Hello,

This is my second ever attempt at a blog. My first attempt ended a few minutes ago when I wrote out a long list of how, in my recent past, I haven't lived in a very conscious way... and then I hit the "review" button and everything I wrote just disappeared :).

I take it as a sign... Not to be so serious... and possibly not to dwell on the past.

This is the start of a new year. I hope to make improvements in the areas of home, parenting, health and fitness, relationships, paperwork follow through, friendships and career. But I buried the lead, because I am feeling that the area of career will need to be at the forefront.

Today, however, I will be focusing on parenting and fitness together. It is one of my goals to establish more of an exercise habit for my daughter, Grace. And what better way than to set the example. It is really pretty and unseasonably warm outside today, so we will be going for a hike in a nearby park. She isn't going to like the idea (I ow, because I discussed it with her yesterday), but this is going to be one of the struggle to overcome as we try to establish the habit.

Also, in order to do this, I'm going to have to be better about spending less time on my iPad, looking stuff up on the Internet. - Writing here will be different, because journaling online is one of the ways I plan to try to stay more "conscious." But I still will need to limit it.

The key concepts are going to be balance and consistency... Neither of which are my strongpoints... So the proof will be in the (vegan) pudding, as far as whether there is an entry here tomorrow.

Since I don't really expect any person to actually look at this, I guess I am doing it for a record of self reflection, motivation and consciousness... And maybe a little bit of accountability to God... Along with asking for guidance and spiritual support - from God and angels and the positive energy of the universe... (only positive, no evil or negativity, please).

I need to end now. We'll see if I touch the "post" button this time, whether it will take... Here goes.