Bandwagon Resolutions

I am jumping on the bandwagon and setting some goals this year. It appears I took a hefty hiatus last year and didn't set any.

2012 Goals:

Family:

• Spending quality time with the kids (see also work goals as they are tied to this). Ryan and I started setting time aside with Miller where we do "dates." It's a fun way to still give him some needed one on one time and we really enjoy the little boy he is becoming. Mason obviously gets one on one time but until he's a little older, dates really aren't that exciting with him.
• Ryan and I need time alone sans kids. Although a date night once a month would be glorious, we know that once every two months is a more realistic goal. We would hate to tire of each other by July. ;)

Work:

• Continue to try to limit my working hours so I have time in the evening with the kids. There are times when I can't but I am trying to limit those to only urgent/crunch times.
• Network and try to build some resume worthy items. I feel now that I am done breeding, it's time to start preparing for either a chosen career change or be prepared for the inevitable layoff that will come sooner than later.

Personal:

• Find some time to read books again. I have quite a few piled up that need my attention and it feels more productive than watching tv.
• Find a hobby. I need a creative outlet or something to challenge my brain (or both). I think I will look into a few small ideas before I tackle the larger concept of learning to fly or going back to school for a JD or a PhD.
• Lose the jiggle. This one is easier said than done but now that I know there will be no more kids, it's time to focus on putting this body back into some shape other than flabby and round. I am not going to drop 20lbs in a couple months. I am not going to suddenly run a marathon or bench press anything. I just want to work on changing my bad habits into good ones. With that in mind, a better body and self image should follow.

Other:

• Remember to schedule some time with friends such as lunch, happy hour, or shopping without the kids. Notice the theme...spend time with kids but not all my free time. I think this is the cliche "balance" I am missing.
• Review our savings situation and my investments (this may even be a hobby). I have been investing since I was 16 but can't tell you anything about what I am in or how it works. Time to proactively figure out where my money is (and our money). Retirement is right around the corner, right?
• Take a real vacation with Ryan-only Ryan. Realistic goal-short cruise in the spring. Wish list item would be a longer trip in the fall. Next year...over seas trip. Time to plan this year for that one.

So there are my goals, in a public forum so I can't take them back. I figure they are obtainable (SMART) goals. Let's see if I can check these puppies off my list and possibly take them a few steps further than "initial" goals.