For 2012

After reading about everyone's resolutions, words, and goals for 2012 I decided it's about time to fill you in on mine.

I'm not so much for making resolutions; mostly because I forget that I made them by January 21st and then feel like a heel for about a day and a half until I forget about them again. Then around December 28th I go back and read the blog and, Whoops!

There are fun, smart women around the internet that do this way better than I, but there are a few things that I'd like to do better this year.

• SLEEP- Yeah, I know, but hear me out. I am a night owl. If it wasn't for children that need to rise at about 6:30 every day, I would be up until about 12 or 1 and sleep until 9 or 10. Oh yeah, and a husband who's schedule is from about 4 am until about 8 pm. So. I am going to try to alter my sleep schedule. I've found that I really do need a solid 9 hours per night to feel really good so to get 9 hours I need to regularly go to bed by 10. I know that 9 hours sounds like a lot but if that is more 'the norm' then I can do the occasional night of less and it won't affect me much. The stumbling blocks to this plan? The west coast prime time tv schedule. Luckily, there are only 2 nights a week that I watch shows that come on at 10 pm local time. Another stumbling block? The internet. 'Nuf said. So if you happen to see me on later than that you have my permission to kick me off. Or something. You get my drift.
• Many of your resolutions have revolved around writing: more often, better, novels!, and the like. I think I'll just try to join Eden and blog like it's 2002. I haven't actually been around blogging since then, but I think it means that I'm going to share my life with you, the funny family stories, my likes and dislikes, and not worry about branding or any of that other nonsense that makes blogging cloudy. (Which I don't think I do too often but it does happen elsewhere and I'm not about to point anything out without looking for the plank in my own eye first.) I may not be the best writer out there but I do know that I've made fabulous friends doing this and I'd like to keep it that way, which I think means that I have to write a little more than 3 times a month. That's ok, I like it. Join me, won't you?
• Save Money. This is an important one that I don't really want to admit. We have a few things around here that we need to pay for that are WAY out of the scope of the normal budgeting. Tuition, roof, you know, kinda BIG stuff. It's all within reach but that means tightening the belt, making menu plans, putting off unnecessary expenses, etc. (Yeah, you probably know what's coming.) That includes not going to Blissdom or BlogHer this year. BlogHer has been out since they announced that NYC was the venue again. The plane ticket is just too far out of reach. I was hoping to sneak off to Blissdom this year instead but if we (as in HD and I,) really want to stay on top of this other stuff then I have to do this. I've made it work in years past but I want to work out the other things without guilt, thus, no conferences. (Now, if I win the lottery or get a sponsor that could change but either one has about the same probability, right?)(I suppose that if I got a sponsor that it would also mean tweaking my second bullet, too, but we'll cross that bridge if we ever get there.)
• Paint my bedroom. Honest to Pete, we've been in this house for 9, almost 10 years and my bedroom is STILL not done. Come hell or high water, I'm painting that room THIS YEAR.

Four things. Not too big, not too daunting, and completely NOT out of reach. What have you decided to do this year?

Tweet

In 2011...

Before I forget, if you live in Southern California I'm giving away 4 tickets to Disney On Ice at the Ontario Citizen's Business Bank Arena! Go on over to Inland Empire Family for your chance to win!

Rather than writing a bunch of 'resolutions' that I'll blow off forget by February I think I'll follow the lead of some others and make a list of goals. Of course mine may look a little more like a To Do list, but that's ok since it's my blog, right?

• Deep clean and organize areas of my house. This is in direct reference to the lingering dust but since they still have to do the baseboards and the stairs I can't exactly do much cleaning until they are done. I'll start with the wet bar, then move on to my desk, then the living room..... If I focus on one area at a time maybe it won't seem too overwhelming.
• Do weekly meal plans. I usually do this but I've been slacking for a while and I totally feel it. Out of whack, non-nutritional dinners are soooo 2010. Right? Not only will it help the psyche but I'm hoping that it will help the waistline too. Ahem.
• Related: Work out regularly. Buy a workout game for the Xbox Kinect that my kids got from Santa. (Yes, I'll write that post, Carmen.) Biggest Loser? Something else? (See, my 25th reunion is coming up this summer and I'd like to lose those 10 lbs that I found this fall. 10 in 7 months? Should be attainable!)
• Do the blog re-design/re-organization that I've been promising myself for far too long. (My last redesign was in July of '08. Yes, it's time!)
• Attend or plan on attending a second blogging conference in '11 or '12. I love BlogHer but I'm ready to branch out a little. I'd love to go to Blissdom but don't think it's in the cards this year. We'll see what comes up but if I'm going to do more than one trip I need to plan and save a little better and a little more.

I think that's about it. Goals should be attainable, right?  If you see me slacking just slap me, wouldja?

Resolutions? Nah.

I know that I wrote about resolutions yesterday but I'm still thinking about them. I don't normally make them, usually because I suck at making the changes to keep them. How do people do it?

I also hate that there are some resolutions that I "should" make, but since I "should" them it's 99% guaranteed that if I do I'll fail...on purpose, more than likely.

A couple of years ago, right before I turned 39 and right after my grandmother died at 101, I decided that I needed to take better care of myself. I started washing my face every night before I went to bed. (Don't mock...I've got pretty good skin and it was just not an issue before.) That was also around the time that I found blogging and Carmen. Her story kicked my ass into gear and exercising. Granted, I fall off the wagon from time to time, but in general exercise is now a regular part of my life. As is eating better-I eat breakfast more often than not, and less crap in general.

As Shannon mentioned earlier in the week, I am daily working on the level of my voice and not yelling quite as much. It really is a daily struggle and one that I'm getting a little better at. But to make it a resolution? It's an ongoing thing, one that I'm sure will last for years and years. Also? Not really measurable.

Something else that I always strive for is a better relationship with God, a better prayer life, more reading the Bible. However, that is more of a lifetime goal than something that is accomplished in a year. Sure, I could do the Bible-in-a-year plan, or other similar things, but again, life-long not necessarily resolution material.

So I guess I'll just stick with my resolutions that I wrote about yesterday. Or, take a hint from a friend that I saw on New Year's Eve...

...I resolve that I won't have sex with any midgets this year. Yep. Clear and attainable.

Out With The Old..

I think I've started this post a thousand times (OK, maybe only a hundred,) and then stopped.

Who really wants to hear about my Christmas? Yeah, that one where I've been cranky and all 'Bah Humbug"-ish. (And thanks to Headless Dad, acutely aware of how bitchy I've been, thankyouverymuch. That helped!) (I hope the sarcasm was not lost in the translation.)

Things that have happened include, but are not limited to:

• a bloggy friend losing her dad.
• a irl friend telling me that her husband has cancer.
• another irl friend being hospitalized.
• sitting in my house for 3 days waiting on the new tv to be hooked up properly instead of being out shopping.
  
• my dad being sick, and me being 1,000 miles away and not able to help my mom.
• discovering PathWords on Facebook.
  
• me being 100% paralyzed-well, at least as far as writing goes. (Hi BlogHer Ads! I'm back!)

I haven't even managed to grocery shop-well, unless the Christmas eve trip that I got everything I needed in 45 minutes then waited in line for 30, but I'm really trying to forget that one, ok? Oh, and the Costco trip yesterday that really only yielded a bunch of meat for the freezer, toilet paper, and paper towels. Yay. (That is a victory in itself. Do you know why?)

So, in the spirit of the new year, I am sharing my goal for the year.

No, I'm not vowing to lose more weight. Although, that would be great. I'm going to stay the course on that one-exercise when I can, eat well. Maintain, lose if I can. Simple. I made being healthier the priority the last 2 years and it has become a part of me, who I am, what I do. I'm proud of that, but it's not the new thing any more.

My goal for the year is to spend the first part of my day-5 minutes minimum-reading my Bible.

This will take care of a plethora of problems. First, giving your day to God is the best way to get through it, no matter what this life and this world can throw at you. Second, I have a lot to learn. Third, I have a lot to share with all of you, and being well read will hopefully make my little observations more rich-the only kind of rich that matters.

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-3

And, it should also take care of that little problem that Headless Dad so delicately pointed out. Don't you think?

The Curse

After bragging to Carmen and a few others over the last few days it was bound to happen.

Just 3 days ago I found a really cute pair of shorts at Target, on sale, and get this-they were a size 8!!!! (As I told her, I haven't bought a size 8 since before I got married 10 years ago.) Yea me! This has been a goal of mine for about a year now and part of my New Year's Resolution.

I've changed eating habits. I've changed exercise habits. And Finally! The size I was looking for!

Until today.

Yes, female friends, you now what I mean. I'm big and bloated. I'm mushy around the middle. (Yes, I can even see it!) The Curse is upon me once again.

Ugh.

It's a good thing the battery in the scale is dead because I really don't want to see the damage right now.

Joy is hard

Last night Headless Dad went into the boys room to settle them down. [They were laughing and running around well after lights out.] He caught them spitting water at each other. When I came in, I told them NOT.ANOTHER.PEEP!

Headless Boy 2 said, ever so softly, "peep."

One step forward, two steps back.

I will say, however, that it was one of the best laughs HD and I have had in a long time. Well away from the children, that is.

Joy, or at least the lack of screaming

Last night I had somewhat of a victory in my quest toward more joy. I sat down to play Monopoly with the boys;they had never played before. We were playing and having a fun time and I had warned them that Monopoly is a loooong game and that we probably would not be able to finish before bed time. Did I mention that we were having fun? Everyone was playing nice, no screaming when they got sent to jail, etc. About 30 minutes after their bed time I said that we would each take 1 more turn and then put it away and go to bed. Headless Boy 2 tried to buy more houses and we told him no. He was ok with that. Headless Boy 1 apparently didn't listen and tried to buy more houses. We told him no also. Freaking out ensued. Really. Money was thrown. Not pretty.

(Here is where, in the past, I would have had the equal but opposite freak out. Complete with shouting. You know the drill.)

He got a quick swat on the behind and had to clean up the mess that he had made. Still freaking out. (Here is where I get impressive...) I calmly talked him down from the ledge. I explained how it is ok to get mad at that decision, even be angry, but his ACTIONS were out of proportion with the situation and HE ALONE is responsible for is actions. He really tried to work it and say that I was responsible, you now, the cause and effect argument. I continued to calmly tell him that the effect part was getting mad but that he CHOSE to lash out inappropriately. He started to get it.

The greatest part of this is that I reminded him that I wasn't mad at his outburst, that I was just trying to correct his behavior. I asked him what my usual reaction would have been? and we agreed that I would have stormed out and probably not talked to him (except to say good night) for the rest of the evening. I would have done just what I was trying to correct him on. But I didn't, and he recognized that I was handling it differently. I admitted to making mistakes and told him that I was trying to be a better mom in these situations.

And he gave me the biggest, tightest hug that he's given me in a long time.

Joy, 1, Anger, 0

And tonight we played again. And he beat the pants off of HD and I.

And he went to bed happy.

What are you doing for Labor day?

Never mind that I don't know what I'm doing tomorrow...

It all started on Monday with a call from Headless Dad. (He calls me the Master Calendar Keeper. How romantic.) He told me to check the calendar and mark off the WHOLE WEEKEND. When I asked him why he told me that he had gotten a company-wide memo that told him to mark it off for the company's 50th anniversary, with no other details. He also told me to reserve the sitters (the Headless Grandparents). A little while later he called back to say that his suspicions were right-

We're going on a 3 day Mexican Cruise!!

HG's are booked. (Sorry, STB!) I can't wait! 3 whole days without the kids. Aah, the bliss!

And Oh! the shopping I get to do!

This does, however, make resolution #1 a little more real. I mean being on a beach with your family and a bunch of strangers is one thing to carry around a little 'extra', but being with a bunch of your husbands' colleagues and their wives and having to wear a bathing suit is a little daunting. Yes, I have done my ab work for the day and plan on walking tomorrow-No Excuses!

*****

In other Headless news, it is going to be getting a lot more headless around here with the start of Little League. More on that later!

Love you, Interpeeps!

A few things...Mostly just some randomness and loose ends...

(I really don't have time to write today-the shower (bridal) is looming and Christmas still beckons from the living room. But I'm really, really good at procrastinating. Can't you tell?)

I did love the beginning of AI last night. Mostly because it kept Headless Dad up past his usual 7:00 snore-fest. He loves the first weeks of AI-he isn't mean in the slightest, but I guess being a voyeur to the awfulness that is the Open Auditions is an outlet for any mean-ness that might sneak through. I have a few favorites already, but Hollywood week is the true test. The stress separates the kids from the adults, so to speak.

The Headless Grandparents are coming in tomorrow. They are very cool, very fun (and helpful!) to have around. I'll have to introduce you to them later. You'll then understand how I became headless. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, really.

Tonight is the Pinewood Derby Race at scouts. Have any of you participated before? This is our first time, and I really hope HB1 does ok. If nothing he'll probably have the coolest looking car there. HD has been obsessed with the sanding, the sanding, the sanding...you get the idea.

Oh! I have an internet-y question for you: Do you have a good site for tv/flat screen/brand reviews? We have been talking about taking the plunge and I told HD I would see what I could find. Your own reviews would be great, too. He/we have been looking but are still clueless. Help!

I had a really good time with my Bible study girls last night. We met at the book store to decide on a directed study-A Women of Faith study on 'Finding Joy'. Perfect for me, I might add, remember? Then we went to get coffee and I found something that could ruin my weight loss if I lived closer. Decaf CREME BRULE, people. Amazing. One as a treat is ok-but I really have to stay away from that neighborhood or my butt may become a huge CREME BRULE.

I really need to get more done on the bathroom I'm remodeling. Like put up a mirror before the shower on Sat.? I also have the medicine cabinet to install, need to caulk the side and back splashes, seal the doors and drawers of the cabinet so they can be installed. It's just little stuff, but with Christmas in the living room, who can focus?

Happy Wednesday, all. And if you have suggestions for any of the above, please fill me in!

Resolutions, Part 2

Finally!

As I said in my last resolution post, "I want to have a house that is more full of joy than ever before." This has been on my heart for a while, and God really talked to me during church last week. The drudgery of daily life has been getting to me and the rest of the Headless family for some time now. You know, getting up, herding unwilling kids through the morning routine, chores (the kids' and mine), homework, figuring out dinner, bath and bed time. We've all got it-the daily-ness of life. (Totally a word, I promise!)

Two things that Headless Dad has always talked to me about is smiling and raising my voice. He says that I don't do enough of the first, and too much of the second. That isn't an easy pill to swallow but I've finally done it, and I think he's right.

Proverbs 31:26 says "On her tongue is the law of kindness." (NKJV) I think that this is for me this year. Kindness needs to come from me to all the members of my family, and who doesn't get joy from someone being kind to them? (Don't get me wrong-I'm not mean to my family, there is just room for lots more kindness and happiness.)

This is what God put on my heart as my prayer for 2008:

God draw me near-my prayer for 2008 is to bring joy and happiness to my house and family It must come from You, through me, to them. For that to happen I humble myself before you, Lord. I ask you into my heart and home every day to bring peace so joy and happiness can flow from me to each member of my family. I pray too that You will show me how to best touch each member-Headless Dad, Girl, Boy 1 and Boy 2. Help me to read the Bible more often-to meet with you, and you clearly tell me things each time I open that Book. Help me in my daily tasks, Lord. You have called me to be a wife and mother-please help my work be quick that I may have the time to pour into my husband and children.

If this resolution strikes a chord with you, let me know. If you have any tips related to this-organization, meals, time savers, etc. please comment. I would love to have some prayer partners in this. These are, for me, lofty goals. But I know that with God's help I can do it!

The resolution intro

Everyone is posting about their resolutions for 2008. I've never been much of a resolution maker, because I'm not much of a resolution keeper. Hmph. I do, however, have a couple of things that I want to accomplish this year-for myself. (These so not include finishing the bathroom, currently under remodel, or cleaning out a closet or 2. Those things are for everyday, every year, for life. I'm talking about things FOR ME.)

1) I want to lose another 10 pounds, and keep it off. As you may know I read Carmen every day. (Link in sidebar.) She and her plan have been crucial to my success so far. I have 'sat' on a 10 lb. loss for four months. This is great-I have not been able to maintain this kind of loss since before I was married 10 years ago. Now, since I know I can do it I want to go to the next level. This will require me to make a bigger commitment to exercise than I have made in probably 15 years. I'm ready and I am willing. And I want to be in a cuter, sexier bathing suit before we go to Hawaii next summer. As far as eating and nutrition go I think that I/we made huge strides last year and that just needs to stay on track. Oh, and I really need to eat breakfast each day, at breakfast time. Not when I'm about to pass out from starvation.

2) I want to have a house that is more full of joy than ever before.

See, this is to be continued! I have a lot to say about joy, and why this is a goal for me. It has been on my heart for a long time, and I have learned that much of the joy in a household comes from the wife/mom. It is time for me to step up to the plate.