It's time for another round of 5 After 5! In case you missed it, last week's list was 5 of your favorite Christmas traditions and if you're new to this series, you can read more about it here.
Today I've got my list of 5 to share, as well as next week's topic for you to stew about over the upcoming days.
And if you've posted your own 5 After 5 list on your blog, I've turned this series into a link party - so be sure to get your own 5 things added below (or leave your answers in today's comments if you're not a blogger). I loved reading everyone's comments from last week and I really can't wait to see what you share today!
List 5 goals you have for 2016
I don't usually go crazy with a whole big list of resolutions for the new year, but I do generally write down a few loose goals that I'd like to work toward.
Seeing as how I even neglected to think about this list until the ball started dropping last night, the following isn't anything fancy, but it includes things I'd definitely like to accomplish in 2016 and I have absolutely no problem adding to or adapting it as time goes on.
Seeing as how I even neglected to think about this list until the ball started dropping last night, the following isn't anything fancy, but it includes things I'd definitely like to accomplish in 2016 and I have absolutely no problem adding to or adapting it as time goes on.
1. Get back out on the bike
Once upon a time, I was a cycling fool. Well, not really, but I did do it enough to complete the MS 150 ride three years in a row (the 3rd time pregnant!)
I don't always miss putting 170+ miles on the old bike odometer in a weekend or riding in the hot Florida sun, but I do miss the time each week to get out in the fresh(ish) air and jam out to my favorite tunes, while counting critters along the local bike trail.
Getting out there nowadays means talking G into taking a jog with Gv in the stroller and coordinating our turn-around times, so I'm just going to hope to clip into my pedals at least once a month or so.
2. Get rid of more stuff
We're not much into "stuff" around here, but things still seem to burst forth from every nook and cranny imaginable and my minimalist heart is really hoping that this will be the year the situation improves.
It might take the addition of a few more bookshelves (we have a little bit of a book problem around here), but I feel confident that a difference can be achieved.
In the meantime, you might want to go invest in some Ikea stock, because I'm sure we'll be supporting our local store quite well this year.
3. Make something new in the kitchen
This last month or so has been full of re-making all sorts of annual favorites, so my culinary adventures have been few and far between.
However, I have big plans for the new year. I even gave G a gift that will ensure I reach this goal. It involves "traveling" around the world each month, complete with meals to match each different country.
We'll see how it all goes, but I'm sure if it's all a big hit, I'll be sharing the idea with you in the future!
4. Create something!
In that same vein, I have a goal to unleash my artistic side and create something special each month. I'm certainly no amazing artist, but I enjoy making things and have stacks of canvases to paint, bags of yarn yearning for my crochet hook, a sewing machine screaming to be used, and plenty of Aida cloth needing the addition of a little colorful floss.
I'll also need a bunch of art to add to all the space that opens up when I tackle goal #2!
5. Live more in the moment
I'm a big planner. I actually get almost as much fun out of planning a big trip as I do taking it. Planning is good and ensures you can accomplish all sorts of goals you set for yourself - BUT - it can also mean you're always looking forward, and often neglecting the here and now.
G has had to stop me from my frenzied planning or task-accomplishing several times recently to just be still and enjoy the moment.
So I'm hoping to freeze the frame of life more often this year, to stop and notice the little voice "reading" books on the floor in the hall, to laze away a sunny spring afternoon just looking up at the clouds, and whatever else pops up in the present.
And for next week:
List 5 fun things about your hometown
Do you still live in the same place you grew up? Whether you do or don't, think of five things you love about your hometown.
I can't wait to see your list!
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