2013

Happy New Year!

Well, we survived the impending doom of 12/21/12.

We've fallen off the fiscal cliff and are still standing for the moment.

And it is now the year 2013.

I read somewhere that this would be a year of crisis, and have to say that I think that scenario makes a lot of sense.

Last year, the US was plagued with drought and some pretty terrible natural disasters (Superstorm Sandy, the massive wildfires out West). And obviously there's that little fiscal cliff issue, which will effect every single one of us no matter what decision they come to. Some more than others, but it will effect all of us.

So...one of my main goals this year is to be a better steward of my little corner of the world. That means...

• Try to live frugally, and very much within my means
• Keep my family healthy and not take that health for granted (an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!)
• Actively work towards getting out from under the debt that we still carry
• Work towards becoming self-sufficent (try to do better with my garden this year, learn to preserve food, get some chickens/goats, etc.)
• Take care of myself mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually

I generally hate resolutions, but this one is very important to me. I feel like as a society, we have come to depend far too much on other people to take care of us. I don't want that for myself, and I certainly don't want that for my children. I want to be self-sufficient, independent and resourceful. I want to pass that down to my children and (hopefully) grandchildren. I've been working towards this for awhile now, and I feel like now is the time to really put it into play.

And in the spirit of the new year, I plan to stay home today and clean. Declutter, get rid of some stuff. Put my corner of the world in order. I've turned into a bit of a clutterbug the last couple of months and I HATE it. And so does Chris!

So Happy New Year to you all! Whatever goals you make, keep them realistic and within reach. You're much more likely to stick with them that way.

May joy and peace surround you,
Contentment latch your door,
And happiness be with you now,
And bless you evermore.