love the serenity that comes from burning candles.  We have a lot of candles that just sit in cabinets and drawers and I need to bring them out and burn them.  Some are scented, some aren't.  There is just a peace and relaxation that comes from the flicker of the flame that I cannot explain.  It just sets a wonderful mood of serenity.

7.  Read More Books

The older I've become, the more I enjoy reading.  Michael helped me get back into reading by loaning me "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" when we first started dating.  I loved it and then I realized that I owned all of these books that I had never read.  It was time to start reading them.  I used to read very slowly because my mind would wander and it would take me forever to finish a book.  I'm much better at it now, but I can still improve.  I enjoy reading, even though it makes me sleepy LOL  And I would like to read more.  I can do that!

8.  Try New Recipes

I have so many cookbooks, which I love to collect and read, by the way, that I need to start venturing outside my cooking comfort zone more.  I love to try new recipes, but I become afraid sometimes of new techniques.  I need to get over that and just try it.  I tend to stick to things that I am comfortable cooking and that I know I can make well, but after awhile those get old and I don't want them to overstay their welcome on our dinner table.  I think I need to try at least one per week.  Want to come taste test with me?

9.  Support The Arts

I don't see enough of the arts in my area.  With all of the colleges and universities close by, there are tons of performances to attend...music, dance, theater.  And usually, they are pretty fairly priced, if not free.  And the Triad also has its own thriving arts scene.  Lots of things are going on, many with people I already know.  So, it's time to get out and be cultured again!

10.  Going For Walks

And I don't mean for exercise, but for self care.  I used to walk all the time.  I would grab my walkman, listen to my music and take a stroll.  Since walkmans have all but disappeared, I haven't done it as much.  I have a small ipod somewhere.  I should find it and see if I can load some tunes up on it.  I love just going for walks because it gives me time to think and clear my head.  I love just observing my surroundings when I walk and it's always fun to take a new turn and see what's around the corner.  My neighborhood has lots to explore and I need to start doing it...with or without the music, but with would be better haha!