Goals for 2013 Part 3

I have decided that as I accomplish the other goals that I have posted in this series I will continue to add more.

1. Yesterday I rearranged my kitchen cabinets. I donated some items I wasn't using. My goal now is to maintain my new organization system. This way I am less likely to repurchase something I already own that I can't find. After washing dishes, I will put things back in their place. I will clean the dining table before going to bed. No one wants start the day looking at a junky table. This will help with being motivated to eat breakfast as well.
•  I will purchase one more shelving unit to use as a pantry. This will be needed if I plan to do canning this summer.
2.  An old goal of mine was to reduce my trash down to one bag a month. I want to work towards this again. Currently we go through one about every two weeks or so. Most of what ends up getting thrown away is plastic packaging. This ties in with another goal I have of reducing the amount of plastic we purchase. (Isn't it interesting how it is all interrelated?)
• Recently I have been using a lot of sugar that I did not buy it in bulk. This has contributed to some of the trash. I will locate a source of bulk U.S. grown raw sugar cane (preferably organic.) Do you know a source? Using alternatives like local honey, stevia, and agave will help too.
• Another factor is that we got a kitten recently. I have found a kitty litter that is flushable and safe for the septic system though. Once she has used up the old stuff, we will make the switch. This will be very helpful in reducing the amount of waste.
• I will do a better job at the store of looking for packaging that I can reuse or at least recycle. More of my food this summer will come from the garden rather then the store.
3. I will post on my blog at least two days per week. I will include more details with pictures. 
•  I like when I read a blog that is one full page. If it is any longer, then I tend to get bored, and if it is any shorter, then it doesn't seem to have enough information. One page length will be my goal.
4. I will get an "A" in both of the classes I am taking towards my MBA. 
• My set study times will be used as they were intended.
•  I will break large assignments down so that I am not up to midnight the night before they are due.
5. Weekly I will do something special with my child. This could be combined with number 11.
6. Eat a healthy breakfast sitting down (not while on the run.) This could include green tea, homemade sourdough bread, fruit, etc.
• Get a starter for this. 
7. I have allowed my budget to slip. This is not something I am okay with happening. Starting in Feb, I will be back on track. I found an example online that I like better than the version I was currently using.
• Some unexpected expenses with the car caused a lot of stress and grief. This should be addressed in the budget.
• Research other insurance companies since USAA refuses to separate the due dates of the various insurances I have through them. This is very frustrating and difficult to budget. Look for a local agent.
8. The spices I use regularly I will grow if possible from seed. This is way more affordable than buying organic ones in the store. I will use the two drying racks that I already have for drying them. I will expand the number I keep in the window through winter to 5.   
9. I will collect seed from at least 5 different kinds of plants. This will save on next years garden budget. I read someplace that you should collect seeds from at least 20 tomato plants. This means that it will require some time set aside for this.
10. I want to learn to propagate some trees of Upstate New York. I have found a variety of websites with a wealth of information. Seed collection from trees needs to be done mostly in the fall. 
• Eastern Redbud
• Honey Locust
• Red Oak
• White Oak
11. Find entertainment that is free. Do you have any ideas?
• Visit a different local attraction or festival monthly during spring and summer.
• Go on a picnic.
• Running on country roads.
12. Learn something new a month. Maybe study a language, a skill, or a game.
13. Take better care of my teeth. I will floss more regularly than I have been recently. I am researching alternatives to plastic in floss. Dentist recently gave me some wood toothpicks shaped for going between teeth not pointed.