Falling into October

I cannot believe it is already October.  September seemed to fly by and now we are getting ready to conferences and for fall weather.  Along with a new month marks a time to check in with my goals for the year.

Financial Wellness 

By the end of 2013, we would like to pay off over 20% of the current outstanding debt on our house.  To do this Anna and I will continue to work together with our finances find more opportunities to earn and save more money.  We have also considered looking at selling our house, since we probably have a larger house then we really need. 

UPDATE:  During the month of September we were able to knock another month off of our mortgage through saving and cutting expenses.  One of the expenses I am looking forward to shrinking is my cell phone bill starting in November when I switch carriers to save on my monthly fee.  We now will be debt free no later than February 1, 2016 (in 29 months)!

Physical Wellness 

By the end of 2013 I would like to be back at my pre-broken foot weight. 

UPDATE: I barely made my short term goal for September, but still am on track.  In order to stay on track I will need to lose 7.6 more pounds during the month of October.  I know it will be tough, but I am committed to making it happen!  In addition, part of our district wellness program has me tracking the amount of water I consume each day for the month of October.  I hope it helps me focus on staying hydrated and healthy! 

Intellectual Wellness 

My goal for 2013 is to read at least 100.  As Charlie Jones said, "Five years from today, you will be the same person that you are today, except for the books you read and the people you meet."  I want to read some good books, so that I can be a better person five years from now. 

UPDATE:  I have currently read 74 books in 2013 and as always working on several other ones.  I have fallen behind pace by 1 books - but several of the books I am reading are ones that you read throughout the whole year (my devotional/the Bible) so those will help me finish strong at the end.  I still would like to use October's 31 days as an opportunity to get ahead of the ultimate pace again though. 

Emotional Wellness 

I will continue to blog about my throughs and feelings at least once a week throughout 2013. I will also post additional content on my blog's facebook page.  

UPDATE:  I have done this consistently   I will still keep working on two post each week, but realize that if I end up with only one I am still successful. 

Spiritual Wellness 

After finishing reading the Bible again in 2012, I plan on starting over in 2013.  In addition to reading the Bible, I will be using Tony Dungy's The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge for my personal quiet time in 2013.  

UPDATE:  I am doing well for my own quiet time and even have started a new study as a couple through our church, but have not done a good job leading in family devotions.  While I am still committed to doing a better job at this, I am knocking it off of my goals to do 5 times a week for the rest of the year.  It has been a struggle to line up our family schedules 5 times a week.  I think in the end it is more important to live out and talk about Biblical principles throughout your life than the time - but still want to create that habit for William too so will start recommitting to one time of week of intentional family Bible time.