When in doubt, make a list!

I have decided that in order to better survive Manny's impending deployment, I should have a list of things to accomplish. Of course, I survived the last one, but if you read this post, you remember that I didn't do it particularly well. So, of course, lists to the rescue!


Things I'm planning while he's gone (read: yet another list of goals :) )


1. Train for a 1/2 marathon

At some point, I decided that I wanted to run some sort of road race. I thought of doing a 5K but figured that I wouldn't really train for that seeing as how it's only 3.3 miles long. I began researching races in my area only to find that, duh, the Air Force Marathon, 1/2 Marathon, and 10K will be run here in September. Why did I skip right from 5K to 1/2 Marathon? No idea. But I figured the prospect of running 13.1 miles would be scary enough to force me to train (read: get my lazy ass to work out).

2. Run said 1/2 marathon

See above. If I don't throw up on race day it will be a miracle.

3. Finish planning my wedding (details of that list to follow)

I have about one million things left to do before my wedding. Thankfully, it's not until December. There are a few more things I would like to get done before Manny leaves, but the bulk of the detail planning will be done while he's gone. I can't decide if this will be a fun distraction, or if I'll be sad that he's not here to plan with me. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

4. hang out with friends at least 2x per week

I have a really bad habit of shutting myself in when I'm not in a good mood. I like to be alone with my books/computer. But I'm sure it would really really make me feel better to actually get out of the house and hang out with other people.

5. learn how to make fancy cakes

During the holiday season, we baked tons and tons of cookies. We used our new stand mixer more than I ever though we would. During all of this cookie fun, I thought that it might be fun to learn how to decorate cakes as well. You can actually take classes at local craft store so I may even do that. I don't know who's going to eat all these cakes, but I really want to learn. :)

6. Continue making progress on my 2011 Goals

Another thing that tends to happen when I get sad is that my goals go by the wayside. It's going to be a challenge, but that's the point of all the goals and lists. :)


I'm sure this list will grow as I think of other things I want to accomplish. If you've seen my 2011 Goals more than once I'm sure you realize that it's ever changing. I know I tend to make more lists than the average person, but I just love checking things off those lists and I find it helps me stay motivated.


What do you do while your spouse/significant other is deployed? Do you have any tried and true coping mechanisms? I'm sure it's a bit different for everyone but I'd love to know what other people do too!