That's how I used to begin journal entries. It's how I've been beginning them this year, too. I'm four-for-four so far on reading through the Old Testament backwards. Why backwards? If you hold the needle just right it says something totally new and different.
Ahem. Not really. Here's why I'm reading through the Old Testament backwards: I've read Genesis through mid-Leviticus so many times I've lost count. I know myself well enough to know that eventually this will drop off and I will be desperately wishing for routine again. But as long as I'm in the middle of a good streak, I thought I'd mix it up a little to give myself a fighting chance.
I think I've only actually made it all the way through the entire Bible one time. I usually camp out in the Psalms, Proverbs, and New Testament letters. That is to say, I haven't spent that much time with the minor prophets. So I started with the last book of the OT and am now in the next-to-last book of the OT. The variety is really working for me right now, so I'm going with it.
In keeping with other attempts to shame myself later, we went to the gym today for the first time in, well, a long time. We found out our membership expires on February 3rd, so we're taking the month of January to decide if we should renew it. If we can't get our collective hineys in gear by February 3rd, then we'll probably let the membership go. If we can continue to go more than today, we'll consider it.
I'm giving the Couch to 5K plan a shaky start. I had no idea Day 1 would be as hard for me as it was, but that's what happens when you only get on a treadmill once each year. I didn't do this on a treadmill, though; I did it on the track in the gym. I think I like the track better – there is less time to over-analyze what everyone else might or might not be thinking as I slug my way around. There are people way better than me and also people way worse, as I'm your lower middle class track user. I'm trying to avoid what will inevitably put me in a class I don't even want to name by going, because if I don't so something more consistently than once/year, unfortunate things are going to happen to me.
Which brings me back to Weight Watchers. I'm now on day 2 (again). The plan works for me. My problem is that every time I lose 10-15 pounds I stop and then I eat my way right back up to where I was again. And that's exactly where I am right now. Only 1.5 pounds less than where I started last June (I lost 10 last summer, then gained 8.5 back again).
Are you sensing a theme here? I could probably go back into the archives of this very blog and pull up early January posts that sound very similar to this one. Because I've done this before. But I don't want to give up because I know my normal zero-tolerance policy toward self-discipline. I don't want to give in to what is usually me. The year I don't try anymore? That will be one very sad year.
I'm seeing folks all over the blogosphere coin their "Blogging Goals of 2010." I'm noticing a lot of desire for their blog traffic to increase dramatically this year.
That's not on my list of goals. Honestly? I've been tempted to play the blog games. I think I know how to do it. I've never been interested in that, though. There was a part of me that wanted to join the ranks of the "conference" bloggers (you know, the ones who go to blog conferences to learn how to build better blogs). I considered trying to find a sponsor to pay for my ticket to the conference. And then I asked myself, "Why?" If I get one weekend away by myself, why in the world would I want to spend it at a blog conference? Truthfully? I don't. I'd rather go to L'Abri again (though even that isn't an option this year).
This blog is not what I want to devote my resources to.
Getting back into the Word again? Yes. Attempting, yet again, to shed this cursed 15-20 pounds? Yes. Focusing on the homeschool part of "homeschool parent" which I am? Yes.
Blog Queen? Not so much.
So, I hereby set not one single goal for my Half-Pint House. I will write when it seems good to do so; I will be glad when you come by and let me know you did.
And that's about it. The rest of my goals? Much more important to me and to my family.
Peace to you this year as you navigate the world of what best to give yourself to. May it be what draws you closer to the Lord, and keeps your heart in tune with the calling God has placed on your life.
Happy New Year.
Half-Pint House 
My sentiments exactly regarding the blog games and conferences.
Reading the OT backwards strategy sounds like an excellent plan!
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I think you are in my head….your words are mine. Your blog opinion and weight dilemma also belong to me. I’m using TableTalk this year to help get me consistently in the Word since Ligonier is emphasizing the value and important of the OT. I often dismiss those books so it’s been good to dig in these past four days.
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Thanks, Ladies.
A few years ago a few folks suggested we do a blog weigh-in here. They agreed to go public with me.
I was the only one who went public. I will NOT make that mistake again. *giggle* – but I did make one of those weight loss ticker things and put it at the VERY bottom of my blog page.
I know. It’s a cop-out way to do it, but it’s my blog and I can do it that way. 🙂
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Hey dear – I just want you to know I check your blog about everyother day. For some reason I’m just not a big “commenter” (=
Loved the post. I’m not sure what it says about me that it didn’t even cross my mind to make any New Years resolutions….hmmm.
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You go with the 1.6 lost!!!! Oh ,and I emailed you before I read this. . . but this post confirms that you truly are a person on my favorite list and tea is a must. I may just commit to praying that you often feel the urge to write here. I am encouraged when you do.
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This was exactly the stuff of conversation in the ladies Sunday school class I lead (I dare not say “teach” as that implies wisdom I do not posess!) this past week.
Last year I saw Leviticus entirely new- thankful for Christ. The rules, the sacrifice… I’d have no hope whatsoever.
I’m still an eager reader at HalfPintHouse. Keep on, friend!
Blessings.
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As they say Down Under: Good on ya! It’s nice to be widely read, but the Internet is too big a place to get caught up in popularity contests if a blogger has a life–and you most definitely have a life. I’ve had to come to that conclusion in my own online life, especially as regards fanfiction; writing quality stories that bless the people who read them and earning a few reviews and an award or two is a better goal than writing what I know would get lots of fanfare but probably wouldn’t edify anyone.
Also, good on ya for tackling the Minor Prophets! We’ve done a good number of them in my Bible study group over the last few years, and it’s amazing the things you can discover if you take the time to read them carefully.
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when I read this, I pretended it was a conversation in person. we were sharing the same things back and forth. so very encouraged by this post and just wanted you to know. especially this line – “Peace to you this year as you navigate the world of what best to give yourself to. May it be what draws you closer to the Lord, and keeps your heart in tune with the calling God has placed on your life.” These are the words I have been looking for as I look forward to this year.
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You might already know this, but I’m with you on this entire post. ::high five:: (See my doomed blog for reference)
And, though I’ve thought about going to those blogger conferences, it’s just not me. At all.
HOWEVER, I have always wanted to go to L’Abri. Yeah, this year is probably out, but want to go next year? 🙂
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Congrats on the running!! As a person who started running after college, let me just encourage to keep up with it. And believe me, running outside beats treadmill running by SOO much. I really have come to love running, but I CANNOT, for the life of me, run on a treadmill without cursing it every step under by breath. So maybe when it warms up a little, you can try outside. Forest park would be a great place to run with all the trails. the girls might even be able to bike along with you at some point, too.
Great post.
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totally loving the “if you hold the needle just right…” ha!
whenever i hear people talk about how they want to “increase their blog traffic” i kind of wince. or i want to ask why it is so important to have high blog traffic volumes – especially to christians. don’t good blogs and posts come from people who cultivate life outside of blog-world? some of the best blogs i read don’t get a lot of traffic.
and i love that you put ticker at the very bottom 😉
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I’m doing the Couch to 5K program. I’ve been doing it a few weeks now and it really does work! I can now run a quarter/walk a quarter all the way to two miles! This is from a mom that was 30lbs overweight and could barely do the run 1min to start the program. Keep it up! You can do it!!
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You all come out of the woodwork when it really counts, don’t you? Thanks for all the positive feedback, words of affirmation, like-minded encouragement, etc.
Tomorrow is Day 2 of Couch to 5K. I’m not sure I’m going to be able to do it, but Sally’s comment makes me think I should at least try. 🙂
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Go, Megan, go!
Your goals all seem great. I can’t wait to hear how your couch to 5k goes.
I totally agree about the blog game. I know we’ve talked about that before. I am posting more because writing is a good exercise for me, and it’s a good place for me to do it.
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Go Megan!
I am laughing… because I too am (back) on Weight Watchers; aiming to run (?) a 5K in April; trying to read my Bible daily (two days in a row!). I haven’t gone to the gym to “run” because, well, it’s cold outside. Especially at 6am. And dark. But I’ve been using our Wii Fit (Christmas gift). Does it count as exercise if it’s fun?
Go, Megan! 🙂
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Considering I only blog rarely anymore I relate and agree! 🙂
Lindsey
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Regarding Bible-reading: good idea to start backwards; and I’ve not read it through in a year either. BUT, I read a book a couple months ago that has a study plan through the Bible in a year…I highly recommend reading “The Divine Mentor” by Wayne Cordeiro!
I’m also following WW; and planning to run a 5K in May, too. Best wishes to you!
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Love your goals for the new year, Megan. Blessed new year to you and your beautiful family.
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I love how another commenter mentioned her “doomed blog.” 🙂 That’s how I’ve felt, too, making these same non-resolution resolutions as you regarding blogging. My traffic will probably plummet, the “pitches” have already slowed WAAAAY down. I got to a certain level in 2009, attended conferences and the like, yadda yadda. And…so what! That’s exactly what I said to myself on December 31st: SO WHAT. Back to the good stuff – and God is the ultimate Good Stuff – back to blogging because I like it, not because I’m compelled to find the next big opportunity or be the next big mention. Love this post, and I’m totally with you!
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Happy New Year, Megan! Reading the OT backwards, eh? Great idea! You make me smile. Blessings – B.
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I did a google search looking for comments about classical conversations as I just came back from an info meeting. I was doing more research on the program and stumbled upon your blog. I’m in my second week of homeschooling my 7th grader and was surfing the net for information and resources. After seeing Julie & Julia a few weeks ago I decided to blog about my homeschooling experience. After looking around your blog site I am truly a blogging amateur. Your words have brought encouragement and much needed laughter to my evening. You are a very gifted writer. Your words flow so smoothly across the “page.” How do you possibly find the time to homeschool 4 kids and be a director for Classical Conversations??? Whew …. I have a lot to learn in this homeschool journey. If you’re curious I’m at http://www.oureducationaljourney.blogspot.com
I welcome any pointers or advice.
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