Instead of making a resolution list this year, I’m making a What if I list. Because. Because I can. And for fun I’m including some fun photos from the past year.
1. What if I…exercised at least three times a week or more? I might actually lose some weight and fit into my skinny jeans. My daughter read this and asked, “Do you really have skinny jeans?” Then we rushed to the ER to have all her bones reset.
2. What if I… finished the upstairs hall floor? I might not have to explain to every new person that sees it why it looks like that. “You see we trashed the carpet, so we tore it up and then we were going to refinish these, but we just haven’t…., be careful not to trip on that paint can.”
3. What if I… completed decorating Ellen’s room before she graduates from high school? She would not know what to do in a fully decorated room. She might not be able to sleep. She might think we’re selling the house. She won’t notice anyway because she’ll be too busy trying to scratch the itch inside that body cast.
4. What if I… got that molar fixed this year? Then I’ll have to break the habit of running my tongue back and forth over the darn thing.
5. What if I…saved enough money to buy a new camera? I’d probably spend it on something else. Buying a new camera has been on my wish list for awhile and the old KodakEasyshare circa2004 is on it’s last leg. BUT, I don’t know if I can do it. Spending money on a camera, I don’t know.
6. What if I…wrote out a garden plan and stuck to it? I do this every year and then when I get out to the garden and start planting I just go willy-nilly crazy. I’m good at marking things, but I almost never plant what I think I’m going to plant and then I never re-plant. I’m going to do better this year. Maybe I’ll hit up Margaret Roach for some hard core advice again. She’ll set me straight.
7. And lastly...What if I…did something really spectacular this year for my birthday? I mean you only turn 40 once right? I think this year I need to do something more than ask for Clay to make me his amazing carrot cake, although I still want that cake. So, what will it be? I don’t know yet. Obviously, Damn Ramsey will stick a smelly sock in anything elaborate that I want to do, so hmm? I’ll need to think on this one.
Now Darlings, please tell me what some of your What if I’s are, I’m ever so curious.
The End
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I love velvet hats, pigs, kittens, outdoor clothes lines, chickens and old trucks. I think this is my favorite post on your entire blog!
Susan
Wow! I love the “What If” idea instead of the typical old resolutions … this idea may help me in creating my plan of attack for this new year
For now, though: What If … I got all my pesky, flitty ideas together in one cohesive plan for the things I would like to accomplish in the upcoming year?
I love the idea of this post and the pictures are great too!
Let’s see…What if I actually finished cleaning the whole house instead of just one room? Does anyone have a maid that they are not currently using?
What if… I really quit doing what I don’t enjoy and starting doing the things I want to but am afraid of? Hmmm
What if I … Start this Dave Ramsey thing that came in the mail and stick to it… Well, I’d be out of debt wouldn’t I.
What if I … too… work out 3 or more times a week and then fit into my skinny clothes. AND YES! I have skinny clothes though my husband has repeatedly tried to throw them away saying “you’ll never fit into this again”. Thanks, honey, for the encouragement. Love you too!
What if I … Help my husband get his foot out of his mouth and forgive him for such a comment.
What if I tried to worry less about lots of things?
What if I finally got my shit together this year? Well now, that would be a huge pile of poo, wouldn’t it?;o)
Judging from these gorgeous pictures, you should keep your camera and spend that money on your birthday…
Oh, Laurie…the really good shots were taken by Mrs Mama, I should have said that.
I think you are on to something here!
What if I…stopped thinking about him.
What if I…finished the upstairs bathroom.
What if I…TRIED to lose weight, instead of just thought about it!
What if I…stopped talking about it and DID IT!
What if I… planted a garden.
Thanks for the jolt to my introspection!!!
What if I… got all my veggies in a row and planted in plenty of time, and then remembered to cover ‘em up for all those lovely frosts we seem to have (both early and late)?
What if I…followed April and got my butt back in gear fitness wise so I can fit not only in my skinny jeans, but also my normal jeans. : )
I sooo love that pic of you and Clay. I think it might be my favorite ever of the ones you’ve posted.
What if I actually finished every book I started? What if I took my kids to the park more? What if I finally lost my belly fat and would no longer have to buy close to specifically hide my muffin top?
I’m really liking the ‘What If’ list! Ahhh, no pressure… I’m drowning with my husband temporarily working in another state. Augh! The picture of you and Clay makes my heart swoooon – so sweet!
What if I stopped using the baby as an excuse and upped my cleaning from oh, once a month to say, once a week?
What if I dusted the piano more than just when the piano tuner was about to knock on the door?
What if I found a way every day to encourage my husband and children?
What if I started a small business, doing what I love? What if I got back in shape and ran the NYC Marathon? What if we adopted an orphan? What if I started reading the Bible again? What if I looked at each day as full of possibilities, rather than full of obstacles to plow through?
great idea the ‘what if..’
what if I actually got those hens I have a coop for
what if I stopped eating chocolate for breakfast (and had eggs?!?)
what if I stopped blogging from work (scratch that!)
What if:
we actually moved like we have been talking about for 6 years?
I exercised daily?
I blogged regularly?
I REALLY cleaned the house?
Oh, the possibilities.
Loved it! Especially Ellen’s response to item one…my teenager made a similar statement recently…
Jenni in KS, I nearly pee’d my pants at your comment!
Oh and April, buy the camera…you seriously won’t regret it.
I LOVE this post and the pics are fabulous. Especially love the laundress in skirt and heels.
What if I … actually made the move from cold Canadian prairie to mild, rainy, lush, lovely Canadian west coast.
What if I went to church on Sunday instead of work?
What if I called my friends more often.
What if I moved back to California?
I love this post! Is there a good place to zip-line in Kansas? My whole family has done it twice in Texas. It’s lots of fun for everyone and not too expensive, considering it’s not something you do all the time! It would be a memorable 40th, and we’d love to see the pics and hear about it.
What if I finally lost the weight before I turn 50 this year, since I have already committed to chaperoning my son’s choir trip to France? What if I started believing that I am actually going to France, my first ever trip abroad, and my reward to myself for turning 50 and finally (after years of separation), getting the divorce.
Love this post (and the awesome pics)
what if I could avoid junk food?
(I could lose that baby weight by the time he’s 2!)
what if I spent real money to get a swanky haircut?
(I’d be cuter but my pocketbook would be lighter)
what if I had the time for reading?
(I’d read all of those lovely books I’ve neglected)
what if I were brave enough to quit my boring and tedious (though steady and dependable) job as a technical writer to do something fun and fulfilling?
(hmmm, well the first few weeks would be blissful… but we wouldn’t have health insurance and after a bit we’d also be missing heat and low on food…)
Guess I’d better get back to it! Oh well, maybe next year!
What if I stopped going to that Devil place called Target, and started paying off my bills.
What if I ate only gluten free, so I would feel good and have the energy to do what I want to do.
What if I tried to stop drinking Coke. I’ve tried before, but maybe I shouldn’t have any in the house this time.
What if I stopped telling myself I am too much of this and not enough of that and just thank God for creating me how I am.
Laura,
I kicked my Coke habit in ’09. (And I mean the soda variety!!) I drink seltzer. Drank the flavored stuff and now drink the unflavored. Is great with a twist of lime, lemon or orange. No calories, no caffeine, no sugar. Love the stuff!!! And none of the guilt of the soda. I just needed the bubbles!!
What if….
I actually used the Wii fit I got for Christmas
I started putting extra money into the savings account
I actually organized the garage and basement
I could go on and on…great concept. I like it!
What if I finished everything I started?
What if I got a tattoo? I would do my lips.
What if I went blonde? I’m thinking it would be easier to keep up with my gray roots…Other than my natural dark roots would show!
What if I…Hmmm, I’m sure I can think of more. I may be back!
Aw, April, I have really missed you making me smile! My granddaughter was in an accident before Christmas and I’m just now getting around to reading my favorite blogs; you’re first!!
Have you gotten around to reading the book yet? Just wondering; I know it’s been a busy time for everyone!
Love your what if’s – I’m too tired to think of any at the moment.
Love the non-resolutions idea!
So what if .. I actually make my husband’s lunch each morning? We might actually save some money!
What if … I spoke more gently to my girls? They might actually like that!
I love this post! Love the picture, especially of you and Clay!
What if I actually got serious about losing weight instead of just thinking about it. Then I could go buy some skinny jeans (I don’t think I’ve had skinny jeans since the 4th grade!)
What if I was more positive this year and looked on the bright side? My husband wouldn’t know who I was if I was less pessimistic. (Add that to a body wearing skinny jeans and he’d wonder who is this woman in my house?) Haha!
what if I actually did the dishes and did not wait for my husband to do them? That’s my biggest one but there are lots. April you are fabulous!
Wonderful, wonderful post and pictures, as always!
What if I became the person I know God intends me to be?
What if I stopped worrying so much about what others think?
What if I forgave myself?
What if I kept my doctors appts?
What if I took a vacation alone?
What if?
What if….I embraced the life I have instead of wishing so many things were different. What if….I counted my blessings everyday.
I’ve always had the “What if” I could take all the calories I’ve ever consumed eating ice cream off of my body? Then I wouldn’t exist. So, I guess my “What if” whould be what if I eat less ice cream, more salad and exercise every day?
Or maybe what if I took the time to proof things before I hit submit?
What if… every time someone walked into my house, they actually said or thought, “Ahhh.” Not because of “things,” but because it was truly a warm, inviting, comfortable environment. Not just a house full of kids, their friends, my husband and two beagles, but a “home” in every sense of the word.
Love the “what if?” idea
what if I painted everyday (art, not walls
what if I continue to learn the ukulele
what if we finish our kitchen ourselves
what if I prayed much more
what if I workout 3+ times a week
what if I were more energetic with my 3 teenagers and a toddler
Thank you April! It was fun to see this in print. I hope to stick to it!
What if I stuck to the meal plan I create every month? We’d save money by not eating out and we’d empty the two freezers!
What if I stopped worrying about what I looked like and started worrying about being healthy? I’d feel better and teach my children good eating habits.
What if we FINALLY got out of debt (yes, we’re on the Damn Ramsey plan too)? We could finally put siding on the house!
What if we actually cleaned our dirty dungeon basement and made a play/arts and crafts room? I wouldn’t have to complain about hundreds of farm animals and tractors being spilled over the floor. And I could say “Everyone to the playroom” and get a moment to fold laundry w/out six extra hands helping me!
What if having our baby in June wouldn’t create too much havoc in our lives? Who cares if he/she creates havoc – it will be totally worth it!
What if I…add another workout to my week (I currently do one)?
What if …this homeschooling thing works out great for me and my Kindergarten baby?
What if I…like working part time and decide to be a full-time Mom?
what if I listened to my heart?
what if I stepped on that Wii fitness board?
April, here’s what you do for your birthday – go buy that camera!! You’re right – you only turn 40 once.
( Don’t tell Ramsey – I am a corrupting influence I know! Scoot – start researching cameras!)
what if, every day, I acted bolder?
What if I put myself first one day a week?
What if I just ate healthily and patiently see what happens instead of crash dieting?
What if I could convince all the women of the world to admit that their house doesn’t always look like that, that they have spent hours getting it ready for your visit?
What if I went back to my habit of doing one new thing every year. I seem to have stopped 2 years ago?
What if I smiled in the mirror and said “you look great!” instead of “Sheesh I must (lose weight/pluck eyebrows/stop these wrinkles etc.)
Can you imagine?????
Oh my you’re funny! Only you would end this post with a chicken butt!
I love all of your “What if I…”. I think mine would be,What if I got proper rest each day (or rather night) so I could tackle the projects of the day with a full head of steam?
What if I finished all my closet projects. Meaning, all the ones I’ve stuffed in the closet and forgotten about! I’m a fan of a new camera for your 40th birthday. You would LOVE it!
I have just started reading your blog and I love it. I too am turning forty this year. I have always said “Fit before Forty”, but what if I just said “Fat before Forty. It seems much easier don’t ya think?
What if I finally get more than six readers on my blog this year….will my original six readers feel like I’ve abandoned them with my fame? What if I write about something that isn’t random…should I change the name of the blog?
Love this idea. Super fun.
What if I actually got the parts of the house I plan on painting – I hired the gutting of the playroom done – instead of saying I’m going to do it this year.
What if I actually planned my garden during the winter…
What if I actually went walking every day… looks at the white stuff outside… sigh…
I am planning on cooking better. Not necessarily more nutritious b/c I am careful about that, but just different. Experiment more, new recipes beyond the meat, potatoes and veggies.
I am trying to deal with the “coulda, woulda, shoulda” list. And not lose my sanity to the crap at the school…
I love this idea, but am going to have to think about it. There are quite a few “what ifs” and I need to prioritize.
Here’s one for you — what if for your birthday you have a huge potluck in your yard for all your friends. Tell them you’ll provide the … (something easy like iced tea) and let them bring the rest. I’ve done this in my back yard and they’ve been some of my best birthdays. I love seeing friends from different parts of my life get to know each other. Everyone has a great time. And besides mowing and setting up a few tables and chairs, I have hardly anything to do but have fun.
*sigh* What if I actuall sent my samples in? What if I actually did more than just add up the weight watchers points?
Firstly, I hope you know how fabulous your legs look in that hanging laundry picture.
What if I got up just 30 minutes earlier each morning so that we weren’t running out the door late every day with me yelling at everyone? Boy, I would love to succeed at this one.
What if I did a load of laundry each day instead of piles of it on the weekends? I might actually enjoy my weekend.
What if I spent just a little time each evening on a home improvement project (many to choose from) instead of thinking I just can’t do it because it would take too long to complete?
What if my legs looked like April’s legs? Wow, the possibilities are endless…….