I don't know why I bother making New Year's resolutions but it's just something I do. I write lists rather than do the things on the list. I probably need years of therapy to figure out why I like to set myself up for failure. Perhaps therapy should be on my list this year.
But anyway, it's a bit of fun. I like to think of it as the to-do list to do if there was nothing else on the to-do list. So here goes.
1. Get fit ... why is this one always at the top of the list? Shed those kilos, be healthy, find an hour a day, and come to terms with the fact that it might have to be at 6am.
2. Be happy ... I've spent too much time focussing on the bad things recently. I have a beautiful family that loves me, a house I'm proud of, a job I actually enjoy, my health, my sense of humour. Life isn't that bad.
3. See my family more ... three hours isn't too far to travel. Get over that they never seem to come here and just go home. My poor old dad probably doesn't have too many years left in him (although he's just as likely to kick on to 100) and it would be a shame for his grandchildren not to know him and for me not to realise what a good man he actually is.
4. Be a better friend ... keep in better contact, do more for the one's I see regularly, listen, pass on books, make time.
5. Clear the clutter ... literally and figuratively. Peter Walsh's books It's All Too Much and Does This Clutter Make My Butt Look Fat? have changed the way I look at things. I don't need to keep every piece of art the kids create, every birthday card, I don't need five muffin tins or all the glassware we got for our wedding 13 years ago but have never used.
Garbage bags have become my new best friend. Figuratively, if there's not enough time in the day, stop doing the things you don't really need to do.
Do I need to watch so much television? Could I do more online like the groceries and paying bills? Prioritise.
6. Be with my children more ... the youngest starts school this year and we'll need to spend time with him to make it a successful transition. Stop worrying that he can't seem to recognise letters and be content that
sometimes he'll pick up a book instead of the Lego. My daughter will be eight this year. Growing up into a gorgeous person and growing up too fast. I want to hold on to her for as long as I can.
7. See more movies ... it's a sad year when you get to Oscar time and the only movies you've seen are the ones nominated for best animated feature.
My husband and I rushed off last week to see one more film to make sure we'd used up our book of tickets that were a Christmas present the year before. Five films a year is a bit pathetic really. The seats at Dendy are
so comfortable and the choc tops delicious. Some girlfriends and I have spoken about organising a film club (having realised none of us have the time to read proper books), but a couple of hours and then a glass of wine
afterwards to discuss the merits of said film might work.
8. Watch my spending ... I'm thinking this might be easier with both kids at school. Trips to the shops won't involve giving in to a 5-year-old. Do I really need that magazine? (Although I'm keen to do a Woman's Day
crossword each week, must keep the mind active, old age approaching.) Do I really need more stuff? See resolution 5. Plan meals better to empty out the pantry.
9. Cook a new recipe each week ... but realise there are two small children in the house. Come up with a repertoire of five pasta bakes. Have more grown-ups around for dinner, without their children. Don't serve them pasta bake.
10. Stop writing so many lists.