Back when I started this thing years ago, I often used it to process my thoughts and plans. So let’s give that a shot again. Below are some goals for the first several months of 2010. With me in school and doing my teaching internship, things are likely to change very rapidly, so I’m only considering the next four months for now. That’s when I graduate and the salad bowl of life is likely to get tossed again. Come May, I’ll look at these again and renew or make adjustments as necessary.

Where relevant I’ve tried to include deadlines for starting and frequency; the more specific and measurable a goal is, the better it is. Without further ado…

Determine plan for Math certification – by graduation

In May I will be able to apply for my license to teach social studies at the middle school and high school levels. In addition to enjoying history, economics, etc., I also knew that this would be the route that got be to graduation fastest. However, in the spirit of the true Renaissance Man, I am also looking to earn my license in mathematics. That is going to require a fair number of math courses, but I’m game. The only reason I stopped when I did as an undergrad is because I could. Besides, I remember my thesis adviser telling me that if I was considered a graduate degree in economics (which is certainly a possibility for the future), then I would need as much math as I could get my hands on.

At this point I’ve got my hands on the information that tells me what I need. The next step is to formulate a plan. I’ll probably need a couple contingencies; I’m trying to dig up some financial help, and I may (or may not) receive job offers for the 2010-11 school year. Also, one of my classmates is doing the same thing, so I might see how much our schedules and plans coincide. The goal, then, is to have a plan. One restriction – and this flows out of some other family goals and plans – is no new debt to make this happen. I’ve got to pay as I go.

Stay on household budget while in school – start now

This may sound like an odd one (Do I get to go OFF budget when I graduate?), but we’re just taking it one season at a time. While I am doing by teaching internship household finances are going to be really tight. Once I’m done, I still don’t know what they are going to be. Staying on a budget is a lifetime goal that Kerri and I are working really hard at, so one season at a time starting with the current season.

Prayer walk neighborhood 1/week – start January

This is about obedience and faithfulness to some impressions received while praying last month. I’ve been slow to follow through on this one (But, God, it’s COLD!), nevertheless it’s time to drop the excuses. My sense is that this is advance work for something else God may do in the ‘hood. Besides, the exercise will do me and Nigel some good.

Morning prayer 6/week – start January

More follow through on some prayer-training I started in the fall. One of the things I’m looking forward to is re-establishing some familiar routines. While I’ve enjoyed being home with the kids for the last five months, I am ready to be up and moving with some place to go in the morning. That routine will help be follow through on this goal. Making space and time to converse with God is going to be a habit for a lifetime.

Complete weekly online course tasks by Wed. of each week – prior to gaming

Although I’m not a big fan of online courses, having taken a couple at Sinclair CC last spring, but I’m taking another one. It will get me closer to my Master’s degree in education while still in that “full-time student” mode. With everything else going on, it will be essential for me to stay on top of things. So, my goal is to complete by tasks for a given week PRIOR to my Wednesday-night gaming. If I’m not done, then I don’t game until they are. (Note: this is someone tentative, since I don’t yet know the nature of the assignments for the class.)

Blog 3/week – start now

This one is about writing, journaling, processing, and connecting. It was a vital part of my life and growth for a number of years. More recently it has taken a backseat, but  I feel as though it is waxing again. This also plays into the next goal…

Create 1/week – start now

I love to create, and I have often pledged to do so regularly only to not. Well, now it’s in writing. In public. There to mock me at some future date should I quit. I started with a short poem last week. I’ve got a couple D&D ideas in the hopper that I can flesh out. No restrictions on what I do; just that I follow the creative impulse.

Clean computer station off completely every week – start now (5 items/day until clean; then maintain)

Now we get into some nitty-gritty stuff. I need order and structure, so I’ve got to keep up with a few things. Here is one of my big procrastinations: The stack of mail and other stuff that piles up next to the laptops. I’ve got to hack my way through the weeds and then keep things tended. A good start was made this week.

Maintain laundry/chores – start now

While home during the fall I started some pretty good routines with the household chores. The goal here it to maintain them through the transition to my internship. A quick vacuum twice a week and laundry day shouldn’t be too hard. Again, I know I need the structure and order, so let’s make it happen.

Bi-weekly date with Kerri – start January

This is probably among the most important. Kerri and I have a habit of running all the big stressers in life – job changes, moves, kids, etc. – together. Right now, there are lots of those. Lots of big ambitions. Lots of plans. Lots of things changing. In order for us to be successful, it is essential that we stay on the same team. (As I discovered this week it may be offense and defense vs. side-by-side on the O-line, but on the same team nonetheless.) To do that we’re going to need a regular date where we can spend a little time, recharge, and regroup.