Published in Intermountain Farm and Ranch January 7, 2011
By this time in January all of my New Years Resolutions have been broken, displaced, abandoned, or ignored. I start out each New Year with a list of things I’m going to accomplish and every year the same thing happens, I don’t follow through. Perhaps I am being too hard on myself, perhaps my resolutions are really unattainable or perhaps I am a procrastinator and like my life the way it is. Whatever, I think I need a plan. What are the things that I want to change?
- My weight - This is something that everyone wants to do, lose weight. Maybe I’d be better off writing down specific things I am willing to do to lose the weight. I am already going to water aerobics, so maybe I could put that down. Is that cheating? It would give me a head start on something I know I will do.
- My lack or organization - It isn’t always easy living on the farm. I have often wished that I could lovingly send my husband off to work at 8 in the morning and greet him, just as lovingly, at 5 or 6 in the evening. Instead, my husband and sons are in and out of the house 24/7. (I still try to do the “lovingly” thing.) It seems sometimes that I am a short-order cook besides being the main gofer and extra hired man. So to become organized is almost impossible. But I could plan menus for the week and have supper organized while I’m fixing breakfast each day. Then when (not if) I’m called out with the cows or spend all day chasing parts, I would have a head start on meals.
- My messy office – I’m not sure anything can be done about that. I share the office with my husband, Boyd, and I’ve decided I’m the best “clutterer”. I have piles everywhere, important stuff: information for taxes; calf weight numbers; bank account statements; etc. I have a hard time throwing things away, but maybe I need to invest in more file folders and get things filed, or a bigger garbage can and use it.
I have a sister who sets three- month’s goals instead of the standard yearly resolutions. This works well for her. I tried that last year and I still have my first three-month list of goals taped up over the computer in my office where I can look at it daily. I have finished or met most of these goals, but never got around to writing up the second three-month list.
As I think about this I believe I will scratch this year’s resolutions list right now. It has been a waste of paper and effort before and nothing has been done so far this year. Instead I am going to resolve to enjoy and appreciate each day as a new opportunity for growth.
- I will look forward to and enjoy the winter storms, the birth of new calves, the long evenings in front of the fireplace and face the challenge of slick roads.
- When spring arrives, I will welcome the sight of the first robin, marvel at the song of the meadow lark, and anticipate the spring cattle drive.
- The long summer days will give me the opportunity to garden, work in the yard, take photos, and have picnics, with the chance of spending time at the ranch and with family.
- Fall time, the time of harvest has always been a time of celebration for me – the hard work is over and we see the fruits of our labors as we harvest our crops, preserve the vegetables from the garden, enjoy the cool evenings and hot days. And we have the added benefit of being able to observe our annual color show when the trees and shrubs put on their fall wardrobes, which prepares us for the black and white of the coming winter.
Yes, I believe I can keep this resolution!
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