To-Do List for 2012

It’s that time of year – who knows what we’ll get done in the coming year, but here are some goals I’m setting for myself!

1.) Tackle and blog about more DIY and house projects.

We’ve done more here than I’ve posted about in the last year. We added a whole house water filter, did a lot of clean-up in the yard, started work on a patio, and other such projects. Did I blog about them? No. Doug asked recently why I don’t blog about the cool stuff he does around here, and I didn’t have a good answer! I’d like to, I just haven’t...

Doug working on our new headboard and getting frustrated that I’m taking pictures “like he’s a movie star or something”

2.) Finish the bathroom.

Setting a high goal for myself here, haha! It was on the list last year and yeah, didn’t happen. We had some unexpected expenses, got pregnant, ran into health issues, and it just wasn’t top priority. It’s a small room, we have a lot of the supplies already, and it can be done for cheap. I’d like to get it finished and get the grossness out of my house. 😉

Yikes. Would you keep these sconces, or update?
I have not been able to find sconces for them, if that helps with your decision...

3.) Replace carpet and laminate tile with wood flooring.

Another big one here! The berber carpet and laminate tile are gross and need to go. Our previous owners had CATS. Cats. Do you know what cats + a carpet older than you equals? A carpet that you probably need to get out of your house right now.

I’ll be patient if this doesn’t happen, like it didn’t for the last 2.5 years, but I’m hoping it does!

If this happens, then we’ll also be installing big fat trim around our windows,  doors, and baseboards. I told Doug it’s a package deal and if we’re budgeting for one, we’re budgeting for both. He agreed. 🙂

Poor frog, doesn’t even know what’s in that gross carpet...

4.) Improve my time management.

This was on my list from last year, I think it’s just something I can always work on. I’d like to figure out a good, flexible schedule and stick to it. Budget time spent on the computer. Create designated times for me to “work.”  Get a calendar. You know...

5.) Clear out the clutter, organize the chaos.

Another one from last year, but I think I’ve come a long way since then. Through the 40 Bags in 40 Days, I cleaned out 47 bags o’ crap! Throughout the year, I’ve gone thrifting a lot less, learned to be detached, and started decorating with only the things I love (not to fill a space, because it was cheap, or “looked pretty”).

This year, I’d like to get better with organization and putting the “put it away now!” rule into effect. No more piles and shifting it all around...

I’ll be starting on the 40 bags in 40 days on Wednesday, February 22nd, with the start of Lent. Regardless of whether or not you celebrate lent, I’d love to have you join me. It’s a great way to challenge yourself. 🙂

6.) Paint some trim white!

Before dark trim gets too popular and I decide to keep it, lol. It’ll make our small house look larger and brighter, and I’ve been wanting to do it and blogged about it a million times or so since we moved in. No more excuses, this is the year. 😉

7.) Entertain more often, spend more time with family, plan fun activities.

With a tiny baby in the house, we’re in hibernation mode. But he gets older, I’d like to get out and about. Ya’ll are invited to our house if you live nearby, no excuses. Life is too short and we need to hang out. NOW.

8.) Waste less food, plan meals.

This is a pet peeve of mine, yet we still end up wasting food. I think the second part while help with the first. I’d like to waste less stuff in general.

9.) Use more power tools.

‘Cause it’d be cool... Uhh uhh uhhhh

10.) Get better at answering emails, responding to comments, and visiting your blogs.

I feel like I’ve lost touch with a lot of people that I really liked connecting with as a result of this. It makes me sad. 🙁

I’m bad at answering emails. I’m not on twitter as much as I’d like. I don’t respond to comments as often as I’d like.

Sure I’m busy, but you guys are too. On my end, I enjoy reading your comments and hearing from you; every time my Outlook dings and I read them I get giddy. But in thinking about it, my lack of response probably gives the impression that I don’t care or am rude.

That couldn’t be farther from the truth and for that, I am sorry.

What’s on your to-do list for this new year?