I told you I make a lot of these. In case you missed them, here are the first five. The fun part of my list is I get to try them out and then, once Chinese New Year rolls around—February 5th this year—I’ll do some editing. If you ask me, you can never have too many New Years 😀.
#6 Grow Net Worth
This is pretty much the name of the game here at LBYM, making this the New Year’s resolution equivalent of writing Make daily to-do list … on my daily to-do list. On the last day of the year, I tally up our household Net Worth, adjusting the values of all assets and liabilities to reflect their current market value. Some of these values—such as those for vehicles or real estate—are estimates (thank you, Kelley Blue Book), but others (e.g. retirement accounts, loan balances) are more exact.
I understand the stock market has been a hot mess lately. While no one likes to see investment values drop, from a keeping-your-2019-resolution standpoint, a nadir on December 31, 2018, isn’t the worst thing ever. From a keeping-your-2018-resolution standpoint … eh.
#7 Spend one-on-one time each week with my two older kids
When they’re together, it really is like Lord of the Flies, but by themselves, they can be, dare I say it, rather charming. The other day, for example, my six-year-old asked to do math worksheets 😍.
And my daughter is halfway to college … or whatever “college” will be in 2027. Maybe it’s time to start imparting those important life lessons. The key to happiness is … low expectations. Also, know when to give up.
Kid: *nods sagely*
If you see me with one of them at Burger King and they are playing Pokémon Go on my phone, you’ll know we’re having our quality time.
#8 Buy female
Women-owned businesses account for 39% of all U.S. firms, but only 4% of total revenues. The reasons behind this rather dismal statistic are many, but I know it’s not because women can’t deliver a product or service as well as anyone else. This year, I’m putting my money where my mouth is and directing my dollars to women—things produced by women and companies owned and run by women, especially women of color. Ladies, let’s support each other!
I am sure it’s just a coincidence that the best chocolates ever are made by a woman here in Madison.
#9 Read a book a week
Checked out from the local library, of course. I can hardly bring more items into the house with my vow to throw stuff out (cf. #2). Likely topics in 2019—Instant Pot recipes, Taiwan, KonMari, titles by women, and … lots and lots of trucks (courtesy of endless one-on-one time with my youngest).
#10 Be grateful for all things
A perennial resolution, but if ever I needed this reminder, it was in 2018. Thank you for being part of the LBYM family. I wish you and yours a wonderful 2019!