2012

I don't know that I can call these resolutions, but I've been trying to consider some goals for 2012--some things I'd like to work on.  It's going to be a year of flux for us, so I don't know how much I can realistically take on, but there are parts of my life I can try to improve either way.  I know you've probably read many, many blog posts about people's resolutions...so just add this one to the list.

1) Be more appreciative.  I want to start showing people how much I appreciate them.  I think we are too quick to take things that people do for granted without telling them that it's been noticed and I want to try to change that, at least from my point of view.  I also challenge YOU to tell people around you how much you appreciate them.  It doesn't have to be a three paragraph essay--just a sentence or two to let someone know that their efforts are noticed and appreciated.

2) Get a firm budget (for the next 6 months).  Things will be changing in July (approximately) when we have to start paying for two in daycare (eek!), but I'd like to get a really firm budget in the meantime.  I feel like we actually do a great job of balancing saving with living comfortably.  We splurge on cable and eating out (and by splurge, I mean we will have Tim Horton's for breakfast once a weekend and eat out for dinner once or twice a week, not usually costing more than $20/meal for all three of us....), but balance that with shopping for deals, grocery savings, and generally watching what we're spending.  I do, however, fear that there is some money falling through the cracks, being spent on "Miscellaneous".  Those trips to Walmart/Meijer/Target, a quick stop in a grocery store that costs $20 because I bought a couple of boxes of Hostess snack cakes (they were BOGO!)...  I don't feel the need to really limit what we're spending, but just be more aware of it and, possibly more importantly, make The Hubby more aware of it, even though (and because) I'm the one who typically spends it.

3) Send birthday cards. My mom's family really makes a point of sending cards for occasions and my mom would love me to be the same way.  I'm, unfortunately, not.  I don't think of it early enough and then feel like a jerk for sending it too late.  So I'm going to pare down the list that my mom has given me (multiple times....) and determine whose birthdays are important to me to recognize (especially if we won't see them) and create a plan for making sure the cards are actually sent.  For instance, I realized during a meeting about an hour ago that my best friend in college's birthday is at the end of the month.  I want to make sure to send her a paper card for it.

4) Enjoy Baby Boy's infanthood more than I enjoyed Baby Girl's.  I don't look back at Baby Girl's early days fondly.  I put a lot of stress upon myself throughout that time (and still do...) and didn't really enjoy the stages she went through at the beginning.  I'm not a person who loves the infant stage anyway (and I am so happy I can admit that now!), but I want to try to relax a bit more with Baby Boy.  I want nursing to be something to enjoy, even at the beginning.  I found that I enjoyed it with Baby Girl once there was less pressure, once I'd made my one-year goal.  I want to allow myself to pump and let others feed Baby Boy and just not stress about the whole experience as much.

I have other goals related to both of my children, but don't really consider them goals for 2012.

I think these are doable.  I really would like to get others to join me in showing appreciation to others!  I think it could go a long way!