An Early Start

I have already decided on my New Year Resolutions--

• Get organized, and stay that
• Stop smoking

These are big goals for me.  Something I struggle with daily.  I personally believe that for your "resolutions" to happen, you must get a head start on them.  You can't expect it to all fall into place on January 1st without preparation.  I feel you should spend November and December planning, preparing, researching.  And that's exactly what I am doing.

Yesterday I officially began the organizing part.  I'm totally caught up on laundry.  I'm proud to say, my baskets are NOT filled with clean clothes, or dirty.  I will admit, I have dirty clothes in the hamper, and I may wash them later.  But they are small loads.  Normally I wait until I can do a large load.  Today, I completely cleaned up the kitchen.  OK, that's a lie.  My table is still covered.  But, it always will be.  The best I can do there is keep it organized, which it is.

I spent some time yesterday looking up cleaning routines others used.  I think I found one I like, but I need to alter it a bit.  It will serve as an "idea routine", to help me create my own.  Which I plan to do later today.  I hate clutter.  I hate being "the dirty family".  I have so much clutter (which isn't actually mine, but is my husband's haha).  I'm working hard on clearing this clutter, or at least organizing it better.

I need to stop smoking.  I have done it before.  Back in July 2009.  And I lasted until November 2009, when temptation around a house full of smokers was too much.  I tried quitting again a few months ago, and soon realized my addiction was worse.  I was no longer simply addicted to the habit, I was addicted to the nicotine.  By day 3 I was so spazzed out that my husband had to stay home from work that morning.  It was a terrible experience, and I do not wish to experience it again.

I'm happy to report, today I scheduled an appointment with my PCP.  I told them I needed to be seen for pain management (I should add that to my list, but it's not that simple) and to discuss starting Chantix.  And, because I joined the "Breathe" coaching program through my insurance company, the prescription will be free of charge.  I know how terrible this sounds.  You're probably thinking "If you can afford your cigarettes  you can afford the cessations".  It's not that simple.  To simply start a patch and toss the cigarettes is terrifying.  I need to know that it is OK to "cheat".  You can't do that with the patches or gum.  But, with Chantix, you can.  It helps to wean you off the addiction slowly, instead of all at once.  I'm excited!  Just 5 more days until this appointment.

Have you made your New Year Resolution yet?  What is it?  Are you doing anything to prepare for it NOW?  Have you decided a plan of action to help you stay on track?

If you have any organizing tips, please share them!  I'm opened to ideas.  I hate looking at an area and becoming so overwhelmed with the task that I get no where.  I'd love to hear your cleaning routines, food organization, tips, tricks, etc.  What about all those papers your children bring home from school?  How long do you keep them before safely disposing of them?