state of my union: 2008

i've done this before in different manners- but this year- i just want to post two lists. the first list are things i will work towards this coming year. the second list are things i hope to be true when i'm forty.

this year i will turn 35. which basically means that 40 is around the corner (eek!). when i was in may late twenties- i made a list of things i wanted to be true of me and i found it recently. as i looked over the list, i was pleased to find- many of them were true!

some of the 'goals' are meaningful, and not tangible and some are not so meaningful but more concrete. but they are things i want to move towards nonetheless.

this year:

• find a job suitable for me which is conducive to family and school. (i think this is secured)
  
• begin school.
• work steps.
• establish a pattern of exercise.
• be more in love w/ charles.
• embrace routine and don't keep bucking it b/c it is 'boring'.
• have three months of living expenses in the bank and don't touch it.
• have an emergency account for car etc.
  

when i'm 40:

• add a kid to our family.
• take regular retreats.
• earn a mater's degree.
• go on a girls weekend.
• purchase a nice leather couch.
• go on a cruise w/ charles.
• have a job teaching in the public schools.

on the less tangible side of things- life has been a mixed bag this year. our year included two life changing 'highlight type things. the arrival of constance and her addition to our family and our trip to nigeria. it also included more financial commitments (mainly a mortgage) and less income than ever before. this has proven stressful!

our hope for the coming year is to walk in peace and assurance that we belong to a God who cares for us and has a purpose for everything in our lives.