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Charting Our Course: Reflecting on 2009’s Triumphs and Setting Ambitious Goals for a Transformative 2010

A joyous and prosperous New Year to you all! It’s truly a surreal feeling to be welcoming 2010. For so long, the year 2010 felt like a distant, almost futuristic concept, something out of a science fiction novel. Yet, here we are, standing on the threshold of a new decade, ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges it brings. Time, as they say, waits for no one, and it certainly doesn’t slow down – especially when you realize your “little” boy is graduating high school this year! A gentle reminder that life moves forward, sometimes at a breathtaking pace.

As the calendar flipped to a new year, my thoughts, much like many of yours, naturally turned to reflection and forward planning. I’ve been diligently considering a set of personal and blogging goals for the months ahead. However, I prefer to frame these as “fluid goals” rather than rigid resolutions. This distinction is crucial for me; they represent aspirations and targets to work towards, providing a wonderful sense of accomplishment as I make progress. Crucially, if every single item on the list doesn’t come to fruition exactly as planned, it doesn’t signify failure. Instead, it offers an opportunity to adjust, learn, and maintain a positive outlook. Here at AOC, we firmly believe in nurturing a positive and growth-oriented environment!

Looking Back: A Quick Recap of Our Journey in 2009

Before diving into our ambitious plans for 2010, let’s take a moment to look back at the significant milestones and lessons learned in 2009. It was a year of foundational shifts and exciting new beginnings:

Embracing the Dave Ramsey Financial Principles: This was a game-changer for our family. While the concept of “giving every dollar a name” felt revolutionary and initially challenging, it took us a dedicated eight months to truly integrate it into our financial routine. The biggest hurdle was transitioning from my previous, somewhat archaic method of writing out budgets on paper – *gasp!* – to a fully computerized system. This shift, though demanding, provided us with unprecedented clarity, control, and peace of mind over our finances, laying a strong foundation for future financial freedom.
Aggressively Tackling Debt: Thanks to the consistent work opportunities – a significant blessing for any self-employed individual – and the disciplined framework provided by Dave Ramsey’s principles, we made substantial headway in chipping away at our single largest debt: the new garage. This wasn’t just about paying off a bill; it was about reclaiming financial independence and reducing a major stressor. Every payment felt like a step closer to a more secure future.
Mastering Grocery Spending: Reining in our grocery budget proved to be one of our most impactful financial victories. Through careful meal planning, smarter shopping strategies, and a conscious effort to reduce impulse buys, we consistently slashed our monthly grocery bill. Some months saw savings upwards of $200, but we reliably freed up at least $125 each month. This consistent saving was then strategically redirected towards accelerating the payoff of our aforementioned garage debt, demonstrating the powerful ripple effect of mindful spending.
The Birth of Our Blog: In February of 2009, this blog, AOC, sprung to life on what felt like a whim. My initial motivation was simple: to create a dedicated space where I could freely express my opinions, share creative ideas, and document my favorite recipes, all beautifully accompanied by pictures. Little did I know that this “whim” would grow into something far more meaningful, connecting me with an incredible community.

*A brief but incredibly important message:*

Dearest readers, I must interrupt this recap to extend my sincerest and heartfelt gratitude. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for allowing me this space to share, for visiting regularly, and for your invaluable engagement. I honestly had no idea that your thoughtful comments, insightful questions, and encouraging feedback would bring such immense joy and laughter to my experience of writing and sharing on this blog. It has truly been an unexpected bonus and a profound pleasure! I genuinely adore each and every one of you and feel that I’ve gained so much more than I’ve given through the wonderful connections I’ve made with all my “bloggy friends.” Your presence makes this journey incredibly rewarding.

*Now, back to our regularly scheduled program…*

While there were undoubtedly many other small victories and learning experiences throughout 2009, these four points represent the major accomplishments that truly shaped our year. They were the “biggies” that set the stage for even greater intentionality in the year to come.

As we transition into 2010, Brian and I have spent considerable time reflecting, discussing, and praying over our aspirations. We’ve thoughtfully outlined our goals across four fundamental areas of our lives: financial well-being, home improvements, food philosophy, and the growth of this blog. These aren’t just wish lists; they are actionable plans designed to bring us closer to our vision for a purposeful and fulfilling life.

Our Ambitious Goals for 2010

1. Financial Aspirations

Our financial goals for 2010 are centered on accelerating debt elimination and building a stronger foundation for our future:

Accelerate Garage Debt Elimination: Our primary financial objective is to significantly step up the pace in eliminating the remaining garage debt. While we made excellent progress in 2009, our aim now is to completely clear this debt within the next two years. This aggressive timeline requires heightened discipline, meticulous budgeting, and a shared commitment to freeing ourselves from this obligation, allowing us to redirect funds towards other important savings goals.
Establish a New-to-Us Car Fund: We are currently driving vehicles that are 15 and 20 years old, and while they’ve served us faithfully, the reality is that their time is inevitably coming to an end. To avoid a crisis purchase and ensure we can acquire a reliable, quality “new-to-us” car without incurring new debt, we are making a concerted effort to contribute substantially more to a dedicated car fund. This proactive saving ensures a smooth transition when the time comes.
Refine the Computerized Budget System: Our initial implementation of the Dave Ramsey system in 2009 was a great start, but 2010 is about refining and mastering it. Our goal is to make our computerized budget system even more robust and intuitive, allowing us to truly “live like no one else.” This isn’t just about saving; it’s about intentional spending, maximizing our financial peace, and significantly increasing our capacity to give generously to others, aligning our finances with our deepest values.

2. Home Improvement & House Goals

Our home is our sanctuary, and in 2010, we’re planning several key projects to enhance its comfort, functionality, and aesthetic appeal:

Replace Aging Living Room Carpet: The living room carpet, a tired relic of 15+ years, is long overdue for an upgrade. This “ugh!!” item is high on our list for replacement with a more durable and aesthetically pleasing wood option. We’ll be researching various avenues, including cost-effective hardwood plywood, exploring salvaged wood for unique character, or seeking out discount options to achieve a beautiful yet budget-conscious solution. The goal is a fresher, cleaner, and more timeless look.
Transform the Outdoor Living Space: Our current rotting deck has become a safety concern and an eyesore. Our ambition is to tear it down and replace it with a more functional and inviting outdoor area. This vision includes constructing a charming porch, providing shaded relaxation, seamlessly connected to a hard-surface patio for entertaining. This transformation will greatly expand our usable living space and enhance our ability to enjoy the outdoors.
Upgrade Kitchen Counters with IKEA Wood: The “grody” tile counters in our kitchen have long been a source of frustration, both aesthetically and hygienically. We plan to replace them with warm, natural wood counters from IKEA. This choice offers a beautiful, affordable, and durable solution that will instantly update the kitchen’s look, bringing a sense of warmth and modern rustic charm that we love.
Refinish Original Hardwood Floors (A Dream): While this is certainly an ambitious undertaking and may not happen in 2010, it remains a cherished dream. Our home boasts beautiful original hardwood floors hidden beneath the carpet, and the thought of refinishing them to restore their natural beauty and character is truly inspiring. I know it’s a significant project, but a girl can certainly dream of uncovering and preserving such historical charm, can’t she?

3. Food Philosophy & Exploration

Our main objective for 2010 in the realm of food is to proactively explore and implement strategies to incorporate more real, wholesome foods into our diet, all while diligently adhering to our new, refined $375 monthly budget. This is a critical area for us, driven by a growing awareness and commitment to healthier living. I’ve found myself increasingly dismayed by some of the food choices I’ve allowed into our house this past year, often in the pursuit of a “good deal.” While I never purchased outright junk food, certain crackers, cereals, and granola bars with ingredients lists I previously avoided began to sneak in, simply because they completed an otherwise excellent shopping deal. These goals have profoundly grown out of these feelings and a renewed dedication to nourishing our family with integrity.

To achieve this, we plan to:

Investigate Bulk Buying Opportunities: Exploring local co-ops, online retailers, and specialty stores that offer bulk pricing on pantry staples, grains, and other non-perishable items. This strategy aims to reduce cost per unit and minimize packaging waste.
Strategically Shop at Trader Joe’s: We intend to make more frequent, but highly intentional, trips to Trader Joe’s. Known for its unique and often higher-quality products, shopping there with a very specific list will allow us to cherry-pick items that align with our “real food” philosophy without overspending.
Source Local, Bulk Meats: We’re committed to researching and securing local sources for bulk meats, such as purchasing a quarter or half-cow directly from a farmer. This approach ensures higher quality, supports local agriculture, and offers significant cost savings over time, as well as providing transparency about where our food comes from.
Finally Get Chickens (A Long-Held Dream): This long-standing dream is finally making its way onto the actionable list. Getting backyard chickens promises a consistent supply of fresh, organic eggs, offers natural pest control, and provides a wonderful opportunity for our family to connect more directly with our food sources.
Research Raising Pigs: This is a more significant step towards self-sufficiency and understanding our food system. We plan to thoroughly research the feasibility, requirements, and responsibilities involved in raising pigs for meat, evaluating if it aligns with our values and resources for future consideration.

4. Blog Development & Community Engagement

As AOC continues to grow, our blog-related goals for 2010 are focused on enhancing the reader experience and expanding our content offerings:

Improve Site User-Friendliness with Enhanced Navigation: A top priority is to make the site even more intuitive and easy to navigate for both new and returning visitors. This includes implementing clearer and more prominent navigation buttons and menus, ensuring readers can effortlessly find the content they’re looking for, from recipes to DIY projects.
Update and Optimize Sidebars: The sidebars are valuable real estate on the blog. We plan to update them with fresh, relevant content, ensuring they highlight popular posts, key categories, and provide easy access to important information or calls to action, all while maintaining a clean and uncluttered design.
Conclude the Remodeling Series: Our ongoing Remodeling Series has been a fantastic resource for many, and we’re committed to bringing it to a comprehensive and satisfying conclusion. This involves tying up loose ends, sharing final reveal photos, and offering a complete overview of the process and lessons learned.
Launch an Inspiring Organizing Series: Following the success of our remodeling content, we plan to kick off an entirely new series dedicated to organizing. This will offer practical tips, actionable strategies, and motivational advice to help readers declutter their homes and lives, creating more peaceful and functional spaces.

Indeed, there’s always an abundance of ideas and aspirations, especially for a relatively new platform like AOC, but I’ll spare you the exhaustive list for now! These represent our primary focus areas and the major projects we hope to undertake throughout 2010.

I would absolutely love to hear about your own goals and aspirations for the new year. If you’ve crafted a list or published your thoughts, please feel free to share a link in the comments section below – I find immense inspiration in reading about others’ journeys. And of course, if there’s anything specific you’d like to see featured or discussed on the site, please don’t hesitate to let me know. Your feedback and suggestions are always incredibly valuable and help shape the content we create here at AOC. I genuinely love hearing from you all!

Here’s to a truly great and fulfilling New Year filled with growth, happiness, and accomplishment!