I always talk about trying your best, but I have noticed that lately I have not been trying my best. I work from home, so it is easy to lose focus (i.e. I'm writing this blog during the workday) and motivation. If I did try my best our life would be organized, our house would be clean, and I wouldn't feel so much animosity about wedding aftermath (thank yous, unopened gifts, gifts that need returned, etc).

So, as a list lover, Brandon and I made an URGENT list of stuff that has been weighing on our minds that really need to get done. It just always feels like after a day of work and then trying to keep up with the regular stuff, we just feel like laying around. And it doesn't help at all that it gets dark so early. So in an attempt to motivate myself to keep moving-I have hung the URGENT list up on my bulletin board above my desk and look at frequently to remind myself that there is plenty to do, so I really should get off of facebook and youtube and just get something done. So far, it works (we made the list last night).

Our URGENT list looks like this:
-buy a new vehicle
-post items on ebay
-Tab: finish name change paperwork
-scholarship
-Christmas shopping
-B: order contacts
-Close old checking acct.
-Order wedding photo CD
-FINISH WEDDING THANK YOUS
-Meet with my mom about savings money
-Put all wedding gifts away
-organize the basement

Brandon and I are in the works for starting a scholarship at our high school which is pretty exciting (see above). We would like the money to go to a student who has served as a role model for younger students and are asking them to answer one question, "What is one thing that has changed for the better because of you" while at the school. I am interested to read the responses from kids:)

I also visited at the Boys&Girls' club this week and looooooooved it. I am hoping to start volunteering in the new year and tutoring at least twice a week. I already have hopes of starting a book club there too. The whole idea of the Boys&Girls Club is inspiring. You can read up on it at: http://www.bgca.org/

We also made a list of "Things to do before 2009" on our way home from our honeymoon (in October, it's not looking so good at this point), also hanging above my desk.
-Organize office
-Organize basement
-Plan Flagler trip
-Buy a vehicle
-Look into the Boys&Girls Club (volunteering)- DONE!
-Train Lola for no biting
-Save Money
-Think of new hobbies and ways to spend time together (make wine, play games, gym!!)
-Start 2 new traditions -DONE!
-Make "Studer" frame

I should probably make an URGENT list for my soul too, it would look like this:
-go to church
-go to Yoga
-read more
-volunteer
-create monthly volunteer chart
-clear out the clutter!!
-CALL YOUR FRIENDS
-make a non-working visit to NYC
-plan summer vacation

yea, I'm going to add the Soul list to my bulletin board and hope that the drive to check things off pushes me to try my best, everyday.