Friday, January 7, 2011

Same Procedure as Every Year *

* If you are not German, here's where that came from.

By now I have realized that New Year's resolutions are basically pointless. I feel like I have pretty much been the same person since I was 17 despite my best efforts. But somehow I just love new year's resolutions and the illusion that this will be the year in which I become rich, beautiful, and discover all of my hidden talents.

So, here are 7 things I vow to improve upon this year.

1. Be nicer to my husband.

I have an awesome husband. He puts up with all of my moods and supports all of my crazy ideas that never come to fruition (I suspect that he supports them because he knows nothing will ever come of it). He agreed to letting me stay home with our son even though it means that all of us had to cut back. He recognizes that being home with a child is hard work and he makes sure to give me some me-time. He even helps around the house and started cooking, even though theoretically this falls under my job description.

This year, I want to work on letting him know how much I appreciate all the things he does (instead of nagging about the ones he doesn't do).

2. Spend more quality time with my son

Sure, I spend all day with Ben, but quite frankly sometimes I struggle to truly enjoy the time we spend together. It can be hard for me to be mentally present and sometimes I catch myself being glued to my iPhone all morning checking blogs and FB or talking on the phone. So, this year I am going to put.the.phone.away. for most of the day and have fun with my son.

3. Get over it

We have a never-ending argument about whether or not we will adopt again. The husband says that yes, he wants to, but wants to wait a while to see if we can handle it financially. I, impulsive as I am, want to start the process again right away. I have been really obsessed with this off and on for the past couple of months and it's not good for me. I need to let it go. I know that if I don't push for it, it won't happen, but I am sick of getting my hopes up upon hearing that he wants to adopt again only to have them dashed when I hear "but". Having just one kid isn't that bad, is it?

4. Just do it

As mentioned under 1. I tend to have lots of grand ideas for things I want to learn and do. These ideas swirl around in my head, but I can never get it together to concentrate long enough to do any of them. So I want to pick one thing and stick with it. What that is, ummm, I don't know.

5. Time management

This is a BIG one. I am horrible at it. HORRIBLE. Somehow each day seems to fly by and I get nothing done. I don't know how other people spend time with the kids, do the household, blog, read and comment on other blogs, and work part time. HOW DO YOU DO IT PEOPLE?

6. Make this house a home

We've been here 1.5 years, which is the longest we've lived anywhere in the past 7 years. But if you looked at our house you'd think we just moved in. It's really sad and embarrassing. This year I want to work on making this place look somewhat decent so I can finally feel at home. We're going to be here for a looooooooooong time.

7. Be aware of how lucky I am

It is very easy for me to live in the past or the future, or to think of all the things I don't have. I want to work on appreciating the life I have instead of dreaming about the "what if". Because I really am pretty darn lucky.

14 comments:

  1. #3, i hear ya' on that one. i am an only child and had a wonderful childhood and turned out ok, so i'm hoping the same will be true for briar. :O)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kelly, I am an only child too and had a great childhood, so I don't even know why I am so obsessed with adding another one.

    ReplyDelete
  3. good stuff! i love your list...i'd make one, too, but i feel like i'd be setting myself up for failure if i actually wrote things down. ha!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Great list! I should definitely adopt a couple of those. ;)
    I've been thinking today that I need to plan a get together with you - and Grace too when she's ready to get out and about. ;) Ella would love to see Ben again (and so would I!)

    ReplyDelete
  5. *If* I were to do a list, it would be EXACTLY this. The hubby, the mindfulness throughout the day, putting that damn smartphone down. Everything except adding another child. I wish. But I am turning 42 in a few short days and it is just too late, plus I barely have energy to brush my teeth anymore. One and done unfortunately.

    ReplyDelete
  6. You and I are a LOT alike, my friend. #4 is huge at our house, but it's both me and my husband who have grandiose schemes that often fizzle. Thankfully, Tenth Life is one that hasn't!
    I don't know a mom who DOESN'T struggle with #2. Sometimes, it's just *boring* playing with a kid. And we feel guilty b/c we're supposed to relish every moment with our children. But sometimes, it's just not fun.
    We went through #3 too - I wanted so desperately to start the process to bring Ingrid home, and Adam kept putting the brakes on, telling me we didn't have the money. And... we didn't. Eventually, we found enough to squeak by, and it happened. So hang in there!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I could have written this list! I also struggle with #2 and feel guilty. I am really trying hard to only be on the computer when Kyle is napping.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I too am struggling with number two on the list and have been working hard on that! Nonetheless, this is a great list!

    ReplyDelete
  9. sounds like i could also work on a lot of things from your list!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Love this list!!! I am right there with you girl!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh man, there are so many items on this list I could work on too. (Like #2) The i*phone made my life soooo much better, but some days makes me a much worse mama!

    This is a great list! You can do it!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Seriously realate to each and every one of the points on your list. I'm struggling with our #3 situation. I should also perhaps start decorating our house... sigh.

    ReplyDelete
  13. WELL SAID SANDRA! I agree on all points and could copy and post this exact post!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I guess I should put the phone down too... Oliver just wrote his first FB Status Update YESTERDAY!!!!!

    ReplyDelete