What do I hope for in 2014? Oh let’s see…Peace in this world, no more hatred, a cure for cancer, our soldiers home from foreign lands, joy for everyone, no more hunger, no more bigotry,  shall I go on? But in my little corner of the world where it’s the small things that I can change I’ll address those little goals and challenges I mentioned a couple of days ago..

Ah yes, those Goals and Challenges.

So here goes.

1. Lose 50 lbs. (I’ll fit in the tiny airplane seats better, I’ll look better and I’ll feel better.)
2. Set up a budget (my job change affected my finances so I need to start putting money aside for the extra’s that pop up.)
3. A photo a day (keeps the camera “TOM” top of mind and will help me continue to improve my skills)
4. Home Improvement ( the little condo just collects clutter. Time to clean it out, shampoo carpets and maybe get the bedroom painted)
5. Plan my vacation (I know, that’s what you are all waiting for )
6. Keep up my blog
7. Work on friendships and personal relationships so they stay strong and healthy.

So the game plan is…

Health/ Weight Loss

1. A before picture taken on the first day plus measurements and weight to be updated in a log monthly.
2. Walk…weather should not be a factor. Start with 1/2 hour daily for month one and evaluate at the end of the month.
3. Eat healthier. Cut back on carbs and increase salads and veggies and good protein.
4. Consider buying a bike in the spring depending on progress.

Finances

1. Open a savings account
2. Deposit $50 per pay period toward expenses like property taxes and time share maintenance fees .
3. Pay off the credit card. The balance snuck up over the holidays.
4. Open a pre paid credit card through AAA for travel and vacation

Hobbies

1. Take the camera on the walks for my daily photo.
2. Upload the best of the day. At the end of the week see which photo got the most hits and save it as  the photo of the week.
3. End of the year make a photo book “Best of 2014”
4. Get a head start on my photo cards for the holidays.
5. Add more Birthday and special occasion cards to the line.

Home Improvement

1. Attack the clutter with a vengeance. If it hasn’t been used in 6 months, get rid of it.
2. Have the carpets shampooed
3. Paint the bedroom
4. Get an cabinet or cupboard to organize my photography gear.

Vacation

1. Pick a location
2. Plan the vacation
3. Share the plans here so my content gets more interesting

Blogs

1. Post daily on Aroundustyroads
2. Post my daily pictures on Dustyroadsphotos
3. Work to keep content fresh and interesting by visiting local attractions between vacations.
4. Increase readership over 2013. No % just an increase will make me happy. At least I know the blog is growing then.

Personal Relations, Friends and Family

1. Work at the relationship. It won’t stay close if ignored.
2. Stay in touch with family. Same thing, you can’t stay close if you ignore each other.
3. Be a friend. Can’t have them unless you’re willing to be one.
4. Lend a hand when needed even if it’s just to listen.

I think that’s enough to keep me busy for 2014.