Follow-Up Friday

So, how are you doing with your New Year's resolutions? In an effort to keep myself honest, I've decided to post weekly updates on all the resolutions that I posted about here, here, and here. The first update of 2010 looks something like this:

• Scrapbooking: my Project Life kit arrived yesterday! Can you tell I'm excited???
  
  I plan to browse Becky's site a bit more, to get some tips and ideas, before I attempt my first layout. I'm actually thinking that I might leave the title page for a bit later on, when I've had a bit more practice. I'm thinking my first page will be a layout of the Ng family holiday celebration, which was held at our house on January 2nd.
• Book Clubs: I have finished the first book for 2010 for Bloom. Same Kind of Different as Me was AMAZING. It was such an incredible story, not only of how one or two people can make a huge difference, but also how God puts the right people into our lives at the right times. I highly recommend this book! Next on my reading list is the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families, which is currently on my nightstand. I plan to get started on that book this weekend.
• Project 365: I have kept up with my picture-a-day goal so far. And it's actually been fairly easy: I have the camera in my purse, so I'm always ready to snap a photo. If you haven't stopped by, please check out 365 Days of Ng!
• The Bible in 90 Days: I am almost caught up on my reading. I didn't actually get started with the challenge until January 4th, so I've done a few double-up days to get myself back on the same schedule as everyone else. I'm almost done with Exodus, and the first 14 chapters of Leviticus are on the schedule for tonight's train ride home. I will then be caught up - yay! Even just these last four days have been an amazing experience - beginning my day with the Word of God on my commute into the city and reflecting on that Word through the tools available on The Bible in 90 Days website and the SOAP (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer) reflections on Amy's blog. I won't lie: some sections of Exodus tested my ability to concentrate - how many times do I need to read about what fabrics should be used for the vestments worn by priests? However, there are surprising sections, too - did you know that, in Exodus, God commanded the priests to wear underwear? (Chapter 28, Verse 42 - go ahead, see for yourself!) I am thankful that God brought this opportunity to my attention, and I look forward to walking closer to Him as I reflect on His Word over the next 3 months.
• Eat From the Pantry Challenge: uh oh... This is the "slacked upon" resolution so far this year. I have yet to inventory my pantry, fridge, and freezer, so I am still in the dark about what treasures are there. However, Carey and I have yet to make our weekly shopping trip, so I still have some time! We've both perused the weekly store ads and have some items in mind - chicken drumsticks for $.69/lb and Bartlett pears for $.69/lb are just two of the deals that are on our grocery list this week. I plan to redeem myself tonight, though - while the laundry is being done, I will be stacking, sorting, and organizing our kitchen. I'm already itching to get started!

I was discussing my resolutions with Carey last night, and I have to say that I am excited and focused. I am very happy with the tasks that I have set before me and am glad to see that I am making progress. I truly believe that these resolutions will help me to strengthen my relationship with God and become a better wife, mother, and household manager. Hooray for positive change! :-)