Monday, January 7, 2008

FOCUS

Today I am home alone... for the first time since Christmas. DD is back to school and hubby is back to work and it's just me. And so, I have had some time for thought and reflection. I've been thinking about 2008 and what this new year may bring. I've been reflecting on my new year's resolutions AND I've been thinking about my "word for the year" - something I decided to do when I read Trudee's post here.
My new year's resolution? To spend more time on the important things and less on what's not! And my word for 2008, after MUCH thought, is FOCUS.
I think they go hand in hand!



Focus (fō'kəs)
1. To cause to converge on or toward a central point; concentrate.
2. To adjust one's vision or an optical device so as to render a clear, distinct image.
To adjust to produce a clear image.
3. To direct toward a particular point or purpose: focused all their attention on finding a solution to the problem.
4. To concentrate attention or energy: a campaign that focused on economic issues.



Focus is exactly what I have lacked of late. Some days I just kind of wander around my house and do a lot of what a dear friend of mine calls piddling. But no more. I am determined to have focus!
Here is a little something I made today for my friend. These little notebooks come 2 in a pack from Target and are so easy to alter. This took me only a few minutes.







Stamps
: Autumn Leaves Swirls, sentiment by Hampton Art
Ink: Palette Black
Paper: Basic Grey "Perhaps", Black


Did you see? My counter went over 25,000? WOWSERS! I want to say thank you for continuing to visit my little blog. How about a little LOVE candy? I'm planning to add some ribbon as well, but already had the picture taken.

Here it is:


Leave me a comment here telling me what your word for 2008 would be OR tell me your new year's resolution(s). I'll randomly draw a winner on Friday the 11th!
Have a great day, friends!
~Angel


56 comments:

Jan Scholl said...

I am planning on a fall marathon but one word for now? Sleep-I need to learn how to sleep normal. Its been so long since this insomnia took over-even when I am sick, I cant sleep.

Shelby said...

Congrats on the 25,000 hits!!
I've been thinking about the "Word of the Year" a lot in the last week, and on Saturday decided that mine is "GROWTH". Personal, not physical, hopefully! ;)

Kelly said...

I'm thinking my word of the should be
"Beauty" to find beauty in all things, i am such a negative think I need to work on seeing the beauty in all things

Unknown said...

my word for the year is COMPLETE....I have so many things that I need to COMPLETE!

~Shade of my Heart~ said...

Hi Angel! What an awesome idea!!! After much thought, I have to say I'm going to say my "Word for the Year" is MYSELF. I've focused so much on my family and others, that I've neglected myself. I know it may sound selfish, but I can't take care of those around me, especially the new little one due soon, if I don't start taking care of ME first! I won't neglect my family, but I need to realize I'm important, too!

Anonymous said...

WORD for the year....hmmmmm....how about acceptance...of others, of my limitations whatever they are, of my abilities, of time constraints.
Yeah that's a good one.
Mary Puskar

Alex said...

Congrats Angel on you hits - your blog rocks and we all love to visit! Your word is perfect for the New Year! I have been reflecting as well and one of my biggest goals for this year is to RELAX - I take everything soooo seriously and freak out if something is not done right away and I feel I need to enjoy life a little more and not take everything so seriously. So, there you have it! Happy New Year! *STAMPIN HUGS* Alex

Anonymous said...

My word is stressfree---my goal is to rid my life of as much stress as possible.
Linda Peterson
craftylin1968@aol.com

Anonymous said...

Healthy!!!
I am starting Weight Watchers on Thursday. I need to cook healthier for my family and my newly-diagnosed Diabetic husband!
THanks for the chance at blog candy!

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your hits! It's a wonderful mile stone to celebrate. If I had to choos a word...it would have to be "CHANGE". My resolution was to make changes to better my life.

Patti Gingrich said...

Good for you Angel! On the milestone and on your choice of words for the year. My word is "simplicity". You can check out the details here: http://pureinkspiration.blogspot.com/ Thanks for the chance at the goodies!

Tracy.H said...

Love the notebook! I am with you on the 'Focus' part. but I think my word would be 'Happiness'. I want to 'focus' on being more positive and finding happiness in all areas of my life. That's not much to ask for is it? ;0)

MissaTooU said...

Congratulations on the 25K! One word I am not sure but my new years resolution is to do more scrapbooking, I need to get a start on my two year old's baby book. I have alot of pictures and alot of things saved to make the book I just need to start it. SO Now I guess you coudl say my word will be "motivation"
Thanks for the wonderful ideas every day!
Missa

Cathy M said...

Congrats on 25,000 hits. Love the notebook. Sweet candy you are celebrating with. I agree with you on FOCUS, I seem to do alittle bit of this and alittle bit of that and look around and notice I really didn't get anything done. So my FINAL word is going to be FOCUS! Thanks for a chance.
cmeyers@hughes.net

Jonya said...

I think having a word is a GREAT idea! My is declutter. I realized how blessed I am to have so many nice things, but you really can have too much! I plan to share with others who will find my things nice too and enjoy them as much as I have.
You know how much I love your blog and all the ideas you give. Wes and I have finally got a computer at home so I am able to respond w/out using work time, which you know I barely have time to breath!
Jonya

Cindi said...

Angel

Way to go. 25,000 hits is amazing. My word for the year is PATIENCE. I need to find patience with my hubby, my kiddos, and everyone around me. I am a go-getter. I like everything to go fast. I work better at a furious pace. However, most people around me don't operate that way. So I am going to focus on patience. Good luck with FOCUS. I actually thought about borrowing your word, but realized patience is more what I need. Thanks for the offer of the blog candy.

Cindi

Anonymous said...

I'm hoping that I can loose some inches off my waist this year. Also get a little more organized.
Great candy. thanks for a chance to win.

shutterbug2525"at"gmail.com

Sunnymommie said...

WOW!! congrats on your hits 25,000!!!


I want to keep my words are creative and focus.

I need to find a time to be with my kids and my fiance...

thank you for this!!

Katey

Anonymous said...

Congrats on all the blog hits!! My word for 2008 is LOVE....my goal is to love God and love people!
cutesy_face@hotmail.com

Kelly said...

My word for the year is "Content"... I am going to go by Paul's words in Philippians 4:11 "...for I have learned to be content in whatever situation I am".
Thanks for the chance, and for sharing.
Kelly

Jayme Downs said...

I've noticed every where I visit in blogland, I the word of the year. I haven't really thought about it, because I haven't had the time or even remember to. LOL So if I choose a word, I think it should be TIME. I need to take time....time for many things in life. Because maybe if I stop and take some time to think, I just might remember. :)

But my new years resolution is to keep losing weight. I'm 30 lbs less since Sept. 10th. :) :) :)

Peggy said...

I love the little notebook! So personal and cute.

My word of the year is:

Motivation

I need to be motivated to do so many things I want to do! Lose weight and go back to church are my top 2!

Shivani n AmazerAV1 said...

I want to make more n more of cards...loose sum inches on my waist..after marriage ive gained a bit..!!
And love my husband more n more n more....!!

I love that stamp sets...!!
Thanx 4 such lovely candies..

Tee said...

My word for this year is 'BELIEVE'. I am going to believe in myself..believe in my destiny and Believe that everything I do is the best and believe that everything that happens to me is the best.

SueB said...

Hi Angel! Love the notebook!
Thanx for blog candy opp - I'm planning on organizing scrap area and signing up for Weight Watchers on Wednesday!
later, alligator!
- SueB of sueblondin.blogspot.com

maiahs_momma said...

Congrats on all your hits, and I just enjoy your blog so much...I come here as often as I can.
As for a word for the year, I think I can create a whole list for you and I just can't choose one. With that I think I will share a New Years Resolution would have to be spend more time with my other mommy friends, to spend more time with my children/dh and to figure out what is going on with my son in terms of his behavioral reaction to certain foods.
Long winded I know, but this is my goal for the year :)! Have a great day :)!

Hugs,
catherine
www.mystampinggrounds.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Hey Angel. Happy New Year. My New Year's resolution is to be more organized. To get my house in order and to get rid of all the clutter. I hope you have a great week. Great blog candy. Love ya.
Chrystal

Scott Franson Photography said...

Congratulations ! My resolution is to learn to worry less. It gets me no where and I need to relax.
Claudia
scfranson@charter.net

Pat said...

My word for 2008 is thankful...taking time to give thanks for all that I have been blessed with each and every day of 2008. Thanks for sharing!

Pat

tyrymom29 said...

Patience would be my word for 2008 ........I Need More of it !!!!

Sharon in NE said...

Effective. I need to complete the tasks I start and I need to use my time wisely. This goes hand in hand with "focus". But I hated to steal your word. ;)

Thanks for motivating me to do this.

Anonymous said...

All the best to you in 2008! My word/theme/hope this year is 'Balance'. I want to slow the hectic pace and take more time to just breathe.

michelle sturgeon said...

My word will be Achieve. i will achieve lots this year, including a new career.

jackie said...

congrats on all the hits! my word is real...as in lets be real...lets get real...join the real world!!!!

Cheryl KVD said...

Hi Angel! As you know, I've been trying to raise funds for the Crohn's and Colits Foundation. I decided that I will not buy any craft supplies this year so that I can meet my $1000 goal. It feels refreshing to know that I'll be using the supplies I have and that I'll be able to donate to such a good cause.
Thanks!
Cheryl

Rose Ann said...

Angel...your book is beautiful!! No need to enter me in the candy, but I wanted to say congrats on your hits! Woo hoo!

My word for this year, would be balance. Mostly because I need to learn to better balance my family time, crafting time, and internet time. It has been so crazy lately, and I really need to get the balance back!

Dawn said...

Congrats on the hits!!! I think my word would have to be the same Focus and maybe I need another word and that is complete. It does no good to focus on something and leave it not finished.
Thanks for the chance!

Cards of Maria said...

Ohhh, I think my word would have to be Love. Without love I would not be abel to go on and do what I do, cardmaking.
Thanks for the chance.
/Maria

nettystamps said...

The altered book is beautiful!! I am adding it to my shopping list. I think my word for 2008 will be "Consistency". I sometimes have issues with this...but not in 2008. No digressions, no self implied roadblocks....I am determined!
Congrads on the 25K and thanks for the chance at some really wonderful blog candy.

Lori Mueller said...

My word would have to be "Focus" as well. I find myself running in circles, but partly because I feel so unorganized right now and that is driving me crazy. Focus, focus, focus! Thanks for the opportunity for some blog bling!

Anonymous said...

My word for this year is
BALANCE Mainly to get a better balance in my life, mainly better quality and more sleep, and to get organized in other aspects so that I can get more sleep... Thanks so much. Happy New Year!

Unknown said...

Love your pick of "focus" I too have joined in the 'word of the year' craze. I picked the word "grow" because there are so many aspects of my life that I would like to nurture and grow this year. You can check out my blog for a more detailed version. Can't wait to hear how we all do in 2008!!!!

Anonymous said...

I've decided my word for 2008 is Purpose! I want to live each day "on purpose". I've drifted along a bit since the wedding and decided I need to look for my purpose each day, remember those things that have been my passion. Pray first each day and live with passion & purpose.

Linda SS said...

My word for the New Year will be LIVE. I want to live each day to the fullest by growing spiritually and striving to fulfill my dreams and the dreams of others that I encounter. My goals in life are no longer about outward beauty or monetary value - I want my life to be about inner beauty and the value of my worth to those around me. If I'm able to obtain that goal - I'll truly be living life the way it was meant to be lived:)

Thanks for sharing the link to the Hero Arts catalog.

Anonymous said...

WONDERFUL 25,000!!! Congrats!
My word? it will be "Peace"

Through all things, I will be seeking peace as a HUGE part of my decisions that I make and the things I Do.

Thank you for inspiration!!

Lori Q

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your milestone! If I was picking a word, it would probably be persistence. I am very quick to start something new and very quick to abandon it. I need to work on persistence in many areas: prayer, exercise, training of children...even my hobbies. Thanks for the push to think about this and Happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

I can't pick only one word as my phrase for the year is 'random acts of kindness'. I want to do more of these, as I truly believe in the ripple effect and think this is one way I can have a positive effect on the world.

Congrats on your milestone and thanks for sharing your creations. They are inspiring.

Janet B
gladiola64@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

I've been pondering the *word* issue too and haven't settled on one, but FOCUS has definitley been a contender...I have the piddling problem just lik eyou and it drives me crazy!

-Jami

nancy said...

Hey Ange, looking forward to doing the Bible verse challenge with you in 2008. My word for the year is much like yours...FOCUS. Spending my time as I would spend a valuable resource and not just "piddling" it away, as so often can happen. -nancy

p.s. pick me! pick me! = )

Monica-FC said...

to keep BREATHING. I just got out of the hospital on monday and stopped by you blog to see what you was a doing my friend. I had an asthma attack that put me in there. Now to get back to cards and scrapping. :)

CreativeJeaux said...

My one word would be BETTER. I want to eat better. Make better money. Craft better things. Be a better blogger. Have better experiences. Be a better person al around!

Lastel said...

Congrats on the 25,000 hits ! I have 2 words for 2008 organize & declutter , which are also 2 of my goals for 2008 .

Kelly L said...

Congrats!! I don't know about a word, but one of my resolutions this year is to read my Bible the whole way through. I have a plan, and have been working on it pretty well so far, although this is only Jan 10th. I am pretty sure I can stick to it. You, Julie, Jami, Taylor, and the other girls have a terrific idea with the Bible Verse challenge, and I believe I will try to do that as well. I have you all bookmarked in my Google Reader. Will come back often. :) Kelly

Laurie said...

My word for this year is "commit" -- I want to commit to making good on my resolutions, my desires and my intents. Maybe "discipline" would be even better! I love your Scripture Chick project. I will look forward to seeing what your group produces in the months ahead!

Juli Smith, said...

I like this idea of a word for the New Year - it's like a tightly condensed or nutshell Mission Statement. I think my owrd is "Stewardship", and I will try to post details about it on my blog on 1/11/08, before I head off to a Mom's Retreat for the Weekend.
www.stampinjewels.blogspot.com for anyone whose interested in reading about my word. Thanks angel - I found your site first through Patti G., then through Lori C.

Anonymous said...

I just found your blog through Lori C. and I am SO glad! My word for 2008 is "reconnect"...it was a tough year and I need to reconnect with old friends, myself and what I love, my hubby, my God, pretty much everyone and everything I've neglected. Thanks! shelly