I like to set goals. I never really stick to them, but I like the feeling I get when I determine that I'm going to DO something. I feel like, yeah! This is going to happen this time! And if only for a little while, I have something to work towards. So New Year's is a fun time for me. A fresh start, a new year, a new day.
This year I think will be a little different. Of course I have those goals I will work towards, but I'm a lot more realistic about how much I'll actually accomplish. In years past, I always feel like I'll have time and energy and motivation to meet my goals, although it rarely ever happens.
This year, I know I'll be busy. I've got a... uh... spirited child who demands my attention 95% of the time while she's awake. That doesn't leave much time for anything else. Usually I can occupy her with treats or by letting her demolish my piles of papers so that I can cook some sort of dinner or do the dishes. But much else has to wait until after bedtime, and by them I'm just so exhausted that I don't really do much but sit around.
So, with that in mind, here are my goals:
Pay off my two credit cards: During my extended maternity leave (9 months), we plowed through our savings and I ended up using two of my credit cards. To me, it was worth it to acquire some debt so that I could stay home for a couple more months with my daughter. The total owed is not really that much, and if I put all my extra cash towards them, I should have them paid off by March. The only catch is, if I do that, I'm not saving up for my summer off of work (yay for teacher summers!) and I might have to go back to the credit cards and have to repay them off.
Work out twice a week. For me, this used to mean having to go to the gym to count as a workout. Now, the mommy-me will allow family walks, rough-housing with Adelaide, dancing in the living room, hiking in the park, etc. Of course, we still have a gym membership, and I'm going to try to get in there every once in a while, but it's not the end-all, be-all for working out. Already this week, we've gone on a family walk after dinner, so I just have one more "workout session" to get in.
DECLUTTER. Remember my post a few days ago about my word, cleanse? I mean it. Declutter my house of JUNK. Declutter my pantry of junk food. Declutter my mind of things to do. Declutter my life. I always feel bogged down. Stressed. So getting rid of the physical stuff in my house that we don't use and don't need will begin to calm down my surroundings, and therefore give me a simple space to begin decluttering my mind, making me a happier mama.
Kick the junk food habit. Oh boy. Kevin and I are major junk food addicts. For real. Just this week we've spent an embarrassing amount of money on convenience store junk food (even though we set the goal, um, Sunday). I think this is because we're tired and chips and soda are quick pick-me-ups, but it doesn't help us in the end. It's going to be a tough thing to really achieve for us, but replacing processed junk food with healthier alternatives will be SO good for us.
That's it. These goals WILL take time, committment, energy, motivation. But they are goals I can work towards and don't have to be done right now. So what if I don't work out twice a week? As long as I at least make an effort to meet that goal, then I'm doing alright. It's a process. I think too many people get so worried that they're going to fail their New Year's goals that they give up before they really get started. By setting goals, you're giving yourself something to work towards. I really believe it's all in the way you think about it. Give yourself some wiggle room!
Do you have some New Year's goals? Please share!
Oh, and check out my reflections that I wrote last year, right after having Adelaide! My, seems so long ago!
Jan 5, 2012
Jan 1, 2012
Happy New Year!
Hello 2012! This year promises to be a good one! This year, we will have a toddler that will talk, run, jump, and turn TWO by the end! We will go on lots of adventures, explore new places, take family vacations. We will surely visit the mountains and the beach, but view them with new eyes as our littlest family member will point out all the things we pass over. She'll point her chubby little finger and we will rediscover life's little pieces. We plan to keep working on the house, paying off debt, building up the business (Kevin's), working out (hah!), eating better, cooking more, cleaning less (double-hah!). Life is good, and will be so good in 2012!
Goodbye 2011! You were so wonderful to us, but we're ready for more!
Dec 29, 2011
"Cleanse"
That's my word for the new year.
Cleanse.
I want to cleanse my home of clutter and crap. I'm always one to be up for a clutter-purge, and I'm feeling that urge to purge again. Seems only right that it's happening now. The beginning of winter, the beginning of the new year. I want to start FRESH.
So, over the next couple of weeks, hubby and I are going to seriously go through all of our stuff and really think about what we need to keep and hold onto. Well, really it will be me going through everything and dragging my husband along. But right now, he says he's "in", so I'm taking him with me. Each nook, cranny, closet, under-the-bed will be sorted. For instance: that bag of charcoal in the hallway closet? Gone. We haven't had a grill in, oh, a year? I'd rather give that to someone who will use it now, and pay $5 for another bag if and when we ever get another grill, you know? Free up space for me now. Cleanse.
Also: my health. I'm healthy. Really, compared to the average person (in my opinion, of course). We eat a vegetarian diet, very low in dairy. We eat as organic as we can afford. We avoid fast food about 95% of the time. We don't eat fried food, high fructose corn syrup, food with a super-long ingredient list, etc.
But we could do so much better, as I think we all probably can. We are going to do a Healthy Eating Challenge for the month of January, inspired by an article in the latest issue of Kiwi magazine. Cooking from scratch as much as possible, avoiding overly-processed, overly-packaged foods... you know, that stuff that's an easy and convenient go-to when you're feeling lazy. It will take teamwork, dedication, and lots of planning to make it happen. Especially when it's been a long day at work and I come home to a messy house (maybe not though! Cleanse!) and a fussy baby (toddler?). But, again, Kevin says he's "in"... so hopefully we'll be able to start off the new year with at least a month of conscious eating.
Cleanse.
What's your word of inspiration for the new year?
Cleanse.
I want to cleanse my home of clutter and crap. I'm always one to be up for a clutter-purge, and I'm feeling that urge to purge again. Seems only right that it's happening now. The beginning of winter, the beginning of the new year. I want to start FRESH.
So, over the next couple of weeks, hubby and I are going to seriously go through all of our stuff and really think about what we need to keep and hold onto. Well, really it will be me going through everything and dragging my husband along. But right now, he says he's "in", so I'm taking him with me. Each nook, cranny, closet, under-the-bed will be sorted. For instance: that bag of charcoal in the hallway closet? Gone. We haven't had a grill in, oh, a year? I'd rather give that to someone who will use it now, and pay $5 for another bag if and when we ever get another grill, you know? Free up space for me now. Cleanse.
Also: my health. I'm healthy. Really, compared to the average person (in my opinion, of course). We eat a vegetarian diet, very low in dairy. We eat as organic as we can afford. We avoid fast food about 95% of the time. We don't eat fried food, high fructose corn syrup, food with a super-long ingredient list, etc.
But we could do so much better, as I think we all probably can. We are going to do a Healthy Eating Challenge for the month of January, inspired by an article in the latest issue of Kiwi magazine. Cooking from scratch as much as possible, avoiding overly-processed, overly-packaged foods... you know, that stuff that's an easy and convenient go-to when you're feeling lazy. It will take teamwork, dedication, and lots of planning to make it happen. Especially when it's been a long day at work and I come home to a messy house (maybe not though! Cleanse!) and a fussy baby (toddler?). But, again, Kevin says he's "in"... so hopefully we'll be able to start off the new year with at least a month of conscious eating.
Cleanse.
What's your word of inspiration for the new year?
Dec 28, 2011
Our Christmas Morning... Adelaide's first!
Christmas is never more exciting than when you're a kid. The anticipation of waking up Christmas morning to a slew of new toys and gifts, not knowing what has been hiding under the tree all month. The flurry of wrapping paper tossed aside, the growing heap of boxes and bows and ribbon. You see stuffed stockings, and new books, and maybe that one thing you really hoped to get.
Then you grow up and Christmas is still fun, but some of the magic is gone. You decorate, you buy gifts for your loved ones, you anticipate what others might give to you. But you're busy working most of the month, you spend your free time cleaning the house and doing all the grown-up stuff that gets int he way of just relaxing and realizing that Christmas is so close.
Then you have a kid, and the magic is back! Santa came to this house for the first time this year. Last Christmas, Adelaide was 3 days old, and that was enough magic for us to last through the holiday season (and the rest of our lives, really!). But this year, Santa stopped by to surprise an unknowing 1-year old with her very first bit of Christmas wonder. And I must admit, it was so exciting to anticipate her reactions to the whole thing!
Then you grow up and Christmas is still fun, but some of the magic is gone. You decorate, you buy gifts for your loved ones, you anticipate what others might give to you. But you're busy working most of the month, you spend your free time cleaning the house and doing all the grown-up stuff that gets int he way of just relaxing and realizing that Christmas is so close.
Then you have a kid, and the magic is back! Santa came to this house for the first time this year. Last Christmas, Adelaide was 3 days old, and that was enough magic for us to last through the holiday season (and the rest of our lives, really!). But this year, Santa stopped by to surprise an unknowing 1-year old with her very first bit of Christmas wonder. And I must admit, it was so exciting to anticipate her reactions to the whole thing!
Santa came!
What's this? A tunnel (that she has yet to crawl through).
She went straight for these toys and started exploring. Emptying buckets, then filling them back up!
Tents are so much fun! Great fun for reading, hiding, and going in and out of!
This looks makes me melt!
Thank you to all our family who showered wonderful gifts on our little girl!
The aftermath... We cleaned up wrapping paper as we went, so it didn't get toooo bad.
Merry Christmas from our family to your's!
Dec 26, 2011
Merry Christmas!
Here, have a peppermint!
Achoo!
I have something in my pocket. And I have a really cut tummy.
Moooommmmmm!!!!!!!!
See my tooth? I now have 3 more you can kind of see, if you're annoying like Momma and shove your fingers in my mouth and pull my lips away.
Ok, I'm done. Merry Christmas, everyone!
Adelaide is ONE YEAR OLD!
Dear Adelaide,
Happy birthday! Someone, please pinch me! Has it really been a year already since your sweet face joined our family?!? The saying is true: time flies. Probably because you keep us so busy and sleep-deprived, but still. It has been one amazing year. So full of life and love and adventures and fun discoveries... for you and for us!
One year ago, it was the winter solstice, and you were coming while the moon was orange and the day was short. It was the second day of winter when you arrived, strong lungs screaming and beautiful eyes alert and watching your dad within minutes of your life. Your head full of dark hair which just keeps getting lighter, and your limbs so thin that have filled out considerably (prompting everyone to say "Well, she hasn't missed a meal, has she?!").
While I read the books, and heard veteran moms say how much will change the first year, I never really knew until it happened. You went from being a helpless little ball of person in my arms 24/7 to a strong, independent toddler who wants to do everything herself. You went from drinking only my milk to eating nearly everything put in front of you (though you will still always drink my milk every time it's offered). You have become more confident and determined to explore... as long as you know momma is nearby, you aren't afraid to turn corners and walk down new hallways, roam around dance floors, and take off in the middle of a store.
You have taught your daddy and me patience, deep (DEEP) love, humor, to see the lighter side of things, to let the bad things go more easily. To realize what's really important: family. And that's you, little one. Life is brighter, warmer, more exciting, and faster. We love you so, so, SO SO SO much. Every day brings new adventures. I'm excited to see what will happen in your second year of life. It's all so amazing!
Love, Momma.
P.S. By the way, here's what new this past month! You:
Happy birthday! Someone, please pinch me! Has it really been a year already since your sweet face joined our family?!? The saying is true: time flies. Probably because you keep us so busy and sleep-deprived, but still. It has been one amazing year. So full of life and love and adventures and fun discoveries... for you and for us!
One year ago, it was the winter solstice, and you were coming while the moon was orange and the day was short. It was the second day of winter when you arrived, strong lungs screaming and beautiful eyes alert and watching your dad within minutes of your life. Your head full of dark hair which just keeps getting lighter, and your limbs so thin that have filled out considerably (prompting everyone to say "Well, she hasn't missed a meal, has she?!").
While I read the books, and heard veteran moms say how much will change the first year, I never really knew until it happened. You went from being a helpless little ball of person in my arms 24/7 to a strong, independent toddler who wants to do everything herself. You went from drinking only my milk to eating nearly everything put in front of you (though you will still always drink my milk every time it's offered). You have become more confident and determined to explore... as long as you know momma is nearby, you aren't afraid to turn corners and walk down new hallways, roam around dance floors, and take off in the middle of a store.
You have taught your daddy and me patience, deep (DEEP) love, humor, to see the lighter side of things, to let the bad things go more easily. To realize what's really important: family. And that's you, little one. Life is brighter, warmer, more exciting, and faster. We love you so, so, SO SO SO much. Every day brings new adventures. I'm excited to see what will happen in your second year of life. It's all so amazing!
Love, Momma.
P.S. By the way, here's what new this past month! You:
- Can point out your belly button on cue
- Can point out momma's and daddy's noses (but not your own)
- Are infatuated with dogs, exclaiming "DAH" when you see one (picture or real)
- Have no problem lifting your sippy cup to drink
- Raise your arms when we say "All done!"
- Help get yourself undressed by lifting your legs out of pants, and putting your head down to take your shirt off
- Can get off the big bed by yourself by sliding down off the side
- Know what these words mean: Up, ball, dog, cat, cup, milk, hug, kiss, gentle, all done, diaper, brush hair, book, phone, dada, doorbell, hat, and many more!
- Know what a brush is for, and try to use one
- Go from hitting to rubbing and saying "Ooh" when we tell you to be gentle
- Have tried cat food, three times (didn't like it!)
- Love the bath more and more (content with just a cup to play with, too!)
- Can sit in our laps! This makes us so, so happy! Especially when you bring a book to read!
Dec 24, 2011
Adelaide, meet Santa.
I debated on deleting a few of these photos, but I really like the progression they show. On my hip, Santa seemed a funny, delightful fellow with reindeer jingle bells that made Adelaide smile. As soon as I started leaning in to pass her off to Santa, the freaking out began. But I needed that Santa shot. As soon as I grabbed her back, the tears stopped immediately and she smiled at him again. Oh, Adelaide! Also, how endearing is this Santa? He looks so authentic, and the scenery around him is perfect. We will be visiting this shop yearly for our Santa photos. Hopefully next year will go a lot smoother. No matter though, look how sweet and concerned he is with her!
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