One month down

One month, and a number of days, has passed in this new year. Already, I feel slack on my resolutions. Guess I'm just like every American.

I have been able to successfully run a 5k on the treadmill, and I'm looking for a race to run in March. This semester, I have class on Mondays and Tuesdays until 8:00, which seriously impedes my running schedule. I mean, I guess I could get up at 4:45 am and run before work -- or not. Teaching second grade requires too much energy. As I settle into the routine of classes and my husband's baseball games, I hope to be more consistent with getting to the gym or hitting the pavement. We'll see...

I have also been able to establish something resembling a budget. Sticking to it thus far, despite desperate impulses to go shopping. Online shopping is my biggest weakness. I LOVE not having to leave my couch or change out of sweats to make a useless purchase. It's just so easy-- click a few buttons, enter a few numbers, and in a few days-- something new and unnecessary sits patiently on the porch, just waiting to be opened.

Random acts of kindness have definitely been the tricky resolution for the year. It's just so easy to get caught up in what I have to do... to become consumed with rushing around and meeting deadlines... I often overlook the little things I could do for others. It takes skill and effort to think about what other people need and small ways to help. I'm obviously still working on this skill. Although it's been a few weeks, I can recall a few simple acts to report. First, I volunteered to keep another friend's baby while she and her husband attended a meeting. I feel like this is somewhat a selfish task because I so enjoy spending time with this little guy. He absolutely makes me want to have a baby... or just keep him for myself. Another day, I took a co-worker a bag of her favorite candy, just because. Her father recently passed away, and she's going through a rough time. I thought the chocolate would help her through that specific day.

I'm really hoping noticing opportunities for kindness will become easier as I try to be a more thoughtful person this year.