My Goals

“Never let the things which matter most be at the mercy of things which matter least.” –Marion D. Hanks

Ever since my mom sent me a binder full of stories about my ancestors I have had a desire to know more about them. Who they were. What they were like. I also know the importance of recording our own lives so that those we leave behind can have a part of us and know what we loved and valued. My dad passed away when I was 14 and he left very little of his own thoughts behind. Although others can tell me his story it is not the same. It is their story and not his.

Procrastination. It is far too easy for me to say, “I will write in my journal next Sunday” or “I will call Aunt So-and-So next week.” Pretty soon, “next week” has turned into months. I need to make an effort every day to record something and get over putting it off for “just one more day”.

Short term goal: write in my journal at least once a week

Medium: Gather stories and pictures about my dad from my siblings

Long term goal: Find ancestors who need temple work done

Challenges that may derail my goals:

Journal: simply forgetting or too tired at night

Stories about my dad: getting siblings to commit and follow through with getting me their stories and pictures

Find ancestors: will be very time consuming, to find ancestors whose work is not done will require going back several generations to where it is difficult to find information

Plans that will enable me to realize my goals:

Journal: set journal next to bed where I will see it every night, set aside a specific time on Sunday to write (immediately after Sunday dinner)

Stories of Dad: call brothers and sister and explain what I want, email my nieces and nephew who were old enough to remember him, send weekly reminders (occasional phone calls) until information is received.

Find ancestors: make sure my files are as complete as possible, contact every aunt and cousin who could help me track down work that has already been done, set aside time monthly (for now) to spend on searching (on internet or go to family history center)

My Goals:

Get accepted into Social Work program at BYUI

Daily:

· schedule time for homework everyday

· make sure assignments are in on time

Weekly:

· Check GPA

· Research possible career paths

· Talk to professors to see how I am doing

· Write down ideas for application essay

Other:

· Meet with academic advisor to discuss my status and requirements needed (by first week of May 2013)

Deadlines: Before Summer 2014

· Take Social Work 260 (req. B- or higher)

· Math 221C Statistics (req. C or higher)

Application by March 2014 (for Fall 2014 semester)

Go on a Caribbean vacation

Daily:

· At least 45 minutes of exercise (5 days/week)

· Follow healthy eating program

Weekly:

· Research destinations

· Set aside $150 each paycheck (twice a month)

Other:

• Find babysitter to stay with children
• Make reservations by June 31^st

Compile a Book of Remembrance about my Dad

Daily:

· Keep all collected information in box next to computer so easily accessible

· Use extra free time to work on book

Weekly:

· Email reminder to siblings, nieces and nephews until I receive all requested information

· Schedule time weekly to work on transcribing, photos editing, etc.

· Research printing and binding options

Other:

· Email all siblings, nieces, and nephews asking for stories, memories, and photos about my dad

Deadline: Have books printed by end of November 2013 and give as Christmas gifts to siblings and mom