Okay, well, it was supposed to start today. You see, every year, I find it hard to work on some of my resolutions because I still have residual holiday crap at my house. You know those hangers-on from the holidays...the box of milk chocolates that were a hostess gift, the extra cookies in the freezer, the chips and crackers and cheeses left over from the party. So, I always give myself until the Monday after January 1st to begin my "new year." But, this year, I still have a lot of hangers-on, so my new year will be starting in a few days. (yea, yea, yea, I know I could throw away the leftover stuff, but ya know, I'm not a waster...)
It seems so cliche to write about your resolutions...resolutions that we all know will fade away into the late-winter blues. We all pretty much have the same resolutions (be healthier, be a better person, get more organized), we just have different ideas on meeting those goals.
So what are mine and how will I get there? Here goes nothing...
1. I will continue to try to get our home de-cluttered and somewhat organized. I am going back to this idea will work. It the slow, but sure method of cleaning. We are also working already on cleaning out our third floor...donating items, throwing away items, reorganizing. We have a lot of square footage up there covered by all the "stuff." We have committed to doing things the right way-instead of moving piles, we're taking care of the piles. It takes longer, but the effects last a lot longer.
2. I will get back to planning my meals out so that I don't have the 5:00 dinner freak out which usually results in takeout or eating out. It's a process I enjoy, but it so often gets thrown to the wayside when things get harried. And I am also going to remember that when I don't think I have anything to make for dinner, I need to really look in my freezer because usually there is something there I could make.
3. I will try to eat better. I'm thinking I'll do Weight Watchers again online. It worked the first time and I felt better. This time, though, I'd like to include more exercise. This requires our treadmill to come from the third floor (see #1) to the second floor. The room that it is going into needs to be cleaned up and out, so I'll have to do that first.
4. I will try to be a better mother and wife. This is always on my list all the time, New Year's or not. To accomplish this, I am going to try to spend at least one full hour of time with my son without distractions...no internet, no cooking, no phone calls, etc. This helps me feel less guilty as I leave for work for the second time in a day, or have to make dinner, or clean the bathroom, etc. Knowing that I spent that quality time with him makes all the difference in both of ours lives.
5. I will try to worry more about myself. Sounds selfish, but over the past year (and the four years before that), I have spent very little time taking care of myself. I need me time. I need time to be creative, to write, scrapbook, create cards, bake, have a drink with friends. This makes me happier which makes me a better mother and wife and teacher and daughter. I have already started to work on this by blogging a bit and planning on an overnight crop with one of my bestest friends (and the money has been paid, so we're officially doing it!! Thanks, Porsche Nut!)
6. Lastly, I will continue trying to spend less and save more. I started six months ago by "paying myself first" and putting away 10% of my income-which on what I make is not much, but it has helped to build up the non-existent savings account. We are in a lot of debt, so this can't be a resolution that falls off the radar. We have no choice but to take care of this. More to come on this in a separate post.
So, that's my list. Notice they all start with "I will try" because I don't' want the pressure of failing at them. Some days, I will do well, others I won't. That's reality. Here's hoping that I can manage most of them. So what's on your lists this year?
