I Hereby Resolve...

I rarely make New Years resolutions, especially in public. But in an effort to really take advantage of this new beginning, and put into action some of the things that I wish I had been doing, I'm going to tell you some of my resolutions. I tell you only because it somehow makes me a little more accountable. I have already written them down and carry them in my purse. One of the enduring lessons of my mission is "A goal not written is only a wish". The other reason to write them down? So I don't forget them.

1. Every week at church I want to personally thank each speaker. I know I always appreciate the comments I get after speaking and usually they are from random people, ones I don't usually have contact with. So I am choosing to "pay it forward" and let each speaker know that I appreciate their efforts. I will take a "pass" each Fast Sunday.

2. Send birthday cards to everyone in my Corbett family. Since I have their addresses and birthdates in my book, I'm going to make good use of that information. I want everyone to know that I'm thinking of them. Please explain to your small children who I am.

3. I'm going to read my Relief Society manual along with the schedule even though I don't attend RS (I've been in Young Women for 2 years, and Primary for a year prior to that). I'm looking forward to the new Joseph Smith manual.

4. I have a new Visiting Teaching companion and route. I'm going to actually do better at this. I always feel like such a failure because I'm terrible at this. As proud as I am of what I do with the YW, I suspect that my VT ladies know the real truth about my dedication. I also do not look forward to being at work all day and then having to go out an "visit" again. A new year, new companion, new list.

5. Read the Book of Mormon. This is the course of study in Gospel Doctrine this year so I will read it again. But actually I will attend the Gospel Essentials class. I like the more intimate group.

6. Finish my History class. I signed up for a class on line last Fall, totally stressed out that I only have 12 months to finish it. I'm half way done. Biggest obstacle? The mid-term! I have to study 6 possible essay questions and write for an estimated 90 minutes. I have finished the first 6 chapters and quizzes and I have a 97% average. But, the tests were multiple choice and open book. I think the mid-term might actually require me to remember something. I have always had an interest in this subject so I'm hoping that I can be motivated to finish with a respectable grade.

So there you have it. These are the things that I have resolved to do. I guess the list can change - be added to, I mean. I don't think I've taken on too much. Meeting these goals will require that I watch less TV in the evening, and I will actually have to schedule time to get things done (like studying).

Hope you are enjoying the New Year so far! I am.