Friday, January 1, 2010

Happy New Year!

I've been reading a few good blog posts about recommendations for resolutions/ goals/ intentions etc. and I am still working on what I want to do this year. I'm also interested in what Ali Edwards has been saying about "One Little Word" for the year. She has had some amazing input for words - all of which could be really worthwhile exploring but the one that has leapt out at me is SIMPLIFY. I really need to simplify some, if not all areas of my life. Take JYC09 for instance. I got what, 3 layouts done? I enjoyed the daily journal ling aspect but a lot of the times I put way too much on my plate to actually accomplish anything. Not to say that I'm not going to still work on it here and there but I think the word simplify works here.

sim·pli·fy
tr.v. sim·pli·fied, sim·pli·fy·ing, sim·pli·fies
To make simple or simpler, as:
a. To reduce in complexity or extent.
b. To reduce to fundamental parts.
c. To make easier to understand.

I need to simplify the stuff I go through every day (translation = de-clutter)
I need to simplify what goes in my body (translation = eat basic whole foods not the processed easy crap)
I need to simplify our routines (translation = not try to do so many things)
I need to simplify our relationships (translation = visit more; talk about it less)
I need to simplify our hobbies (translation = get back to the basics ie more reading, less tv)
I want to simplify our impact on the earth (translation = still work on being more environmentally friendly)
I want to simplify our financial transactions (translation = reduce our spending and live without as much stuff)

I think this word has been lingering in my head for a bit - and may even have been spurred on by the reality of a new arrival in a few months. I have learned so much since having our kids. So much about what we have and used but didn't really need. I want to be so much more simple with this baby - not needing all of the stuff for him/her. I've been getting some good ideas from the Simple Mom blog which I hope to explore in the near future.

As for intentions for the year? I'm still working on those. It looks like I did all right with last years although I didn't complete all of them. I have a few to still work on and I would love to tie it in with my Gotta Do's and Wanna Do's which have been highly neglected for the last 4 months! There are also the family goals which we have been discussing (Family Mission Statement post) - and amidst it all - I hear SIMPLIFY. So I need to think about what is truly realistic. So here's to a new beginning. One that requires some thought on how to actually carry this out. That I will leave for another day.

December 2009 Recap

Exercise- I've slowed down a little bit - but I've been getting a weekly 52 card pick-up and a few extra eliptical sessions.

Books Read-
Finding Noel (Richard Evans);
The Scribe (Francine Rivers);
The Christmas List (Richard Evans)

Movies Seen
2010 (Drew with Kerry);
4 Christmas's;
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer;
Angel Wars;
The Proposal;
The Ghosts of Girlfriends Past;
It's All About Steve;
Elf;
Prison Break Season 4

Special Events
- Matt in "Best Christmas Present Ever" play
- Church Christmas dinner
- Church staff Christmas party
- Matt's 7th Birthday
- Sarah and John up for Christmas
- Thompson family to visit

Travel
- visit to see Sean

Significant Purchases/ changes/ financial considerations
- dirt for backyard garden and lawn

Health Notes- 6 months pregnant - development of vericose veins- Marlee lost first tooth