We’re almost half-way through the calendar year and I’m still plugging away at my resolution list. I actually adore this year’s list as it includes daily reminders like {grow out my hair} so each time I think about how I don’t want to blow dry my shoulder-length hair, I am reminded of how badly I want it to be long again. It also includes things that have taken a little preparation, like {leave my toddler in loving care to spend an overnight with my husband}.
Yes, you read correctly. I left my precious 2-year-old with his Doda while my husband and I attended a wedding. I’m pregnant so obviously no fun was had I couldn’t drink but despite a few contractions, I did {dance with my husband}. I’m so happy to have achieved this milestone before the birth of our second son, it was just something my Mama-heart needed to do (did I mention he was totally fine and didn’t even look up from playing when we came back to get him?)
{Do more Pilates} I have a pregnancy Pilates DVD and I’ve been trying to do it at least 1-2 times per week (usually with both my cat and my toddler climbing all over me).
{
Make a budget
and do more with less} We started using Mint.com to manage our monthly budget and check it daily on our smart phones. This has been a great resource and made us very aware of where our money goes each month.
{Read 3 books for pleasure} I read the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy, so the “for pleasure” part ended up being pure irony considering my choice in books (review to come, settle down).
{Learn to sew} A very sweet Kveller reader owns an Etsy shop and sent me some beautiful fabric for my sewing class. I made a pillow for my nursing chair and with a new sense of confidence I had my husband {Clean out the spare room} and set up my sewing machine. So far I’ve made another pillow, toddler washcloths, an afikomen bag, and some Ergo strap covers!
{ Pray} Pregnancy leaves me feeling helpless and each night I spend a significant amount of time being thankful and praying for a healthy full-term baby.
{Learn to apply a smokey eye complete with winged eyeliner} I gussied myself up with a smokey eye for both the wedding we attended and a recent Girl’s Night Out. It wasn’t perfect, but I did it!
{Meet an internet friend in real life} Being pregnant has limited me geographically but I did chat with Mayim on the phone for 45 minutes a few weeks ago, so I’m going to count this one as ½ way there 😉
{Let my toddler lead} I’m working on this by trying to say “yes” more. Yes, we can stay an extra five minutes at the museum. Yes, you can climb the stairs yourself even if it takes an extra five minutes. And today? Yes, we can get pizza for lunch.
My one resolution for the Jewish New Year was to light the Sabbath candles with my son every Friday and I’m happy to report that we’ve only missed two nights so far!
I have eleven things left to check off and rather than this list seeming like a burden, it’s really been a blessing. I am reminded of all of the things I WANT to do for myself. Not for anyone else, just for me–things that might pass me by if I didn’t write them down and share them. In December the year is always summed up with big milestones like new jobs or having a baby and it’s hard to remember the little things you accomplished just for yourself. What tiny efforts left you feeling like a better person–if even for day?
So how about you? Are you still working on resolutions for this year? It’s not too late to make some if you haven’t. Perhaps a summer bucket list of things you’d like to enjoy with your family before the leaves turn and winter is upon us. Picnics on the lawn? Splashes in the sprinkler? Dinner plucked from your garden or weekly trips to the local farmers market? Sunsets with your sweetheart? I’d love to hear what each of you are embracing this year!
