In 2016
I’m not usually one for making New Year’s resolutions, but here are a few things I would like to do in the coming year.
I would like to learn how to play the guitar. It’s been on my mind for a few years now and I have not taken any steps to actually commit to this task. I would like to make this a priority. What I will do so that I can learn how to play the guitar in 2016:
- Set aside at least 30 mins a day to practice
- Watch online tutorials for beginners
- Commit to learning a song with Maia
Leo has inspired me to learn a language. He’s always wanted us to try to learn key phrases leading up to a trip so that we could at the very least, greet people. I was always hesitant because I felt silly not really knowing how to pronounce words. I’ve been thinking about it and I think that I am going to start with Chamorro. It’s the native language of my people and I would like to make an effort to learn. Here is what I will do in order to learn Chamorro in 2016:
- Read books
- Listen to podcasts/language tapes (although this may be difficult because there may not be any out there if so then I will listen to Chamorro music).
- Write letters in Chamorro
I am always saying that I would like to read more. My idea in the past was that I would read at night before I go to sleep. This is not so easy for me because when I am in my bed, my body and mind immediately say good night. My plan for being able to read more in 2016 is:
- Create a list of at least 12 books to read
- Commit to reading every book on my list before I jump into something that is not on my list.
- Go up to bed with a glass of wine and read for about 30 mins. Do this at around 9:30
- Read in the morning before I log onto my computer. After I meditate.
I have been reluctant to go for a run because I like the comfort of being indoors during the winter. I think though, that if I commit to running at least twice a week (to start) I will see better results in my body which I have been struggling with for a while now (mostly my belly fat). So as well as my weight training with Maia and Chloe, I will start running regularly in 2016. Here’s how I plan on doing it:
- Dress in warm running clothes
- Run in the morning at around 9 am. I think that this is a decent time seeing that it’s winter and probably colder before then.
- Commit to running once a week with Seth Noelle and Maia
- Find and commit to a 5K (will have to look up schedule online)
- Find and commit to running a 10K (will have to look up dates online)
I am ashamed to admit it, but I have not done as much as I wanted to in helping the kids learn fun and interesting things. I would like to do more project based work with the kids in 2016. I would also like to be better at checking in with them at the end of the day. Here is what I propose: (although, this may change later)
- Make a list to start with as suggestions for topics to research/create.
- Sit with the kids and make a list of all of the things they would like to do/know/learn.
- Commit to working on one project every day for a month.
- Make a timeline and schedule
- Meet with them in the evening to discuss any setbacks or progress
- Check in with kids at 8pm every evening to discuss project and other work they have
- Keep a journal
We are an unschooled family, and I’d like to take advantage of the ability to learn and grow with my kids.