As I stated in the last post on this topic, this year was definitely a learning experience. We'll host one month, winner takes all each month challenges next time we do this. My visions are often grander than what can actually be achieved. My personal 2010 challenge is to tackle projects and goals which can realistically be met... More of a resolutation than a challenge, I suppose.
The year will be over in several hours, but we're not done yet. Most of us have a long weekend ahead of us and it could be a good time to get started on the items below. This challenge is designed so that you'll be uber-prepared to tackle the new year. You have until January 20 to achieve the tasks below. The winner of the 2009 SpouseBUZZ Challenge will be announced in early February.
- Compose an AAR of this holiday season. I'm sure your holiday items were a breeze to get out and up this year given that many of you organized them in January, but let's focus on everything else. Christmas Cards, parties hosted or attended, presents purchased, travel, etc. No matter how prepared I think I am for the holidays, there are always things that pop up. For instance, I couldn't find a recipe for a dish I wanted to bring to a holiday party and had to make something else. I only had one "just in case" gift on hand to give and I needed two, so I had to run out, along with 20,000 of my closest friends, and purchase one. I wanted to bake some yummy chocolate cherry bread as gifts for the postman, the pool service technician, etc and my yeast churner was missing from my bread maker (must have happened during the move). I couldn't order one that arrived in time. You get the idea. Write down what went wrong, what worked and what you need to be prepared for next year. Place your list in a folder or somewhere it will be easy to find next year when you need it.
- A civilian friend of mine passed away this year and his wife had a terrible time trying to crack the codes on passwords for their financial accounts, and other items. Military spouses are generally pretty good about these kinds of things, but now would be a good time to sit down with your spouse or someone you trust to handle your affairs if you become incapacitated and make sure everyone knows what's what, where important material is kept, how to access it if they need to do so on your behalf, or how you access it if you need to do so on their behalf.
- Now would be a good time to check batteries in smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, etc. Change passwords on computers, accounts, alarms, etc if you haven't done so recently and feel that you should do it.Per the item above, make sure anyone who may need codes, passwords, etc knows what they are. Check automobile logs and see if your cars need oil changes, 30,000 miles ervicing, etc. Do air conditioners, heaters, fireplaces need to be cleaned and serviced? Take care of inspections, servicing of cars, equipment, etc.
- Make a list of things that you want/need to accomplish in 2010, but be realistic. Not fishing for a resolution list here, although your list could include things like losing weight, etc., but I'm more focused on things like financial goals, organizational goals, etc. Things that make life easier, things that allow you to focus more on friends and family and less on other items.
You have 21 days, make it count. Be creative. Show 2010 that you are the one in charge. Report progress here in the comment section, and send any pertinent photos in. Rules here.
I'll post the prize package next week.
