2007 Report Card

Around this time every year, I post an entry about my goals for the coming year. Last year I listed 13 Goals for 2007. I don't think I went back to look over my list more than twice, but they were always in the back of my mind. Let's see how I did...

1. Blog more regularly. - A
I think I had slowed down a lot with my blogging because I didn't really like Live Journal. Once I finally made the switch to Blogger in June, I started blogging a lot more frequently. I went from two or three posts a month to at least 5 or 6, and often many more.

2. Show more hospitality. - C
We had people over more often last year than the years before, but we still didn't have friends over like we wanted. We did host our small group several times.

3. Exercise regularly. - B
The first part of the year started out poorly. I tried to exercise in the mornings, but when the first illness of the year took hold, I quit. I did get going again in September and was sticking with it really well until we all got sick around Thanksgiving. I really enjoy going to the fitness center, so it'll be easy to get back in that routine again - starting Wednesday!

4. Get organized. - B
I finally got my closet cleaned out! It looks so much better. I also worked on getting the boys' closet straightened up, including getting rid of the clothes that no longer fit Jacob. I got my Pampered Chef paperwork and supplies organized somewhat, but I need to go through and clean out stuff again. I'm only giving myself a B, though, because it's not the consistent habit I'd like it to be.

5. Spend more time on my hobbies. - D
I did make some jewelry this year, but it was only a few pieces. I didn't scrapbook at all, but now at least my closet's clean and I can get to my supplies! I didn't crochet nearly as much as I'd liked, either.

6. Read more. - A
I've really gotten busy with reading for the self-study program I'm in. This time last year, I had only read 3 of 16 books - and I'd been enrolled in the program for 4 years! Once I finish my current book, I'll have 6 left. I'll need to finish up by mid-April so I can complete the program in time for graduation. (Billy's, not mine.) I've also done a lot of reading for pleasure, as always.

7. Watch less television. - F
This proved to be the challenge I thought it would be. Not only did I return to my old favorite shows, I started watching more of Food Network. I also got hooked on CSI and Lost. Oh, and The Office is pretty funny, too.

8. Play my guitar more. - F
Never took it out of the case. I didn't play my keyboard any, either.

9. Improve my customer care. - A
I did quite a bit of follow-up with my customers, which often proved beneficial, whether through encouragement, orders, or show bookings. I also started the year with a bi-monthly newsletter. That was hard, but came much easier when I changed it to monthly. I really enjoy putting it together each month.

10. Revise my host packet information. - B
I revised it, then revised it again. I'm still not completely satisfied with what I have, so I'll be working on it again soon.

11. Create new menu plans for my shows. - B
After realizing how much time I spent typing up recipes and putting them into a booklet form, I quit. I now give my hosts 2 or 3 options (instead of 5 or 6!) and email them the recipes after they've made their choices. It definitely saves time and money!

12. Increase my bookings. - D
I have a good list of hosts to work from, but I still didn't do as many shows as I would've liked. I held the same number of shows as I did last year (which was only 8 months since I started my business that spring) and sold about $500 less. I definitely did not do as well this year!

13. Build my own team. - F
I was excited when first thinking about building my team, but when it came right down to it, I was still pretty scared about talking with people about the business opportunity. I had a few more opportunities this year, but I'm still not pursuing it like I should. I did get one recruit, but she quit after holding 4 shows. It's not for everyone, but at least she gave it a shot.

Final tally:
A - 3
B - 4
C - 1
D - 2
F - 3