the clean slate: goals for 2009

i liked how short and sweet my list of resolutions was last year, so i had to work to pair down my goals (not using the word 'resolutions' this year) for 2009:

1. get back on and stick to body for life. that goes for our household.
2. continue letting go, in whatever sense of the word feels right.
3. have a weekly date night together, just mike and i, after the kids are in bed. no tv. no computer.
   
4. inspired by a family doing a no-spend year, mike and i want to make this a no buying new (NBN) year. mike and i are both on board with the guidelines below. i haven't asked what his motivation is (other than my interest and excitement), but mine is both ecological and economical. i cannot decide which is of greater priority to me right now, so i will try and keep both in mind as i make purchases, and be reassured that NBN is a significant little step to improving both our earth and our personal finances.
   

NBN guidelines:

1. the following new items are allowed:

• groceries (including toiletries)
  
• medical
• underwear
• socks
• shoes (yes, seems like a cheat, but we have a thing with bad feet)
• services
  
• certain renovation/home materials if mutually agreed upon
• some gifts (although homemade is preferable)
• other items only after a significant search for an appropriate or similar used item or borrowed item
  

2. if we must buy new, we need to try individual, local, and/or handmade sellers first
3. we are allowed to use gift cards

we reserve the right to adjust these rules as necessary, although we are already being tested. the shower head fell apart yesterday and my kitchen aid mixer broke the day before.

so, follow along and wish us luck!


EDITED on December 20, 2009 to say:
we have been incredibly successful with all but #1. mike has gotten in better shape and lost weight, but i have not. and i miss the way exercise makes me feel, physically and emotionally. so i will be asking for encouragement to shove me back on the fitness wagon in 2010!